Naked In Vermont Library

Description: The Ledges, named for its large stone outcroppings, is a small section of the undeveloped 28-mile public recreational shoreline of Harriman Reservoir near Wilmington, Vermont. Many forms of "The Creator's" most beautiful work can be found here in distant mountain views, clean water, wildlife, sunsets, and the unclothed human body. On any hot summer day as many as 300-400 people can be found quietly relaxing and socializing in various states of dress.

Although often referred to as a "nude beach," this is quite a misnomer. Many visitors exercise their preference to be without clothes in a location that allows this in the most unimposing of ways; others are clothed due to level of modesty, need for protection from the sun, weather, or personal preference. To not impose on others, users have established boundaries that are far enough from other recreationists and neighbors so that an observer would need binoculars to make an absolute recognition of nudity. In addition, signs along the trail advise the unsuspecting of what lies ahead.

Terrain consists of several large rock outcroppings, a small sandy cove, and about 2,000 feet of wooded shoreline that offer more secluded spots that are used by those who wish to get away from the crowd and the more social setting of the main area. Rough hiking trails lead in to the Ledges and connect these areas.

The social setting at the Ledges is one of nearly pure harmony. Although no law in Vermont prohibits nude recreation in the state's many discrete streams and lakes, the Ledges is often the destination of sunbathers who seek not to impose on others. These same people do not impose on each other and such items as radios and cameras are quite a rarity. The social atmosphere of the like-minded Ledges users is a friendly setting of respect for both one another and the surroundings. Those who arrive by boat often will coast in without power to maintain the silence. When space is short, obtrusive items are absent and users scramble to make room for a new arrival. Stewardship of the lake is quite apparent at the Ledges and many go well beyond the rule of "carry in-carry out" by also hauling out trash that has drifted in from other areas.

Popularity of this clothing-optional area peaked during the late 60's. Currently the Ledges is mostly a tourist destination that attracts about 5,000 unique visitors from throughout the Northeast as well as from all over the world. Estimates indicate 40,000 user days at the lake with an economic tourist value to the Deerfield Valley estimated at $1 million to $2 million. There is little that is "typical" of users; the crowd consists of singles, couples, men, women, and children who would be found in nearly any tourist setting. Polling indicates the majority of users visit fewer than five days per season, that about 50 people visit more than 50 days per year, and that very few full-time locals visit on any regular basis.

Website: http://ledges.dimentech.com

Directions: Find Wilmington Vermont. Go into town and buy lunch, gas, lodging, or whatever. Ask the person who serves you for specific directions. If you are friendly and polite you will get the same in return along with the final directions.

(This helps in letting the locals know just how popular the Ledges really is)

For The Ledges Brochure go to:

http://ledges.dimentech.com/LedgesBrochureRevA06-11-03.html

or for the version formated for printing and two sided copying:

http://ledges.dimentech.com/LedgesBrochureRevA06-11-03.pdf