Vermont Town Battles Back as Influx of Influencers Overwhelms the Community

Posted: September 24, 2024

A small rural town in Vermont is fighting back against an influx of influencers that has overwhelmed its streets during the fall foliage season. For the past five years, the scenic town of Pomfret has been overrun with tourists and influencers, eager to capture the vibrant colors of autumn leaves for their social media accounts. This surge in visitors has caused traffic jams, overcrowding, and even public safety concerns.

Cloudland Road, a narrow, one-lane road in Pomfret, has become a hotspot for tourists, with dozens of cars lining the road during peak foliage season. Last year, the town decided to shut down Cloudland Road to non-locals for three weeks, citing public safety risks such as blocked access for emergency vehicles. This year, they are implementing the same restrictions, beginning on September 25, as they try to regain control over the tourism boom.

Residents like Benjamin Brickner, chair of Pomfret’s select board, describe the situation as unsustainable. “This road is not meant for parking along the side of any number,” Brickner said. Local businesses and officials argue that while tourism is essential to the local economy, the uncontrolled influx is detrimental to the quality of life for residents. In Woodstock, a neighboring town, tourism generates between $300,000 to $400,000 annually through local taxes. Despite the financial benefits, balancing the needs of locals and tourists has become increasingly challenging.

This issue isn’t unique to Pomfret. Overtourism fueled by influencers has affected destinations worldwide. From European cathedrals to small cafes in Brooklyn, the surge in tourists seeking Instagram-worthy spots has forced many places to implement restrictions. In Vermont, however, the hope is that the situation will eventually resolve itself. The town leaders of Pomfret are optimistic that the attention will eventually die down and that the road closures will not be a permanent solution.

For now, the town remains focused on managing the crowds and keeping the small, peaceful atmosphere of Pomfret intact, as they navigate the challenges brought on by the rise of social media tourism.