Our FKK Excursion To The Ledges and Abbot's glen in Vermont:
Last weekend, we did our first ever FKK meetup in Vermont. The objective was to see two locations we've never been to - The Ledges and Abbott's Glen Clothes Elective Inn & Campground.
Of course arriving Friday also made it easier to have the full day at The Ledges on Saturday.
To begin with, there is one thing we all found that night that I believe I should mention - there's little to no cell reception around Abbott's Glen. Our satellite GPS still got us there, but it got a little tough for those using a smartphone! There's WiFi and landline phones at Abbott's for those who must connect to the external world. Yet when you can get away to the nation and disconnect, I know there is undoubtedly some appeal in that also.
Upon arrival we met the manager, Liz.
As a group we camped together in their orchard alongside apple and pear trees. It was quite the chilly evening!
Saturday was when we actually got to see the reasons and facilities, and the whole area exceeded our expectations. The grounds are so well-manicured and show off amazing Vermont nature.
blondes on a beach 'd be difficult to not feel at ease among the flowers, greenery, trees and the pond.
The little hut is a small bar with grills for outdoor BBQing
Inside their chief house is a 5-person hot tub, indoor showers and restrooms. The sauna is outside in its small house, and it's just perfect. It is the first time I've ever seen a wood-burning sauna. They keep a pail in to pour water, and you are able to virtually turn it into a steam room. Across from the main house is their "Club Sugar Shack" where they've pool table and sofas and chairs. In the corner is a wood-burning stove to keep it comfy.
Most of us tented while a couple of others got more elaborate with rooms. I used ton't personally see a room, but from what I heard, they're spacious, clean and comfortable.
As a side note, I'm learning that it's not quite common to locate higher-class B&B's or nudist resorts in the U.S. In most places, room rentals are only super, super basic and likely haven't been upgraded in many years. A lot of times you're lucky if the room smells ok and has an adequate mattress. Truly
view Have seen resorts as fine as this one was in California. Areas like Meadowlark Country House and the Terra Cotta Inn. (Abbott's provides bathrobes in the rooms just like Meadowlark.)
Back to the recap. So eventually we piled into cars and made our way out towards The Ledges, which can be just about 6 miles away from Abbott's. It is a curvy road with ups and downs, but Beth Nolan truly biked it! On the way we also stopped at the Jacksonville General Store to pick up lunch and snacks. It's a butcher shop with great meats and cheeses, together with a little supermarket.
FKK group image at Jacksonville General Store
It is quite small, so it is good we carpooled. Sadly it was still fairly chilly out. We appear to have decided the coldest weekend of August to take this excursion.
We got on the trail to walk along the reservoir towards the section referred to as The Ledges. It is a straightforward hike, though there are tons of roots and rocks so good shoes are recommended. After several minutes trek in, we reached the charming sign that says "You can be nude now" in numerous words.
Straightforward nudity is technically legal before and after these indications, as per Vermont state law. Yet, this does not mean you can or should go naked 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 banned for two years. NAC (Naturist Action Committee) had to fight very hard with a team of naturists to get it back. Naturists should stick to nature areas in VT, always be conscious of local laws and exercise caution when going naked in non traditional areas. See this page for more about Vermont law and Ledges etiquette.
"Beyond This Sign You May Encounter 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 had reached The Ledges! With this span of the reservoir there is a sandy / rocky plage and then you are able to climb up onto the genuine stone "ledges." Despite the cool temps, there was still a fairly large bunch of folks there.
It is fine to bring a chair, raft as well as a yoga mat to have something soft to sit / lay on since it is all stone. We settled in and met some more FKK people who came to meet us there.
A little farther down the trail there's a cliff hop and a swing. A couple of folks went to jump or swing into the water. Despite the cool weather, many still went for a nude swim. The water was cold, but clean and deep. This whole region is pristine and beautiful.
I went for a short hike with a few others and followed the trail about a mile farther until reaching the "you should put your clothes back on" signal. By hiking we realized just how large this area is. The reservoir itself is 8 miles long, and the official clothing optional section is rather substantial. If individuals need more solitude and quiet, there's plenty of shoreline to find that. I believe it's also crucial that you note the reservoir water level fluctuates throughout the season, so when it's high it reduces much of the accessible ledge area. In August the amount is low, and it is the best time to go.
After a few hours, the cloud cover increased, and we had had enough. We packed up and went back to enjoy another evening at Abbott's. On Saturday nights Lindy does music in Club Sugar Shack, and they clear an area for a dance floor. We played pool, games, danced and had a lot of fun.
Sunday was again cloudy, but it got a little nicer as the day wore on. We had no plans but to relax and love Abbott's Glen before heading home. Beth also did a naked yoga class late that morning.
Jordan and I explored the hiking trails and North River that runs through the property. It takes about thirty minutes to walk all their trails through the forest. The river water was clean and shallow, though I think the owners said some serious flooding going on a month or two ago. Back here they've a little beach where it is possible to relax and wade into the river.
A few more stayed around to enjoy a couple more hours only at that little VT harbor. Suffice it to say we all thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Abbott's Glen and our adventures at The Ledges.

Young Naturists and Nudists America