Southern Vermont has much to offer—hiking, biking, antiquing, shopping, downhill and XC skiing, as well as several nude swimming holes. Frog Meadow itself is surrounded by remote dirt roads that are perfect for wonderful scenic walks or mountain bike routes. If the mood strikes, there are short trails on the property at Frog Meadow for naked hiking. For longer hikes the Appalachian Trail is only a 30-minute drive away. There are also some great scenic hiking trails just five miles up the road at Townshend State Park. Mount Snow, where Scott and Dave met 16 years ago, is one of Vermont’s largest ski areas and is only 30 minutes away. There are also several XC ski areas nearby. Prospect Mountain and Wild Wings are Scott and Dave’s favorites.

For general information about attractions and activities in the area, connect to the official Vermont tourism site.

Rock River

Newfane is blessed with two river valleys, the West River and the Rock River. The West River is a relatively long, wide and warm river as compared to the Rock River, which, true to its name, is very rocky, swift and cool. Just upstream from the confluence of the Rock and West Rivers, and only four miles from Frog Meadow off Route 30, there are a series of deep, clear water swimming holes. Known as “Indian Love Call” by the locals there is a long tradition of nude bathing on the Rock River.

As you hike further up the river you will notice that the first swimming hole is deep with a sandy beach and a rope swing. This is the family swimming hole where the clothing stays on. The further upstream you go the more likely you are to see nude bathers; the next couple of beaches up the trail are mixed, gay and straight, and nude. As you continue up the river it becomes increasingly gay until you reach your final destination (about a 30-minute hike from the road) and discover the “official” gay area. While it is very cruisey and the wooded areas do have their share of activities, the scene by the water is very social and friendly. Men often bring preparations with them for a summer BBQ and, generally speaking, all are welcome, especially if you have things to share. There is a feeling of being in another time and place when you’re there. To find out how to get there, ask Scott and Dave.

The Ledges

Another popular spot for nude bathing is the Ledges, located about 20 minutes from Frog Meadow on the shores of Harriman Reservoir in Wilmington, VT. Different than Rock River in the sense that the water is a lake and not a river, bathers sun themselves on exposed outcroppings of bedrock, or “ledges”. If you like, Scott and Dave can also help with directions to the Ledges.