Naked Orillia Hiker Cleared

Naked Hiker Cleared - Dropped charges may set precedent for naturists

by SARA ROSS THE PACKET & TIMES

June 21, 2011

The law has tried to stop an Orillia man from walking naked. But it failed.

Long time avid "freehiker" and Federation of Canadian Naturist member and volunteer John Cropper says: "It's like total freedom. You can just feel the breeze, the sun, unless you try it you have no idea what it feels like," says the 60-year-old who frequents a local recreational trail.

"Other naturists are still fearful of being in the general public on out of the way trails because of the fact they think they're going to get convicted."

On Monday, John Cropper, went to trial in an Orillia court charged with an indecent act.

Two off-duty police officers witnessed him walking naked on the Uhthoff Trail in Severn Township in September 2009.

The charges were dismissed.