Been a lot of years since I've spent much time in GA, but well I remember. Any "old school" airplane will carry a LITTLE ice (I have no experience with composites such as Cirrus and the like, and would worry a LOT there). Like with anything else in aviation, DO NOT PANIC if you get some. DO begin immediately to GET OUT. Careful study of the wx patterns before you take off, and paying attention to outside air temp as your trip progresses is critical. You should KNOW before ice begins where to go to get out of it. Do not plan on climbing out of ice in a small airplane: any airframe ice at all will likely prevent a climb. If you know that you can get ice-free by turning around or descending you can be a little braver. If you do carry ice to the airport, get a long runway and add lots to your approach speed. Delay dropping the ldg gear. Cycle the prop control in and out of high (remember that it is icing too).
If you are going to use a small airplane as transportation in the North country, you are going to meet up with ice, but remember: if you have no anti- or de-ice, it is a real EMERGENCY that you must deal with NOW.