Anyone been freehiking lately?

[Nu]

Today, I got out for the first time this year.
Yes, I know its already September.

I tried in June, but mosquitos followed by torrential rain, spoiled my vacation freehiking opportunity.

Today, I discovered a large park not far from where I live.
It is a textile park, but I went on a work day for most, a school day for others, and a semi-cool, slightly rainy day for others yet.
There were only three cars in the whole lot.

I found a trail thru a forest of trees,the occasional slightly open area, and along a river.
A superb opportunity.
No one around, so I popped my shirt and shorts into my backpack and enjoyed the scenery and the ensuing walk, au naturel.
A great experience.

What have been your opportunities?

[Nu]

Today, I got out for the first time this year.
Yes, I know its already September.

I tried in June, but mosquitos followed by torrential rain, spoiled my vacation freehiking opportunity.

Today, I discovered a large park not far from where I live.
It is a textile park, but I went on a work day for most, a school day for others, and a semi-cool, slightly rainy day for others yet.
There were only three cars in the whole lot.

I found a trail thru a forest of trees,the occasional slightly open area, and along a river.
A superb opportunity.
No one around, so I popped my shirt and shorts into my backpack and enjoyed the scenery and the ensuing walk, au naturel.
A great experience.

What have been your opportunities?

[Huey]

Like you, I try to plan my hikes on school days when the weather may not be best for casual hikers who are easily put off (serious hikers would be more accepting of nudity I believe); I especially enjoy hiking nude in cool weather now after having tried it a lot last winter. I primarily hike naked in national forests, though this week I hiked in a national park (and I have hiked naked in 3 Canadian national parks in the east) and I have on very lucky occasions also hiked naked in state parks. In Florida I hiked naked in a state forest (we do not have state forests in Georgia but we have a lot of public land compared to most eastern and midwestern states).

The national forest nearest my home is also less interesting than the one in the mountains in the north of the state and so it attracts very few users outside of hunting season.

I have been freehiking regularly since 1995 and in 1997 I formed a group in Atlanta. The group idea didn't last long due to no one ever volunteering to do any of the work, but with the rise of the internet soon thereafter, I found a group was not needed given how easy it has been to meet likeminded folks on-line. Men have historically hunted nude together in the forests and jungles for millenia and some still do, but there are men these days who feel it is beneath their masculinity to hike naked unless a woman is present. If you think it is difficult to get women to go to resorts, try getting them to go hiking. So, I just hike with whomever is serious about hiking regardless of their genitalia. If any women out there would like to go hike naked with me, let me know where to meet you in Georgia - I am ready.

Sometimes my hikes are short, only a few miles, other times I hike practically all day naked. My personal preference is for trails with names or markers rather than cross-country hiking or walking on private property.

Over the past 10 years, I have met about 40 clothed hikers and never had any serious problems, only 2 weird looks in fact, whereas I received some actual encouragement. The most crowded trail I have freehiked is the Appalachian Trail. To most people you meet while hiking naked (when you appear to be a sincere hiker), you are simply something funny they can talk about when they get home and their seeing you naked makes them feel their own lives are more interesting as well. Of course, it only takes one complete jerk to ruin it and I hope I don't meet that jerk for a long time...

I was fortunate to get in a freehike in the alps overlooking Zermatt in July...A high steep trail with many switchbacks above timberline with a fantastic view ..many wildflowers and lush green grass among the rock outcroppings ...after hiking about an hr without seeing any other hikers...I shed my shorts and enjoyed that " Top of THe World " feeling.. http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Ben_m]

HA! Well, let me try to re-cap the week http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Monday I ran/hiked a trail that I take fairly frequently that is about 10 miles long (round trip). Although it's quite brushy now and I had to fight that (to say nothing of the climb), I did it in about 2 hours and didn't want to leave and just kept roaming around for a while.

Tuesday I took about a 3 hour drive to meet a couple of fellow free-hikers and take a hike in a place I never had before. Gorgeous place! (I even managed a few photos of that one).

Wednesday was my regular/routine monthly nude hike that I organize. 4 "regulars" showed up and we took a hike that only I had ever taken before.

Thursday I wanted to further explore an area that I'd been meaning to get to for a while. However, they were doing some kind of work there in the area with heavy machinery, so I didn't venture too far away from parts of it that I knew better. Still I was out for a good 4-5 hours. The sky was 100% perfectly clear blue all day with a high of about 80 degrees (27 C) - absolutely beautiful!

Friday (today) I wanted to explore another area that I'd been meaning to explore for a while (it's fall, trying to get them all in, I guess). I got a pretty good hike in (and was out for about 4 hours), but I'll admit I was disappointed with how much of the area was gated and posted (no trespassing). I suppose that's what I needed to know.


