Ice Age National Scenic Trail

The dominant safety concern at Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Waushara County isn't the trail's modest weather record — it's the surrounding county's violent crime rate of 304.2 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023, which runs notably above the national average. With trailheads often tucked into rural, low-traffic areas, visitors can find themselves isolated in spots where help isn't quickly accessible.

Park in well-lit, busy trailhead lots whenever possible, and avoid leaving valuables visible inside your vehicle — a lockbox or taking gear with you cuts smash-and-grab risk significantly. Share your planned route and expected return time with someone off-trail before you head out, and carry a charged phone with a downloaded offline map so you can reach emergency services even without cell coverage. Hiking with a partner, particularly on remote segments, adds a meaningful layer of security.