Nude Hiking

[Hokienudist]

I know some of you out there like to do this. Some of you may think its wrong, or whatever. But some of us like the idea of getting back to nature this way.

So my question is, those of you that do this... where do you go, what do you do, do you carry clothes, do you go alone, what do you do if you come upon other hikers nude/or clothed, how did you find the place you hike at now? And of course general thought about this activity.

[Hokienudist]

I know some of you out there like to do this. Some of you may think its wrong, or whatever. But some of us like the idea of getting back to nature this way.

So my question is, those of you that do this... where do you go, what do you do, do you carry clothes, do you go alone, what do you do if you come upon other hikers nude/or clothed, how did you find the place you hike at now? And of course general thought about this activity.

[Nude in MT]

In my experience hiking in wilderness areas, I discover that most people are not comfortable going more than 10 yards off the established trails. Since I am a more adventurous sort, I often decide to hike/climb partway up a peak and enjoy the view. I don't mean the serious rope and gear rock climbing, just a semi-steep slope.

These great views have the side effect of allowing me to find nice clearings that are far enough off the trail to be nearly private, but not so difficult to get to that I can bring some things with me. One particular clearing I like is about the size of a football field, but with enough trees to provide shade when I need it.

So, I hike clothed along the trail until I get to one of my secret spots. I alter my path so I do not accidentally establish a trail. Then when I am far enough out of sight to be comfortable, off come the clothes. When I get to my clearing, I make myself at home.

Hiking without clothes can be a lot more comfortable. My first part of the trip gets me sweaty, but without the clothes my body regulates the temperature much better. The sun and breeze feel so nice. A little rain shower does not even bother me much. I feel like I am part of nature instead of a visitor.

[NoodieP]

Another place to go is to a nudist resort in the mountains, then you don't have to worry about taking clothes along. Kaniksu Ranch in Washington State is such a place.

[tallchris]

The best place I've found to go nude in nature has been the BWCA in northern Minnesota. There are hundreds of lakes and about that many portage trails. I usually keep a pair of shorts handy in case there is an objection. I rarely have seen any other people around after you go past the first few lakes and portages. I'v hardly ever worn anything when in the canoe.

[florida-david]

benm - i'm jealous, its tooo populated her in sunny south florida to do such a trip. and there is not much nature left. i canoed at night naked once, in the lake behind my house. judging by your no-tan-lines, i'd say you are hiking naked often!!

[AussieBeachBoy]

I don't hike naked for a couple of reasons. First, the sensibilities of others. But second, off-trail walking in the area where I live is generally quite scrubby. Unless you're on a regular or tourist trail clothes can be useful in keeping down the damage due to sharp scrub.

Like Nude in MT, however, once I get to a peaceful destination where I'm unlikey to have visitors the clothes may come off.

Edited to add: And there are the occasional hiking destinations that have become traditional nudist venues. I can remember being in New Mexico about 3 years ago and doing some very easy short walks to McCauley's and Spence's Hot Springs, near Santa Fe, both of which are apparently 'clothing optional' by tradition.

[Bartamus]

Ben-M: Interesting post but...way...way..too long! I think we can all communicate without
taking up have the page.
Thanks
The Mgmt

[Ben_m]

Sorry, I deleted the post.

[j4king]

Ben_m, I thought your post was interesting, and all of it delt with the question at hand, so I think it is unfortunate that you felt you needed to delete it. I've seen a lot longer posts than yours. What IS annoying is when people REPOST long posts.

Ben,

I was wondering what Bart was talking about until I read your reply. I wish I had been able to read your post before you deleted it.

[Vin]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Hokienudist:
[Where] do you go, what do you do, do you carry clothes, do you go alone, what do you do if you come upon other hikers nude/or clothed, how did you find the place you hike at now? And of course general thought about this activity. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>As you say, for some people, there's no better way to get back to nature than a nude hike. On top of the fact that you're not tangled up in sweaty clothes, it just makes more sense: you went hiking to be in the outdoors, right? Why wear clothes to protect you from it?

That said, I live near a forest area with miles of old roads, trails, and deep bays along the river. I literally stumbled across the area where I hike now while I was out exploring one day. I usually hike on the lesser-used trails or cross-country. I've found a few places well off the trails that are perfect for sunning or just watching the squirrels play. Although I've never run into anyone while nude, I always carry a pair of shorts just in case.

Just out of curiosity, what prompted you to ask?

