Capital Idea!

Wildlife abounds in Shenandoah Park. Deer can be spotted as they silently move through the woods. Bird song brightens the forest. Rabbits and squirrels scamper across the forest floor. Colorful butterflies float on the breeze. Frogs, turtles, snakes, and insects add to the menagerie. Though rarely seen, black bears also make Shenandoah their home.

As we hiked deeper into the forest, the conversations were lively and far ranging, the pace leisurely. It was obvious that all in our group were totally enjoying this delightful experience. We were caught up by the enhanced sensory feedback one gets when enjoying nature in the nude—the wind and sun playing over the entire body is a delight that just has to be experienced to be understood.

A couple of hours into our hike, we found a suitable streamside location for a picnic. Snacks were brought out of our daypacks and passed freely. Several took the opportunity to kick off shoes and socks and cool off with a refreshing wade in the stream, while others sunned themselves on available boulders.

As is typically the case on hot summer days in the mid-Atlantic area, we did receive a brief shower. Though the rain wet our skin, it did nothing to dampen our spirits. It was just one more pleasant, invigorating experience. There were no clothes to get soaked; they were safely tucked away.

All too soon, it was time to reverse course and head back to the real world. Our clothing-optional hike had been a complete success. Clothing-optional hikes are sure to be on our future schedule of events.

CAFN is an active organization that strives to sponsor a variety of clothing-optional activities throughout the year to appeal to the varied tastes of our members and guests. In addition to trips such as this clothing-optional hike, we enjoy canuding on remote stretches of local rivers. We have nude sailing excursions on the Chesapeake Bay throughout the summer. We organize visits to landed nudist clubs across Virginia and Maryland, and enjoy hot tub and potluck dinner parties in members’ homes.

During the winter months, CAFN rents a local sports club and hosts monthly parties that include swimming, wallyball, tennis, water volleyball, board games, hot tubbing, sauna sessions, massage, and lots of food and good conversation. House parties take place throughout the winter as well, including an annual Superbowl party.