As photographers flocked to a small rural town to capture its stunning autumn scenery, local residents of Pomfret have begun pushing back – and they’re winning.
Pomfret, a quaint town in Vermont, USA, immediately captivates visitors with its scenic charm. Approaching from the north on Howe Hill Road, drivers are greeted by rolling farmland, grazing sheep, and forests glowing with red and orange foliage. But during the autumn season, this peaceful community of just 900 people faces an influx of visitors, many from out of state, stopping abruptly to snap pictures of a farm’s silo framed by vibrant fall colors, often clogging the town’s roads.
Pomfret, typically a quiet place with only a few businesses – a general store, an art gallery, and some apple and pumpkin farms – transforms during autumn as “leaf-peepers” flood the region to enjoy the seasonal display. For years, the number of visitors was manageable, but the rise of social media has brought unprecedented attention to Sleepy Hollow Farm, a private property now dubbed one of the “most photographed spots in the state” due to its picturesque setting.
Deborah Goodwin, from Pomfret’s Artistree Community Arts Center, describes how social media influencers have worsened the situation, trespassing onto private property for photo shoots and leaving behind litter. In response, locals have taken action. After complaints to local officials, the town initially made the road past Sleepy Hollow a one-way route, but it wasn’t enough. In 2023, residents resorted to crowdfunding to close the road altogether during peak foliage season, raising over $22,000 to support the effort.
While some tourists voiced their frustration, Pomfret’s residents are not against visitors but want their town to be treated with respect. Beyond property issues, safety has become a concern. Sheriff Ryan Palmer noted that heavy traffic along the narrow roads has made it difficult for emergency vehicles to pass.
Unlike nearby Woodstock, which thrives on tourism, Pomfret is less equipped to handle large crowds. While towns like Venice have introduced measures like tourist taxes to manage overtourism, Pomfret’s road closures come at a cost, both financially and in terms of public attention. Still, local officials hope the temporary road closures will prevent further chaos in future leaf-peeping seasons. They encourage visitors to enjoy the area but stress the importance of respecting the town and its residents.
