Naked Ground Trail #55
The Naked Ground Trail is an interior trail with a 2,500 foot elevation gain, most often accessed from the parking area at the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Follow the right hand portion of the Memorial Loop Trail for approximately 0.5 mile to the start of the Naked Ground Trail. The trail rises gently through the woods for approximately 0.3 miles to a junction with the connector trail to the Jenkins Meadow Trail on the right. From there, the trail continues a moderate climb with several stream crossings for approximately 4.0 miles before the final steep ascent of switchbacks, ultimately leading to the junction at Naked Ground camping area. At this point, the Naked Ground Trail intersects the Slickrock Creek Trail to the north, and the Haoe Lead Trail along the ridge. Water is available just down Slickrock Creek Trail, and the junction offers a very nice camping area with views to the south.
Trail Length: 4.5 Miles
Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Usage: Moderate
Average Hiking Times: 3.0 Hours up, 2 hours down