An Incredibly Popular Fall Foliage Destination In Vermont Has Banned Tourists From Visiting
By Natasha Kayes|Published September 22, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
It is no secret that Vermont is a wonderland of color when the fall season rolls around. People come from everywhere to see the stunning jewel tones of the changing leaves. And while visitors are generally welcomed, and tourism can certainly be a positive thing for local communities, one extremely popular destination for fall foliage in Vermont is saying no to tourists this year. Let’s see why:
Driving down nearly any country road in Vermont during the height of the autumn season is a beautiful and colorful adventure.
For several weeks during peak leaf-peeping season, however, this particular road – Cloudland Road, which runs between Pomfret and Woodstock – will be closed to the public. Both towns plan to enforce the closure from September 23 to October 15, 2023.
Small towns like Pomfret and Woodstock – with idyllic New England charm, rolling hills, picturesque farms, and stunning forests – are understandably hard to resist.
It’s not hard to see why autumn lovers flock here, camera in hand, drawn in not only by the brilliant leaves but by the structures they frame – from covered bridges to rustic wooden barns.
Some structures have become the center of far more attention than others. Does this barn look familiar? This humble building sits on a private piece of land called Sleepy Hollow Farm.
And this is what it looks like in the fall – could there be a more quintessential autumn scene? No wonder it has become an extremely popular destination for leaf-peepers.
The problem is the narrow road that leads here becomes overrun – to the point of being both a nuisance and a hazard – by tourists’ cars during peak season.
With social media being what it is, the problem has escalated in recent years, with visitors not only blocking the road but showing little respect for the privacy of residents of this farm and their neighbors.
Influencers and selfie-takers seem to think nothing of entering private property without permission, reportedly bringing along dressing rooms to change into various outfits and using the side of the road as a restroom. Locals have simply had enough, prompting the petition to close Cloudland Road off to tourists.
The good news for tourists who may be disappointed in the closure of this popular spot is that there is no shortage of fall foliage to be enjoyed and plenty of other barns to see in Vermont – and Northeastern America, in general, too!
While one famous spot may be unavailable this season, there is no denying the attraction of fall foliage in Vermont. Do you have a favorite Vermont spot for leaf peeping? If you are thinking about how to soak up the most reds and golds this season, check out this spectacular fall foliage road trip! Make sure you have all of your road trip essentials packed in the car and hit the road for the adventure of a lifetime!
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