The Ledges (Harriman Reservoir)

The Ledges is a long-running clothing-optional swim area on the east shore of Harriman Reservoir, also known as Lake Whitingham, in Wilmington, Windham County. The site is reached by a rooty bank trail from the main Harriman Reservoir recreation area parking; plan on thirty to fifty minutes each way depending on pace and on whether you stop at smaller coves along the way. The Ledges themselves are a run of exposed rock ledges along the shoreline, used for sunbathing and lake swimming, with no facilities, no lifeguards, and no on-site toilets. Vermont law allows nudity but does not allow lewd or lascivious behavior, and the area remains open only by the continuing goodwill of the town and private landowners along the approach. Respect that -- pack out everything, keep cameras away from other visitors, and stay on the trail. The reservoir is deep and cold, even in summer, and wind can build real chop in the afternoon.