Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Vermont, the small town of Pomfret has long been a quiet haven, known for its spectacular autumn leaves. However, in recent years, it has become a battleground between local residents and a growing wave of social media influencers and photographers who are drawn to its vibrant fall colors. What was once a quiet, rural community now finds itself at the center of a conflict over privacy, respect, and the impact of viral fame. In response, Pomfret residents have taken drastic measures to protect their town from the massive influx of “leaf-peepers” who come to capture its beauty.
A quaint town surrounded by a social media phenomenon
Located in Vermont’s Green Mountains, Pomfret is a small town with a population of around 900. The area is renowned for its rolling hills, charming farms, and idyllic fall foliage. When you drive into Pomfret, you’ll find winding roads like Howe Hill Road that wind through sheep-filled fields and stretches of forest where red, orange, and gold fall foliage brightens the landscape. One might even spot an apple tree leaning over a carefully constructed stone wall, its fruit scattered across the ground.
This rustic setting makes Pomfret one of the ultimate New England destinations, especially during fall foliage season. However, what was once a hidden gem for a few discerning travelers has now become an internet sensation, especially thanks to the iconic Sleepy Hollow Farm. The 115-acre private property, whose picturesque winding dirt road is flanked by tall maple trees and a beautiful 1700s farmhouse, has gone viral on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. As a result, Pomfret’s quiet charm has been disrupted by a constant invasion of photographers and influencers looking for the perfect shot.
Residents reached a breaking point
What began as a small trickle of visitors eager to see Sleepy Hollow Farm soon turned into a flood. During peak leaf-picking season, the narrow roads leading to the farm were filled with cars, many of them from out-of-state. Vehicles would stop suddenly, blocking traffic on the narrow roads and creating dangerous conditions. According to Deborah Goodwin, exhibit coordinator at the Artistry Community Arts Center in Pomfret, the influx of tourists has gotten “out of control” over the past few years. Tour buses would arrive, unloading dozens of tourists at a time, often ignoring “no trespassing” signs and engaging in disruptive behavior, ranging from impromptu photo shoots to leaving trash and bodily waste on private property.
The situation reached a breaking point for many residents. Complaints began pouring into local government offices, urging officials to take action. “This is a beautiful place. It’s too bad it’s ruined for everyone,” Goodwin lamented. With tourists showing little respect for the community’s privacy and safety, residents felt their pleas were falling on deaf ears. Something had to be done.
Crowdfunding a solution to combat overtourism
In 2022, local officials tried to address the issue by turning the road beyond Sleepy Hollow into a one-way street during peak season. Unfortunately, this measure proved inadequate in preventing visitors from ignoring road rules and trespassing on private properties. Seeing the continued disruption, residents decided to take the matter into their own hands.
In 2023, a group of concerned citizens turned to crowdsourcing to raise funds for a more drastic solution. They launched a GoFundMe campaign, inspired by social media highlights of the havoc caused by tourists. The campaign detailed incidents of damaged roads, car accidents, tourists being pulled out of ditches, gardens being trampled, and residents being verbally attacked. The campaign quickly gained momentum and raised more than $22,000 from 125 donors. The funds helped the city implement strict measures to protect its streets and residents.
As a result of these efforts, city officials decided to close the roads leading to Sleepy Hollow Farm to non-residents during the fall foliage season from September 23 to October 15. The move prompted disappointment and anger from travelers who had planned the trip specifically to photograph the iconic farm. One Instagram influencer with more than 150,000 followers denounced the city’s decision, saying, “It’s a hotel and an amusement park. Bring all your friends and an RV.” However, for Pomfret residents, the closure was necessary to regain their peace and safety.
Appeal for respectful tourism
Pomfret residents insist they are not against tourists or tourism in general. In fact, they welcome visitors who come to appreciate Vermont’s natural beauty and attractions with respect and consideration for the local community. Many residents emphasize that their primary concern is safety – for themselves and for tourists. Cloudland Road, Slough
