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Trail Ethics & Use
Respect Private Property
The Ice Age Trail would not exist without the cooperation and support of private landowners. Respect their rights. Stay on the Trail at all times. Do not vandalize or mistreat land over which the Ice Age Trail passes.
Hiking the Ice Age Trail over private property is a privilege, not a right.
Leave No Trace
Help us preserve and protect the natural beauty of Wisconsin by following “Leave No Trace” ethics. These guidelines help decrease the damaging impact of humans on the Trail so everyone may enjoy the Ice Age National Scenic Trail at its best.
- Plan ahead and be prepared. Call for trail conditions, carry maps, know the regulations of the area and plan or reserve your overnight camping.
- Carry out what you carried in, including all garbage and leftover food. Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Leave the natural environment better than you found it.
- Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled food before leaving.
- Leave only footsteps. Take only photos. Do not pick flowers, plants or bark off trees.
- Preserve the past. Observe, but do not disturb or take historical artifacts such as arrowheads, historical or cultural structures, rock walls or sensitive natural resources. Do not build structures or furniture, or dig trenches.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Stay on the trail at all times. Do not cut switchbacks. Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Be considerate of other hikers. Let nature prevail; avoid loud voices and noises. Be courteous and yield to other users on the trail.
- Minimize groups to 20 on day hikes and 10 for overnight trips.
- Where primitive camping is permitted, camp off trail, at least 200 feet from lakes and waterways, and out of sight of developed areas. Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- Make low impact fires at existing fire rings only and use only downed wood. Douse fires thoroughly before breaking camp. Never leave a fire unattended. Campfires can cause lasting impact to the backcountry. Use a portable stove for cooking instead of a campfire.
- Dispose of human waste properly. Dig a 6-inch-deep cat hole at least 200 feet from trails or water. Cover and disguise the cat hole when finished. Pack out toilet paper and all feminine hygiene products.
- Avoid using soap within 200 feet of any waterway. Sand makes an excellent scrubber. Use biodegradable soap and scatter strained dirty dishwater at least 200 feet from any waterway.
- Respect wildlife. Observe from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. Do not damage their habitat. Never bait or feed wild animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Store food and trash securely to avoid rodents or bears. Do not eat in or around your sleeping area. Hang your food properly in bear country.
- Do your part to fight the spread of invasive species. Read our Controlling Invasives page to learn how.
For more information on leave no trace ethics, visit www.LNT.org.
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