Clothing Optional Deep Creek Hot Springs Hike #4!!!!

Howdy hikers! On Sunday, April 20, we will be hiking to Deep Creek Hot Springs to enjoy the warm water and beautiful scenery. The hot springs are nature's jacuzzis, perfect for a crisp spring day. Best of all, you can enjoy them in whatever attire you choose, including your birthday suit.

I've hosted a few of hikes here and have had so much fun with amazing old and new friends! The hike is beautiful and soaking in the hot springs is quite relaxing and rewarding.

There are two trails to the hot springs. I will be leading the hike from the Bradford Ridge path, so be sure that's where Google/Apple maps is leading you.

For those of us coming from down the mountain (most of us), we'll get off the 210 at exit 76 for highway 18, take that up the mountain a ways to Lake Gregory Dr, then make a left and an immediate right to enter Hwy 189, then make a left onto Grass Valley Road, going all the way on Grass Valley Road until it ends and intersects with Hwy 173. Make a left on Hwy 173 until right before the permanent road closure, where you should the (I believe unmarked) Bradford Ridge Trail on the right. We'll meet at the trailhead.

The trail is 2.5 miles there and 2.5 back. There is a section that is quite steep and the hike back is mostly uphill.

Let me emphasize: IF YOU ARE NOT AN EXPERIENCED HIKER OR IF YOU ARE NOT IN GOOD SHAPE, THIS HIKE IS HARD!

It may not be a good hike for you if you aren't confident in your physical abilities. If you are experienced/in shape, it is a more moderately difficult hike, and if you're up for an adventure it is sooo worthwhile! Regardless, take care of yourself and hike at your own risk.

Here's the tentative itinerary:

11am: meet at the trailhead, start hiking

12:30ish: arrive at the hot springs. Snack, soak, and socialize.

4:30ish: hike back

6:00ish: arrive back at the cars

Please bring:

Drinking water💧(I recommend at least 2 liters, there are no drinking water sources that I know of at the springs)

Lunch & snacks 🥪🥨🍓

A towel (can't find a towel emoji so pretend there's one anyway)

Sunscreen 🧴

Good hiking/walking shoes 🥾 (some parts of the trail can be slippery/uneven)

Weather-appropriate clothes for the hike 🚶 (If it's warm enough, you could potentially hike nude as well, but if you do, still bring clothes in case you get cold)

Optional: Swimwear. Those of us going nude can skip this step 😝

Other things to keep in mind:

Don't go underwater in the springs and definitely don't drink the spring water! The amoebas won't be happy.

Despite the nudity at the springs, it is still family-friendly. Please be respectful.

No glass bottles please!

Alright, with all that out of the way, I can't wait to hike with you guys and enjoy soaking in the springs once again. Hoping to see some familiar faces from before, and if you missed the last couple of hikes, now's your chance! If you have any questions/suggestions, let's hear em in the chat or you can reach out to me (Aric) directly!