Originally published June 24, 2008
By Sarah Fortney
News-Post Staff
Several hikers ran across eight bares last week in Gathland State Park.
A group of men between the ages of 40 and 60 reportedly disrobed and started walking along the trail, said Sgt. Ken Turner, a spokesman for the Department of Natural Resources.
About 10:30 a.m. Friday, a man was in the park when he saw the men gathering near the Appalachian Trail. He then saw them hiking in nothing but their shoes, Turner said.
His wife reported the sighting to police about an hour later, Turner said. Officials did not release the name of the man or his wife.
A DNR officer went to the area and talked to at least three other hikers who claimed they also saw about 10 nude hikers on the trail, Turner said.
The officer soon found a group of 10 men, wearing clothes, and determined they had been hiking naked, Turner said.
The officer learned that two of those men kept their clothes on as they walked in front of the group, warning people eight naked men were about to pass them on the path, Turner said.
No charges were filed, Turner said, because the officer did not catch them hiking naked.
However, the officer issued warnings to eight of the men for disorderly conduct, Turner said. Had they been caught in the act, they could have been charged with indecent exposure, which carries a maximum $500 fine for first-time offenders.
Turner could not confirm such an event exists, but said he has heard of an unofficially proclaimed National Nude Hiking Day. He said park police and officials do not promoted such behavior.
"We do not find any humor in this," Turner said. "It is a family atmosphere."
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Okay, I live in a neighborhood that borders the trail and have several female friends that have come upon nude men on the trail. They never hike alone because of this and other safety related issues...it's just the smart thing to do. But I find humor in the statement that the clothed men were up in front warning oncoming hikers what they were about to face! I wonder how it went? "Excuse me, there are 8 nude men hiking behind us. Just thought we'd let you know!"
!