Introduction;
As social media influencers began flooding the rural town of Pomfret, Vermont, to capture its stunning autumn landscapes, the town’s residents took a stand to protect their peaceful community. The influx of photographers, eager to post the perfect picture of vibrant fall foliage, created chaos, leading to road closures and restrictions to preserve the town’s charm and safety.
The Beauty of Pomfret: A Foliage Lover’s Dream
Pomfret, a small town in Vermont with a population of about 900 people, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, particularly during the fall season. The town’s Howe Hill Road winds through picturesque farm fields and forests, revealing vibrant red and orange hues as autumn leaves adorn the landscape. Visitors driving through Pomfret are often captivated by the rustic charm of a tree laden with apples overhanging a stone wall, creating the quintessential New England scene.
However, with autumn comes a dramatic rise in visitors, most of whom come from out of state. They stop abruptly along narrow roads, causing traffic and safety issues, all to capture the perfect photograph of the town’s most famous feature – Sleepy Hollow Farm.
The Rise of Sleepy Hollow Farm on Social Media
Sleepy Hollow Farm, a 115-acre private property in Pomfret, has gained viral fame on social media in recent years. Pictures of the farm’s winding road lined with maple trees, set against the backdrop of a classic 1700s Cape Farmhouse, have become some of the most shared images of Vermont’s fall foliage. The farm is now regarded as one of the most photographed locations in the state, with thousands of images circulating on Instagram and TikTok.
As the farm’s popularity grew, so did the problems for the town. Tour buses started dropping off large groups of people, and visitors often ignored “No Trespassing” signs, climbed fences, and even set up changing booths for their photo shoots. The situation quickly spiraled out of control.
The Impact of Overcrowding on Pomfret Residents
The influx of tourists created several problems for the local community. Deborah Goodwin, the exhibits coordinator at Pomfret’s Artistree Community Arts Center, recalled how bad the situation had become. Influencers were disrespecting private property, leaving trash and even bodily waste behind. Some visitors drove their cars onto narrow dirt roads, getting stuck and causing accidents, while others verbally assaulted residents when confronted.
Residents voiced their concerns to the local government, seeking a solution to the overwhelming traffic and safety hazards. During the 2022 leaf-peeping season, law enforcement attempted to manage the crowds by temporarily turning Sleepy Hollow’s road into a one-way street, but it wasn’t enough.
Community Efforts to Combat Overtourism
In 2023, the residents of Pomfret decided to take matters into their own hands. A group of organizers started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to protect the town from the influencer-fueled tourism surge. In their plea, they highlighted the damage caused by irresponsible visitors, such as trampled gardens, accidents, and even instances of verbal harassment.
The campaign received 125 donations, raising over $22,000. This funding helped the town enforce road closures and increase patrols during the peak foliage season. From September 23 to October 15, 2023, roads leading to Sleepy Hollow Farm were closed to non-residents, much to the disappointment of visitors hoping to capture the iconic autumn shot.
Safety Concerns and Infrastructure Overload
Beyond the issues of privacy and property damage, there were significant safety concerns for both residents and tourists. According to Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer, the narrow roads in Pomfret were not designed to handle the large volumes of traffic. In previous years, cars lined the roadways, blocking access for emergency vehicles. The town’s infrastructure was simply not equipped to deal with the sudden influx of visitors.
Palmer explained that the road closures, while necessary, were costly for the town to maintain. Residents of Cloudland Road paid nearly $10,000 to cover the expenses of road closure signs and additional patrols. Despite the high cost, the measures were effective in curbing overtourism, and the town plans to implement similar restrictions for the 2024 leaf-peeping season.
Responsible Leaf-Peeping: Tips for Visitors
While Pomfret is taking steps to control the number of visitors during peak foliage season, the town still welcomes tourists who want to appreciate its natural beauty. To ensure a positive experience for both locals and visitors, tourists are encouraged to follow these tips for responsible leaf-peeping:
- Contact Local Offices: Before visiting small towns, reach out to local chambers of commerce or town offices for information on less crowded spots to enjoy the scenery.
- Make Reservations: If you plan to dine or stay in the area, make reservations in advance. This helps local businesses manage visitor numbers and ensures you have a spot.
- Support Local Businesses: Visit farms, locally owned shops, and restaurants that rely on tourism and welcome visitors. This helps sustain the local economy while offering a unique experience.
Woodstock: A Neighboring Town Built for Tourism
In contrast to Pomfret, the nearby town of Woodstock thrives on tourism. The town’s infrastructure and businesses are well-prepared to handle large crowds during the fall season. Visitors flock to Woodstock’s charming boutiques, restaurants, and inns, all adorned with seasonal decorations. The Woodstock Inn & Resort, led by award-winning executive chef Matthew McClure, draws food lovers, but reservations are often required to secure a table.
Woodstock’s ability to handle tourism showcases the differences between the two towns. While tourism benefits Woodstock, Pomfret’s rural charm and limited infrastructure make it more vulnerable to the negative impacts of overtourism.
Looking Ahead: Pomfret’s 2024 Leaf-Peeping Season
For the upcoming 2024 foliage season, Pomfret will again close Cloudland Road to motor vehicle traffic from September 25 to October 16. Eastbound traffic on Barber Hill Road will also be restricted, and parking will be prohibited during this time.
Local authorities encourage visitors to explore other parts of Vermont’s stunning landscape and to respect the town’s efforts to protect its residents and environment. Sheriff Palmer emphasized the importance of showing respect for private property and following the town’s guidelines.
Conclusion: Preserving Pomfret’s Beauty for Future Generations
Pomfret’s battle against over tourism highlights the challenges faced by small towns worldwide as they try to balance tourism with preserving their unique character. The town’s proactive measures have helped protect its natural beauty and ensure the safety of its residents. As the 2024 leaf-peeping season approaches, visitors are reminded to enjoy Vermont’s breathtaking landscapes responsibly and with respect for the communities that call it home.
