One of the thrills of the year is leaf-peeping in the Fall as trees take on a spectacular crown of vivid colors of yellows and reds.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the beauty of nature, look no further than Vermont. Vermont is the best leaf watching site in the country, and maybe even the world. You’ll be amazed by the vibrant colors of the foliage, from red to orange to yellow to green. You’ll feel like you’re in a painting as you drive along the scenic roads, hike through the forests, or bike on the trails.
But if you were planning to visit the scenic spot on Cloudland Road in Pomfret, Vermont, to enjoy the fall foliage, you might want to change your plans. The town has decided to close down the popular leaf-watching site for the season, citing safety and environmental concerns. The decision came after a surge of visitors last year, who left behind trash, damaged the property, and caused traffic jams on the narrow road.
The selectboard of Pomfret voted last month to close the road at the height of foliage season from September 23 to October 15, The Globe reported. Sheriffs will man checkpoints at the bottom and top of the road, ensuring only residents can enter. The town officials said they want to preserve the natural beauty of the area and prevent any accidents or injuries. They also said they hope to reopen the site next year, with some improvements and regulations. For now, though, you’ll have to find another place to admire the colorful leaves in Vermont.
Cloudland Road, residents told the Globe that they noticed a disturbing change in attitude and behavior about five years ago, when influencers started arriving with an air of entitlement and disrespect.
“We call them TikTockers,” Mike Doten, who owns an 80-acre farm on Cloudland Road, told the outlet, noting he once saw a woman erect a portable changing booth on-site to take selfies in different outfits. “The TikTockers started flocking here and they kept growing, year after year.”
One visitor posted on Instagram: “In our 5 minute stop there, we saw at least 10 people crossing the gate and someone flying drone over this private property. Let’s be more considerate as a society and enjoy this breathtaking view the way it is meant to be enjoyed.”
It seems that now these narcissistic and disrespectful interlopers have spoiled a beautiful experience for all those who know how to maintain proper respect as they visit a popular site. Better luck next year!