[maxx]

Since I travel IA during the week and sometimes have a few hours between appointments, I go hiking a few times a week, usually in the middle of the afternoon. In IA there are small county parks all over the state from 40 to 300 acres in size, wooded, with ponds, etc. Most have great hiking trials. With only one entrence and parking lot you know if you are alone and can usually hear if anyone else comes along. I have never been supprised except by deer. I have returned to the parking lot to find people there but you can always see before you get there. Carry shorts to cover up. I love finding a secluded spot with a picnic table for sunning. I also enjoy nude biking on old rail trails.
ENJOY! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Hokienudist]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Vin:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Hokienudist:
[Where] do you go, what do you do, do you carry clothes, do you go alone, what do you do if you come upon other hikers nude/or clothed, how did you find the place you hike at now? And of course general thought about this activity. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>As you say, for some people, there's no better way to get back to nature than a nude hike. On top of the fact that you're not tangled up in sweaty clothes, it just makes more sense: you went hiking to be in the outdoors, right? Why wear clothes to protect you from it?

That said, I live near a forest area with miles of old roads, trails, and deep bays along the river. I literally stumbled across the area where I hike now while I was out exploring one day. I usually hike on the lesser-used trails or cross-country. I've found a few places well off the trails that are perfect for sunning or just watching the squirrels play. Although I've never run into anyone while nude, I always carry a pair of shorts just in case.

Just out of curiosity, what prompted you to ask? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I asked cause i like to hike nude, but i havnt done it in a long time. But when i did it was very relaxing and fun at the same time.

[FireProf]

Here in So Cal. I imagine there are lots of places to hike but we have not ventured into that area yet.

Lots of nudists we have talked to have gone to Joshua Tree National Park. Internaturally magazine did a write up on hiking nude there.

My wife goes everywhere I ask and has suggested some places to go and get naked but hiking hasn't come up yet. I think she would go if weather conditions were right and not too hot.

Anyone out there from So. Cal know of good places to hike? If we were to go I would imagine we would carry a small back pack with water, food and a pair of shorts and t-shirt, /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Bartamus]

Ben_M: I didn't mean for you to delete it.
Perhaps if you summarized your thoughts for us.

[John C]

I love to hike naked. I'm fortunate to live in an area where I can hike naked, but I always carry a pair of shorts. I suggest trying remote areas off the beaten path.

[Gary Naturist]

Having gained confidence after several years of experimentation, I now regularly hike naked on trails, long beaches and country roads in isolated areas, or pre-dawn/early morning in busier areas.

I usually take a coverup with me -- a half-length pareo (sarong) that I fold lengthwise and wear as a headband.

When I meet up with someone I always offer a friendly greeting, which is usually returned. As I am usually just passing them by, I don't cover up unless requested to do so.

When I hike nude, I visualize myself as doing something pure and innocent. I believe that this "mental language" is perceived by most people whom I meet, just as "body language" is perceived -- hence, few negative reactions.

On occasion, I will go out without a coverup, usually for an hourlong walk, but always when I believe the chance of seeing anyone else is minimal (e.g. pre-dawn). I do this for the adrenaline rush resulting from putting myself in a "dangerous" situation. The effect is to sharpen the sensual effects of being nude in nature.

Gary

[tarsus]

i do wish i could get on here more often,theres always something that interests me.
i have hiked nude in the past but not for years.
really do not know why i stoped.
i carried shorts and hiked many difficult trails
and agree the freedom from sweaty clothing made the trip more enjoyable.

[fns]

I love hiking nude. I have done so in the Adirondacks, in New York, and on the AT in MA. But, I do carry a coverup. I was coming down the trail in the 'dacks, noticed someone up ahead, so quickly stepped off the trail and put on a long tshirt. As the couple passed, the woman in front wouldn't acknowledge me, but the man behind her looked at me and smiled, maybe I was seen. I always like to say hi to people as I pass them on the trail.
Best thing is hike earlier, and later, and farther in, find less traveled trails, or go off trail. Also, try canoeing, sometimes easier to get away from others, and then there are more skinnydipping spots as well.

[krcNY]

fns,
We also hike in the adirondacks. Beatiful scenery.
We have a small place up there and can go days with no one coming by, so we enjoy our freedom. The dog will let us know if someone is approaching the camp. We just don't go during heavy mosquito season. (may thru july)
Hiking to some of the mountain tops is very refreshing and we have taken many pictures. There still may be snow on the ground, but at the peaks on the rocks it is very warm and comfortable, so we stop and picnic. Someday we may cross paths, we always have extra. If you see a family with a bbiigg black dog (she could almost pass for a bear), stop and say hi! /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif
Happy Hiking

[Hokienudist]

Anyone ever come across any other nude hikers when hiking in the nude?

Many times.. usually near CO beaches. As I'm a shy kinda guy, I usually just comment on what a beautiful day it is .. /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif and keep on hiking.

