Nudity in the National Parks

Nudity and Nature just go hand in hand. Many Native Americans lived their daily lives wearing next to nothing and everyone knows the biblical story of Adam & Eve frolicking around Eden in the buff. But in modern times nudity has become so taboo that in most areas it is outright intolerable.

So as hikers who enjoy the feeling of nature on our bare feet and skin, we decided to do some research and give some guidelines for enjoying our great Parks au naturel.

Currently there are no federal laws that concern nudity in National Parks. But since there is no overriding federal law, it then becomes a state issue, and some states do have laws against nudity. It is a good idea to check Your State’s Laws before deciding to go skinny-dipping in a National Park.

In our experience we have found a few great places to skinny dip, sun bathe or run naked through the forest in Olympic and North Cascades National Parks in Washington; and also Cumberland Island National Park in Georgia. The trick is to get far from the crowded Visitor Centers, pick lesser used trails and to the best of your ability, make sure there isn’t any other campers around that might be uncomfortable seeing your dangly bits.

Picking a good spot is the key to having a carefree naked afternoon, but no matter how careful and discreet you are there is always a chance of encountering unsuspecting clothed hikers. For example, after spending the night high up Chilnualna Falls in Yosemite National Park (California), we decided to strip down and bathe in the warm granite pools and beautiful waterfall. We played for about an hour until we noticed a Park Ranger standing 30 feet from us. We quickly put clothes on as he walked to us and said “Sorry to interrupt your swim, but there is a few other hikers on there way up here. Please keep your clothes on for the afternoon.” He was very polite and we respected his wishes.

It's easy to enjoy nature in the nude and to also respect other hikers on the trail as well. Look for seclusion, obey signs and Park Ranger requests, keep clothes handy and don’t be overtly sexual out in the open; reserve that kind of naked fun for after hours inside your tent.

Comments

[Elninjadiablo]

Where was this bottom picture taken? It's a magnificent location.

-d-

[Dusty]

@Elninjadiablo - The bottom picture was taken at Ozette Beach in Olympic National Park.