We had to do it one year the ice got pushed up against the shore creating a ridge that was over 15 high and another ridge that was 8f high just on the outside of the larger one. Had to be on the upper floor of the cabin to see over the ridge. That year we used an maul to chop a trail over the ridges that we could walk over. Have to be careful though because that ice is extremely heavy and could injure you in a blink of an eye if the ice shifts and you're not paying attention.