[Kenny G]

I haven't tried hiking yet, but some friends and I canoe naked several times a year. We usually just have a towel with us aand pull it across the lap if we encounter others. Anyone we pass knows that we're naked, but for legality purposes we're covered. We did get an interesting lecture from a U.S. Park Ranger while paddling in the Okeefanokee (spelling?) swamp in Georgia, but after everything was said and done he confirmed that we were within the letter of the law.(He did request that we keep our shorts on next time, though)

[Dunsunnin]

I've never hiked nude, and even in remote places with nobody around, will probably never achieve this as in the UK someone can suddenly appear from nowhere...and that thought would always spoil the occasion through nervousness.
However, I was thinking of at least enjoying some freedom from full clothing by just wearing a long T shirt when I do some coastal walks in Cornwall this summer. I know that sometimes officers of the law are forum readers/posters to this site. If any read this, I would be very interested to hear their thoughts as to whether this would still be inadvisable. But then, it only compares to a female wearing a mini without undies, which I don't suppose is a crime.

After being taken in and questioned by the military police when I was in the Air Force because a boy saw me nude through my uncovered window, and then I was sent to a shrink to be analyzed, I have no desire to repeat that experience. I know there are people who do hike nude, and they're even seen by people who don't seem to care, but I'm not that brave even though I would love to do it if I had someone to hike with me. /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bartamus:
Ben-M: Interesting post but...way...way..too long! I think we can all communicate without
taking up have the page.
Thanks
The Mgmt <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Why don't you set your board so that it won't accept a post over a certain length? That way we can post knowing you won't complain (I know I get longwinded sometimes)and without people completely erasing posts that were on topic and relevant. I have no idea that you think of as being too long.

[Bartamus]

Cyndiann: That's a good suggestion. As for length, we find that alot of you like to post
quotes from contributors then print your answers.
That's fine, but in some cases it makes for a
very long post that totally dominates the page.
We ask that contributors address a general
question posed by others but not list all quotes
chapter and verse and then respond.
We've already read the quotes..so there's no
need for duplication. Hope this helps

[Nude in the North]

" As for length, we find that alot of you like to post
quotes from contributors then print your answers."

I find copying and pasting the specific sentence instead of the entire post is much more acceptable.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> there's no
need for duplication. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I have never understood why people have to post a quote of an entire message and then only answer one part of the quote.
If you want to respond to a certain person just type his/her name and write your comments.

Just some thoughts for food,

Steve

[Bartamus]

Nude in the North: A great idea! Thanks for the help!

[missouriboy]

Is this how you do it?
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Just some thoughts for food, <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>OKAY, where do I send the food? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[EricNY]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Oh Boy, this could be fun too!! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[RalphVa]

I hike nude almost every day, down below my house and along the creek. Even in the winter, it's usually warm enough to hike nude because the ridges that our houses are on block any wind.

I very rarely see anyone down there. No one has ever objected.

No one's objected to seeing me nude up here at the house either.

Would be fun to hike in a group on the Appalachian Trail, about 20 miles west of here.

Ralph

[Nude Guy]

I hike naked in the secluded areas of the California State Parks and on Federal Bureau of Land Management grounds. If you're discretionary about where you hike and you choose secluded areas, the Park Rangers will generally leave you alone as long as no one complains that day.

In the event you are approached by a Park Ranger who tells you that someone has complained about nudity in the area, the general rule is just cover up and you'll be fine. No citations are issued unless you refuse to cover up after being instructed to do so by the Park Ranger.

I hike naked all the time and visit several hot springs in the desert where others are naked along with those that are clothed, and there's never been a problem. In fact I've seen clothed people welcome the opportunity to get naked themselves after seeing others naked. The Park Ranger is aware that people are nude and has not expressed a concern anytime I've seen him.

It's always a good idea to carry some type of cover just in case you need it but make it simple like a speedo or something like that.

You may want to visit www.deanzasprings.com (http://www.deanzasprings.com) is a 500 acre nudist resort in the high desert of San Diego County and it's surrounded by State and Federal Parks. You'll find lots of hiking trails there and a great place for overnight camping, swimming and meeting other nudists.

[Hokienudist]

Thats great, Ralph and nudeguy. I wish i was as lucky to have found a spot that is so perfect for nude hiking. I unfortuanately dont have anywhere to go to do this, but i am looking. I'm afraid the laws about nudity are a little more strict than just about every other state in the union.

[Nude Guy]

Hokienudist:

Go to web site: www.aanr.com (http://www.aanr.com) and there you will find a listing of some clubs in your area. Call the club and ask about areas that are nudist friendly. Again most of the Federal land is nudist tolerant when you select discreet areas even when you may encounter someone from time to time in your hiking trail.

[AussieBeachBoy]

Hey Nudeguy,

Is it possible to make your icon picture a little smaller? It is so big that it pushes most of your post to one side and makes it hard to read!

Thanks! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Personally, I would like my icon to be a little larger but have no idea how to do that. However, if that is Nudeguy's icon, it IS rather large, but then the administrators don't seem to be complaining.

