A small town in the state of Vermont, United States, called Pomfret, is known for its stunning autumn scenery. Every year, millions of tourists come to witness the beauty of trees turning red, orange, and golden yellow, making Pomfret one of the most popular destinations during the fall season.
However, as Pomfret’s popularity has soared, local residents have begun to feel disturbed by various tourist behaviors. What exactly are these disturbances?
The Beauty of Pomfret During Autumn
Pomfret is always known for offering breathtaking autumn panoramas with rows of maple trees and green hills gradually turning red, orange, and golden yellow each year.
This change in leaf color, known as “fall foliage,” makes Pomfret one of the most photogenic destinations in the New England region during the fall season.
One of the main attractions is Sleepy Hollow Farm, a private property often referred to as one of the most beautiful places to experience autumn in the United States.
Here, the view of a classic wooden house surrounded by colorful trees and winding pathways creates a scene that looks like a painting. Unsurprisingly, photos from this location often go viral on social media, attracting millions of visitors every year.
In addition to Sleepy Hollow Farm, Pomfret’s charm also lies in its authentic rural landscapes. Small roads cutting through forests, sprawling hills, and Vermont’s crisp autumn air make the visit feel even more special.
Problems Caused by the Surge of Tourists
The growing number of tourists has not always had a positive impact on Pomfret. Many residents have complained about various disturbances resulting from the influx of visitors, particularly around the Sleepy Hollow Road area, which has become a favorite spot to enjoy autumn’s beauty.
Traffic Jams and Congestion
Pomfret’s roads are generally narrow and not designed to handle heavy traffic volumes. During the fall, tourist vehicles crowd the roads, often parking illegally on roadsides and in residents’ yards. This has caused long traffic jams and obstructed access for other vehicles.
Disruptive Tourist Behavior
Residents have reported unpleasant behavior from some visitors, ranging from trespassing through gates marked “No Trespassing,” littering, to changing clothes by the roadside just to take photos. Some even verbally harassed locals after being reprimanded.
Environmental and Property Damage
Excessive vehicle traffic has damaged Pomfret’s rural roads. In addition, residents’ gardens are often trampled or ruined by visitors seeking photo spots. Some reports even mention tourists leaving trash on private property, which has caused great discomfort to the locals.
The Town’s Decision to Close Road Access
In response to residents’ complaints, the Pomfret government began imposing restrictions during autumn 2022 by making part of Cloudland Road one-way and increasing patrols to address congestion and safety issues caused by the surge of tourists.
However, this approach was deemed ineffective, so in the following year (fall 2023), the government tightened restrictions by completely closing Cloudland Road to tourists, along with traffic restrictions on Barber Hill Road. These restrictions were in effect from September 23 to October 15, 2023.
Continuing in 2024, the government once again implemented road closures. From Wednesday, September 25 to Wednesday, October 16, 2024, Cloudland Road was completely closed to vehicles, while Barber Hill Road was restricted to westbound traffic only (one-way).
In addition to the road closures, in 2024 Pomfret also prohibited parking along parts of Cloudland Road and Barber Hill Road in designated zones near Sleepy Hollow Farm. These restrictions were enforced from September 25 to October 16, 2024.
What About 2025?
For 2025, the Pomfret government has once again continued its restriction policies, maintaining road closures similar to those enforced in the previous three fall seasons.
Cloudland Road will remain closed, while Barber Hill Road will operate under a one-way traffic system. Parking will also be prohibited, especially near the Sleepy Hollow Farm area, which continues to be a favorite spot for capturing autumn’s beauty.
This year’s closures will run from Saturday, October 4 to Sunday, October 19, 2025, which is about seven days shorter than the duration of previous restrictions.
