Hiking: Ice Gulch is a hike that you won't forget

There is a hike in Randolph that you won't forget. The fact that I took it during the pandemic is interesting, maybe as therapy.

Ice Gulch is a dramatically deep east-west ravine that is lined with large angular boulders. Because of its depth and direction, it receives much less sunlight than surrounding areas. Water accumulates between the chaotic boulders at its base and freezes. The resulting air temperature is colder than elsewhere. In fact, taking into consideration the warmer months, there is a lower mean temperature there than the area’s highest peaks. Vegetation resembles that found at timberline with stunted spruce, and such alpine plants as alpine bilberry and Labrador tea.