There’s something about waterfalls that brings out our primal instincts. Why else would so many local waterfalls be called Barebutt Falls, Bare Buns Falls and Skinny Dip Falls? It’s hard to stand near one of these tumbling waters and not peel off your clothes to frolic in the froth like one of our cave dwelling ancestors.
One, but not the only, Skinny Dip Falls lured us westward on a warm summer day. My husband had read about this creekwalk to a waterfall in Chautauqua Gorge and put it to the top of his list, as we explored area waterfalls, doing research for our “200 Waterfalls” guidebook. This one was a designated nudist area. He had been immersed lately in the sights of nature, yet he couldn’t wait to enjoy “these” natural sights.
We parked at the end of Taylor Road and walked the winding, steep, rutted old road for the remaining 0.2 mile into the base of Chautauqua Gorge. Before us flowed a shallow creek of crystal clear water over exposed rock and shale ledges. We splashed into the creek and began following it downstream. Rounding the first bend was a vivid reminder of where we were. Before us, a large rock was painted with bright yellow letters: Nudist Area Next One Mile. We were alone, and clothed. We continued downstream.
Picking our way down ledge after ledge through tumbling water, we carefully placed each step to avoid deep holes and crevices in the rocky creekbed. Finally, I couldn’t resist. The water spread over a flat slate bed. This quiet, secluded area was too inviting. Inhibitions gone, I peeled down and lay in the water, letting the coolness wash over me. Ahh, the joy of nature’s full body massage!
Continuing downstream for half a mile we came to Skinny Dip Falls, our intended destination. Here, the water narrowed in a channel then plummeted down a four-foot drop into a deep pool. If we hadn’t been naked by now, this would have inspired us to strip down. We swam in the pool and sat below the waterfall letting its powerful force pummel our backs and shoulders. The spot was idyllic and it felt right to be au natural. I enjoyed the experience thoroughly. Rich however, was a bit disappointed. He had envisioned this place peopled with svelte nudists. We were the only people here today and it’s stretching the truth to call us svelte. Perhaps we should have come on a weekend day rather than mid-week. I wonder if the cave dwellers bathed alone or in groups?
The other local nudism inspired waterfalls (Skinnydip, Barebutt, and Bare Buns Falls) are all in Zoar Valley in Cattaraugus County. You’re more likely to have company at these waterfalls. There are plenty of waterfalls to visit where you’ll have privacy, even if their names weren’t nudism inspired. The ones you have to walk in a creek bed to reach offer the best possibilities. So, go wild this summer and enjoy a refreshing skinny dip.
I’m not a nudist myself but I did see some strange things at waterfalls whilst travelling around the Australian outback and rainforest. There are hundreds of waterfalls – most of which are designated as sacred by local aborigines. We went to the biggest – Walluman Falls – only to be met by a large group of men in karate outfits who had been using the steep sides of the canyon as a training ground!
I love waterfalls and plan on checking out that book.
I stumbled across your blog and am interested in the book. I have taken the time to see may of the falls in the area but would live to see your impressions.
Greetings! We went hiking exactly where you had described just a little over a week ago(6/14/09). It was late in the afternoon, and we had hiked quite a few hours, having seen only a couple of people. We really didn’t anticipate seeing anyone else. I have a picture of the Rock/sign forewarning of a nudist area-no big deal…. I thought to myself, and we proceeded.
Much to my surprise, however-from upstream was a very happy gentleman, with no more then a back pack, and some sneakers on!! Probably a Wall street big whig….but- Safe to say-it WILL get busier-amongst casual conversation I learned there is a colony between the outter parts of Mayville and Sherman-and this area is their summer camp. Harmless enough, but if you arent used to peeps running around in the buff??? Here is not the place to acquire-its not a beach, or a resort-its in the middle of no where!!! I understand they are a very peaceful and non confrontational kind of crowd(of course! where would they hide a weapon!). I am sure they won’t mind ’sharing’ the area!!
Yes, there is a little clothing optional colony/campground just outside Sherman, NY. I went there last week just to check it out. Got a day pass and took a look at a trail map. Walked by several campsites until the campsites thinned out a bit. Once I thought I passed the last campsite and nobody was around I decided to take off all my clothes and take a nude hike. This was my first time doing anything like this. I hiked for over and hour and never saw anyone else. As I walked out of the woods there was a small campsite ahead. I kept walking and when I got right next to the campsite I looked over and there was a woman in her 50’s sitting there clothed. She asked where does everybody go back there and I told her there are alot of trails for hiking there. So there I was standing about 6 feet from this woman totally nude and having casual conversation with her for about a half hour. It was a very surreal experience, but I got comfortable with it and started to walk back to the more populated area. I walked past sites where a woman might have her top off and some were still clothed. Walked past a site where there were three women clothed and talking. They stopped talking while I walked by and I just smiled waved and said hi. People were friendly and certainly not shocked. It felt great having the hot sun beating down on my naked body. I had been under alot of work stress lately, but for the three hours I walked around nude not one stressful thought entered my mind. It was a great experience and anyone curious about it should try it at least once. I highly reccommend it. Peace.