Unfortunately in June 2020, the Mohonk Preserve made the decision to no longer allow nudity in the previously clothing optional sections of the preserve.
As reported by Hudson Valley One on June 24, 2020, the Preserve’s management issued the following statement:
For many years, the land below the Split Rock wading area was used as a place where naturists congregated, although nudity and nude hiking/sunbathing were never sanctioned recreational uses at Mohonk Preserve.
Recently, there has been an increase in land management issues around this area, including the unauthorized creation of several trails and increased erosion of the area along the Coxing Kill. Additionally, some visitors persistently engaged in inappropriate public behavior in an area just yards away from where families and other visitors were enjoying the trail and Split Rock wading area. Further, public nudity is prohibited by New York State Law.
After extensive evaluation and in consultation with Mohonk Preserve’s Land Stewardship Committee, nudity was formally prohibited at Mohonk Preserve in conjunction with the reopening of the Coxing Trailhead.
We want to offer all members and visitors a pleasant experience in nature during their time at the Preserve and strive always to conserve the natural resources we are charged with protecting. The area around Split Rock will continue to be open for all to enjoy.
We understand that this decision is disappointing to some of you and we apologize that all members were not informed prior to the posting and enforcement of this rule.
The humidity is rising… the barometer is getting low… Oh wait, sorry. I got distracted by the heat and thoughts of the Weather Girls….
As the temperatures has been soaring well-past 90 degrees on a daily basis the last few weeks, we here at BGHV wanted to share a little tip with out readers about our favorite place to cool off: Split Rock in New Paltz’s Mohonk Preserve.
The great thing about Mohonk? They offer a variety of ways to cool off with – or without – clothes!
Now, to get to Mohonk, you will need to drive into the woods a bit. So wear good shoes, and be sure to bring your bug spray if the skeeters tend to enjoy you. Once you get there, you will need to pay for a daily use permit for the park – $10 per person – but it is well worth it.
Park at the Coxing Trail Head (Yes, I said Coxing), and follow the trail a short jaunt to split rock. Just cross the bridge, and set your towel on the rocks where you’ll be able to enjoy an afternoon of sun and fun while taking the occasional dip in the stream.
If you would prefer the comfort of an afternoon dip au natural, Mohonk also offers a fully sanctioned spot for Skinny-Dipping! Since this preserve is private – Mohonk makes the rules – and as you’ll note when hiking downstream from the actual split rock past the “Clothing Is Optional” signs, nudity is perfectly acceptable here. But, you will need to hike for a bit before reaching the nude spot.
To get there, cross the bridge at the beginning of the trail head (passing all the clothed individuals at Split Rock), and then follow the stream right down the trail. You’ll hike about 5 – 10 minutes to another large clearing in the woods where you’ll suddenly find lots of nude sunbathers.
The lay of the land at this swath of sun in the woods is pretty simple. In general, straight couples and singles set-up their spots at the top of the clearing, women set-up closer to the middle of the area, and gay men “camp out” at the furthest spot here in the woods.
On any given day, you’ll find lots of great people here in the woods – at both sections of Split Rock – although the gays and lesbians are more often found at the clothing optional section. In fact, many New Yorkers even make the trip up from the city to enjoy Split Rock. On Saturday, July 31st, New York City’s gay male nudist group – Males Au Natural – will be hosting their annual trip to Split Rock. We expect many of the Hudson Valley BARES to be there as well. Want to join the crowd? Just show-up. They’ll be hosting a BYO picnic, and everyone is welcome to join them.
For more information about the Mohonk Preserve, check out their website – We’ll see you up there!