Honestly, this is a pretty typical week for me. I was thinking the other day that I've probably taken around 500 nude hikes and gone some 3,000 - 4,000 miles in the past 4 years. I might note that the most recent clothed encounters I recall were about June - I'd just returned from visiting a few naturist resorts and forgot to pay attention and watch out for them (textiles) I guess, lol (equally honestly, I probably couldn't even count all of the encounters over the whole 3,000-4,000 miles - and truthfully, remarkably few seemed all that bothered in the end).

[Nu]

Wow, Ben.
You seem to be the champion of all freehikers.

Congratulations on your desire.

[JRo62]

I met up with a friend in a national forrest in Northwest Georgia recently. He and I hiked a rather short trail, round trip about 3 + - miles. There are two small waterfalls on this trail.

Our freehike took place on a weekday at about 11am. No one else was to be seen on the trail that day. We had a great time getting to know each other and share our stories of nude experiences.

On a previous hike at the same location, I started my hike at the top of the mountain. Later, I found out that a man and his son started at the bottom of the mountain. The trails intersect at the waterfalls. I heard them coming, so I slipped on my shorts. Just then, I looked up to see the son just over a ridge in the trail, about 40 feet away. I am not sure that he saw me, but he and his dad were wispering when I came up to them at the waterfall.

I look forward to many more freehikes. Huey, call me sometime when you are in NW GA for a hike. http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

-JRo

[PanHandleHiker]

The winter months in the FL panhandle are quite cool and so most tourists migrate further south. This makes for some great nude hiking thru the state parks and duneland preserves along the Emerald Coast.

[richinud]

Walked naked for 6 hours through the Obererweilhartforst, In Austria,
near the German border, yesterday.

A bit damp underfoot, walking along wide forest trails, beautiful views
through the trees to the damp moss beneath. Met the occasional rabbit
and bird, and not a single person in all that time.

Wonderful and very relaxing.

Generally I try and get out for a 'proper' walk at least once every week or two.

Rich.

[Gary Naturist]

Huey said: "Over the past 10 years, I have met about 40 clothed hikers and never had any serious problems, only 2 weird looks in fact, whereas I received some actual encouragement. .. To most people you meet while hiking naked (when you appear to be a sincere hiker), you are simply something funny they can talk about when they get home and their seeing you naked makes them feel their own lives are more interesting as well."

Ben said: "I was thinking the other day that I've probably taken around 500 nude hikes and gone some 3,000 - 4,000 miles in the past 4 years. .. I probably couldn't even count all of the encounters over the whole 3,000-4,000 miles - and truthfully, remarkably few seemed all that bothered in the end)."

It's also been my experience as well that very few people appear to be upset upon encountering me nude -- in my case when hiking, walking, cycling, kayaking, camping. And I agree with Huey that the encounter makes for a good story with family, friends and coworkers.

On one memorable trip, I hiked nude to Arizona Hot Spring (trailhead running from the highway just south of the Hoover Dam). On the way in, I met up with six small groups of people, including 3 families with kids. We had to pass close by each other on the trail. I greeted each in a friendly manner, acting exactly as I would if I were clothed. There was no negative reaction except in the case of one middle eastern family where the mother wrapped her arm around her daughter's head to cover her eyes.

I'm convinced that one of the factors leading to tolerance by others is the short time of the encounter -- usually only a minute or two. Another is how the nudist acts -- friendly encourages a positive or at least neutral response, guilty sends a negative message. Even if the others are negative about seeing someone nude, it's over quickly and the person is gone. I think that nudists can benefit from our experiences and be a bit more daring when freehiking.

Gary

[Ben_m]

Well, Gary, I see that as one side of the coin.... I'm presumably biased because I personally simply do not like clothed encounters. I have no compelling need to "show myself off" to anybody. I have nothing to show. I'd just as soon slip through the wildnerness unnoticed and undetected, and most often do.

My most recent encounter was in June (as I mentioned) and an accident. I'd just returned from visiting Mystic Oaks and Glen Eden naturist resorts in California and Turtle Lake naturist resort in Michigan and just wasn't used to paying attention (it took a bit of time to get used to not looking over my shoulder at the resorts, LOL). In addition, I was talking on the (cell) phone to a naturist friend of mine from Michigan that I had missed being able to get together with while I was there. Again, not paying attention and of all things an ATV approached me from behind and was too close (and had obviously already seen what was going on) before I realized he was there. I thought to take evasive action, but knew it was too late, so I just kept going, acted like everything was perfectly normal and said "hi" (over my phone conversation) as he went by. He laughed (typical) and continued - end of story (although I did evade him on his refurn trip). This is the only clothed encounter with an ATV rider I've ever had, as they can usual be heard from a mile away.

