Our FKK Trip To The Ledges and Abbot's glen in Vermont:
The purpose was to see two areas we've never been to - The Ledges and Abbott's Glen Clothes Optional Inn & Campground.
It always seems to be a journey getting from New York City on a Friday afternoon, but many of us headed up to Abbott's Glen to arrive that night. Of course arriving Friday also caused it to be easier to have a full day at The Ledges on Saturday.
To begin with, there's one thing we all found that night that I feel I should mention - there's little to no cell reception around Abbott's Glen. There is WiFi and landline telephones at Abbott's for people who have to connect to the outside world. Nonetheless when you can get away to the country and disconnect, I understand there is definitely some appeal in that also.
Upon arrival we met the manager, Liz.
As a group we camped together in their orchard next to apple and pear trees. (They also do have individual campsites.) After pitching our tent, we went to warm up by the bonfire manned by Lindy, among the owners. It was rather the chilly evening!
Saturday was when we actually got to see the reasons and facilities, and the entire place surpassed our expectations. The reasons are so well-manicured and show off amazing Vermont nature. It'd be hard to not feel at ease on the list of flowers, greenery, trees and the pond.
The little hut is a small bar with grills for outdoor BBQing
Inside their main house is a 5-man hot tub, indoor showers and restrooms. The sauna is outside in its small house, and it is just perfect. It is the first time I've ever seen a wood-burning sauna. They keep a bucket inside to pour water, and you are able to practically turn it into a steam room. Across from the main house is their "Club Sugar Shack" where they have pool table and sofas and seats. In the corner is a wood-burning stove to make sure it stays cosy.
Most of us tented while a few others got fancier with rooms. I didn't personally see a room, but from what I heard, they're spacious, clean and cozy.
As a side note, I'm learning that it's not really common to find higher-class B&B's or naturist resorts in the U.S. Generally in most places, room rentals are simply superb, superb basic and likely haven't been upgraded in many years. Lots of times you're blessed if the room smells alright and has an adequate mattress. Truly the only time I've seen resorts as nice as this one was in California. The Dilemma of Slut Shaming like Meadowlark Country House and the Terra Cotta Inn. (Abbott's supplies bathrobes in the rooms just like Meadowlark.)
Back to the recap. So eventually initial aims, she readily admits, was not to do the run, but to get the T shirt. Upon piled into cars and made our way out towards The Ledges, which can be only about 6 miles away from Abbott's. It is a curvy road with ups and downs, but Beth Nolan really biked it! It's a butcher shop with good meats and cheeses, along with a little supermarket.
FKK group photo at Jacksonville General Store
After driving down a dirt road, we reached the parking lot. It is pretty small, so it is great we carpooled. Sadly it was still fairly chilly out. We appear to have picked the coldest weekend of August to take this trip.
We got on the trail to walk along the reservoir towards the section referred to as The Ledges. It's an easy hike, though there are lots of roots and rocks so great shoes are recommended. After a few minutes trek in, we reached the magic sign that says "You can be naked now" in a lot of words.
Simple nudity is technically legal before and after these signs, as per Vermont state law. Yet, this doesn't mean you can or should go nude anywhere and everywhere in Vermont. Particular towns have their own ordinances against public nudity, and The Ledges itself experienced a period of controversy during which nudity was prohibited for two years. throng had dissipated, we could see the finish line only 100 feet away to our (Naturist Action Committee) had to fight quite hard with a team of naturists to get it back. Naturists should stick to nature places in VT, constantly be alert to local laws and exercise care when going bare in non traditional places.
"Beyond This Sign You May Strike Naked Sunbathers" sign on the hiking trail to The Ledges
Many people could not wait and stripped down right after the sign. The trail led us into a clearing at the water, and we started to see other naturists. We knew we'd reached The Ledges! With this length of the reservoir there's a sandy / rocky strand and after that it is possible to climb up onto the real stone "ledges." Despite the cool temps, there was still a pretty big crowd of people there.
It's fine to bring a seat, raft as well as a yoga mat to have something soft to sit / lay on since it's all stone. We settled in and met some more FKK folks who came to meet us there.
A little farther down the trail there is a cliff jump and a swing. Several folks went to jump or swing into the water. Despite the cool weather, many still went for a naked swim. The water was chilly, but clean and deep. This entire region is spotless and lovely.
I went for a brief hike with a couple others and followed the trail about a mile farther until reaching the "you should put your clothes back on" indication. By hiking we realized just how huge this area is. The reservoir itself is 8 miles long, and the official clothing optional section is fairly sizeable. If people need more privacy and quiet, there's plenty of coastline to find that. I think it is also crucial that you note the reservoir water level fluctuates throughout the season, so when it's high it reduces much of the available ledge region. In August the level is low, and it is the best time to go.
After a couple of hours, the cloud cover raised, and we had had enough. We packed up and went back to enjoy another evening at Abbott's. We played pool, games, danced and had lots of fun.
Sunday was again cloudy, but it got a little nicer as the day wore on. We'd no plans but to relax and love Abbott's Glen before heading home. Beth also did a naked yoga course late that morning.
The North River at Abbott's Glen
Jordan and I investigated the hiking trails and North River that runs through the property. It takes about half an hour to walk all their trails through the forest. The river water was clean and shallow, though I believe the owners said some serious flood going on a month or two past. Back here they have a small sand where you can relax and wade into the river.
Not too long after our hike, we packed up and headed out, as did others. A few more stayed around to appreciate a couple more hours at this small VT haven. We look forward to returning someday!
Young Naturists and Nudists America