Zoar Valley is a beautiful state-owned natural area of nearly 3,000 acres about 35 miles south of Buffalo. The valley is formed by two branches of Cattaraugus Creek—the main branch and the south branch. The area near the confluence of these two creeks has a nude tradition that some say goes back to a 19th-century landowner, but it was hippies in the 60's that really made this site a nude hangout. The waterfalls near the confluence sometimes see nude use, but the most popular area for nudity is along the main branch of Cattaraugus a few hundred yards upstream from the confluence. The setting is spectacular. A rocky island surrounded by the creek is set at the foot of a sheer wall of rock, all within a green forest. There are flat areas on the island and the creek bank for nude sunbathing, but there is no sand.

Zoar Valley attracts a mellow crowd, and authorities rarely visit and do not hassle nudists. While nudity occurs quite openly here, a custom among some regulars is to cover up when textile canoeists, kayakers or hikers pass through. Visitors must be out of the area by sunset. Zoar Valley is a wild, undeveloped area with no amenities or services. Be sure to pack out your garbage. Be wary of swift currents in the creek, pack lightly for the hike and plan to get your feet wet along the way.

VISUAL RESOURCES

GPS: 42.4417, -78.8875

city, county, state, country  Gowanda, Cattaraugus / Erie, New York, U.S.A.

classification  2 (traditionally nude)

There are 4 placemarks related to this site.