Bart who whoever, would it possible to make my icon a little larger, though not as large as Nudeguy's?

[Nude Guy]

I have no idea how my icon became so large. It just happened but I agree with both of you. For now I have changed back to a generic icon until the problem is fixed. I think I've replaced them all but if you find that I missed one please send me a personal e-mail and I'll take care of it. Thanks for your constructive comments. I laughed so hard reading your messages, I almost fell off my chair.

[missouriboy]

Nudeguy, that large picture was just fine on your profile, where everyone could choose to see it. Thanks for taking it off all your posts, but I'd say you could leave it on your profile with no problem.

That was on the Ecstasy, right? One morning I enjoyed that other tub, just to the right of you in the picture. Fabulous cruise, wasn't it?

[Aaron]

JonMarc, I fixed your avatar but accidentally deleted the large pic from the server, please resend and I'll put it back up. Nudeguy, I lightened up both of your pics.
Thanks!
Corey Mangold
INA Staff
INA@ClothesFree.com

Aaron,

I deleted that photo from my computer since I'm selling the computer and getting a new after I move, but I'll send a new one. I just wish I could get one taken outside, but it's below freezing here and not my kind of weather. Brrrrr!

[Dunsunnin]

Regarding nude hiking again...(and I don't know if this has already been suggested...)rain I suppose could be a friend to all of us who can't find the nerve to wander far in the nude.
Get a good rainy day, and there shouldn't be many out in it sloshing around woods and fields. There's a woodland park near me where people walk their dogs and ramble a bit on dry days. It's remote in that only cars can access it easily, and the car park only takes about four at a push. I think I'll try a walk there when we get the next wonderfully wet day. At least I'll go along and reccy the situation. Could be my own way of extending my nudity 'boundaries' - albeit a damp one!

[Lilwilly]

I enjoy nude hiking whenever I can. I have hiked nude along the beach, through the forest and in state parks. In the north I have climbed rocky hills with only scrub brush to screen me from the canoes on the lake below. It is a great feeling of freedom when hiking nude.

[Hokienudist]

So we've had several posts on here where people say that they nude hike frequently... well where exactly are these places? Maybe others in your area would like to know so they can enjoy doing this as well. Dont be shy.

[cme600]

I love to hike nude. In KS I have to use state and county parks. Around here, hiking during the middle of the week pretty much guarantees privacy. Weekends are another story. I pretty much always carry a pair of shorts with me. But there are some parks where I know I will be the only person there... they are so far off the beaten path. Sometimes at these places, I hit the trail with only car keys and a water bottle. Dawn and dusk are good times to find a little privacy on the trail.

[Vin]

Anyone who is in the West/Central Kentucky or West/Middle Tennessee area could hike at Land Between the Lakes. It's federal land, and there is the issue of concurrent jurisdiction with the states. But there're so many trails that are "off the beaten path," you can usually hike at least part of a day nude.

I always carry shorts, just in case, but going early- to mid-week almost guarantees privacy. And there are enough secluded coves and bays that swimming is not a problem. Just be careful of the ticks.

[David77]

And I suppose, in addition to the ticks, since one's body is nude, one would have to be very careful of all the abundant poison ivy branches sticking out everywhere on these secluded trails.

[Vin]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by David77:
And I suppose, in addition to the ticks, since one's body is nude, one would have to be very careful of all the abundant poison ivy branches sticking out everywhere on these secluded trails. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>In the areas where there IS poison ivy, you do want to be careful. I've really never seen any sticking out on the trails. Now that you mention it, I guess that is a bit odd. Not being allergic to it, I've never really thought about it.

[Scoop]

I used to hike nude all the time in college. At least during the spring and summer. There was a nice set of trails that led to the local skinny dipping spot and I thought it was ridiculous that I would have to wear clothes there when would only be taking them off once I got there. I carried a towel to cover up if I ran into any fellow hikers.

It was a grand skinny dipping spot with a big no swimming sign. It was funny, because if the park ranger came by, he told us to get out of the water, but never asked us to put on our clothes. It was a great place to go, bring a book, read by the water, jump in for a swim when it got too hot and jump out and do some more reading.

[Kool Kiwi]

Hi people
i was just wondering what you considered hiking to be
Is it (as I think ) a day walk or is it a longer expedition overnight or longer

Any how i have spend many an hour walking naked around in a local river bed that has lots of nice swimming holes,it is not really private but not many people hang around there
Anytime i have seen anyone around they have not had a problem with me wearing no clothes. About the only problem i do have is that it is under a landing zone for a local flying school.
I don't know if its such a good thing to be walking around naked and alone but as of yet i haven't found anyone to join me on these nice little trips

[smoothm]

I would love to find some places in NE Ohio to hike nude. If anyone knows of any, please let me know here or by private message. Thanks