In other experiences this year, I messed up royally and had an encounter right near my car (identifiability risk makes this my most dreaded type of encounter). As I was fratically putting shorts on (a bad scene, I realize), but I was frantic, the other vehicle continued approaching and stopped (and again I'm thinking "bad sign"). The guy quickly hops out of his vehicle and strips off right in front of me (and then, and only then do I realize we'd met before - LOL).

Another time earlier this year, I was on a small section of trail that I've taken many times before and had practically never seen another living soul (that I didn't take with me). To my utter shock, I encountered some 12 people and didn't anticipate any of them. By the last 3 (group of 3) I was just like "whatever", apparently it's see Ben naked on the trail day today and when I motioned like I was simply going to walk right on by I got my first (and only) negative reaction when the guy in the lead told me rather emphatically and insistently to "Whoa, put some clothes on, partner!", as the two behind him were women (who were already grinning widely - like there was going to be much difference now....). In any case, I slipped shorts on, asked if anybody was behind them (in a bit of a shocked tone they answered "not that we know of") and I took the shorts right back off and continued down the trail.

Still, I hate the (clothed) encounter. Yes, they can be managed and I strongly encourage doing so when otherwise unavoidable. But, they can also lead to problems and misunderstandings so I simply prefer to avoid them. I'm unconvinced that in all cases, forcing and/or nearly seeking encounters is a good plan.

Just my thinking (and too long I realize, sorry http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif ),

[Nudeinbama]

Haven't done any freehiking this week, but I'm overdue. I too, love it, but don't care for the encounters. I just wish it was more possible to have a hiking parterner, when the spur of the moment occassions to go freehiking arise.
Nudeinbama

[NudistGuy47]

I haven't been out on the trails due to an overload at work and university for more than three weeks. I think I am about due to get out again. Just have to make it happen before the weather cools to the unbareable point! http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Nu]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by NudistGuy47:
Just have to make it happen before the weathre cools to the unbareable point! http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Well said, NudistGuy47.
LOL

[Wbn]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Nudeinbama:
Haven't done any freehiking this week, but I'm overdue. I too, love it, but don't care for the encounters. I just wish it was more possible to have a hiking parterner, when the spur of the moment occassions to go freehiking arise.
Nudeinbama </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorta in the Same Boat! here. To do any good hikes for me is minmum 5-7 hour drive to anyplace that is worth it. [ National Forest, or Wilderness Recreation Areas ].

From
Wbn

[Nudeinbama]

I guess I am lucky in that aspect, that I do have a nice set of trails just several yards from my yard and also a national forest to hike in about twenty miles away.Funny, or sad, how ever you look at it, how I don't get to either one of them nearly often enough.I guess its because I'm doing something my S.O. doesn't approve of and I know it.
Nudeinbama

[BeNdY]

There are some great trails for freehiking in many areas of northern Michigan close to where my family has a second home. I have been held down by my job here for the past year or so unfortuantly, and havn't made it up there.

The trails are secluded except for a passing vehicle or ATV on rare occasions. Usually I can hike for an entire afternoon and not run into anybody outside of the main trails. It is very peaceful and a wonderful experience to personally have been that close with nature.

[Atlanta Runner]

Hopefully going on Saturday. Heading up to N GA Mountains for the weekend and it all depends on how much food and beer we have at Octoberfest in Helen, GA on Saturday. A group of us have a pontoon boat lined up for Sunday and this time of year the lakes are pretty quiet so it may be ample time for some safe skinnydipping without any fear of getting harrassed.

[NudeAl]

WE have been experiencing a Santa Anna lately so it is like summer all over again in fact the temps here today were warmer than they were in August. So fo rthat reason I will be putting off my nude hiking in favor of a few more trips to the beach this season. As it cools off I will look to the mountains and eventually the desert in order to enjoy a little more nude time.

[oznudewalker]

I got out for my first nude hike for the season last week - it's springtime here in Australia and the weather is just beginning to warm up down south where I am. Met up with a mate for our first nude walk together and had a great day, walked about three hours through the bush (that's Australian forrests) and ended up at a creek about halfway through where we were almost attacked by a flock of sulfur crested cockatoos. The first walk of the season is always good with the promise of more to come as the weather improves. I've met clothed walkers on previous trips and had no problems but we didn't meet anyone this time which was good. I also found it more relaxing walking with someone else after doing a fair amout of walking solo.
Cheers.