The Midland Ice Caves are a naturally occurring frozen waterfall, fed from a spring that eventually
flows into Belleisle Creek and Belleisle Bay. The ‘caves’ can be found in a forest gully which has the beginnings a stream leading down the hill toward Springfield. A small stream flows over a rocky overhang and freezes into a pictureseque ice wall.
The ice caves in Midland are a popular spot in the winter time for snowmobilers as it is along one of the regular routes through the area. The routes to the caves are snowmobile trails, but snowshoeing and hikers are allowed, as long as the trail is respected as a snowmobile trail foremost. However, once the snow melts, it can be a fun spot to visit without crowds. The ice usually lasts well into the spring, so visiting is not a problem. Plus, as we found on our visit, the ice had started melting (along with the surrounding snow), which created a neat waterfall on the left side of the gully.
To get there: Head toward Midland from Highway 1 along the Guthrie Road from Hampton area. Just before arriving at route 124, there is a Shell Station on the east side of the road. Park nearby (there are spots to park on the roadway). A trail is marked through the field into the woods. Follow the trail to a cresting hill, turn right up the hill. Once you reach an intersections of trails at the snowmobiler’s hut, take a left and follow for 15 minutes until another small trail on your right. There is signage pointing the direction to follow. There are other routes to the area, but this route is the most straight forward. With kids in tow, from the route 124 entrance, it is a 2.5 hr return trip on foot.
**Please respect the other users of this trail.