As fall is fully underway across the country, leaf-peeping season is in full swing. Tourists have flocked to destinations with exceptional foliage, though officials say crowds are “overwhelming” state parks across the Northeast.
While this influx of visitors can boost the local economy, their impact on natural spaces has not gone unnoticed.
In New Hampshire this weekend, a group of local friends paid a visit to Franconia Notch State Park in the White Mountains. But unlike the thousands of tourists, they weren’t there to see the changing leaves.
“As soon as I saw the pictures, I said, ‘Oh, there’s going to be a big mess tomorrow,’” Siobhan Smith told WMUR News. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen crowds that big; it was definitely fully packed on the trail.”
With those crowds comes their garbage.
Smith knew that a volunteer effort would be needed to clean up the trash left behind by leaf-peepers. Earlier this week, she and her friend, Noah, hiked up Artist’s Bluff, one of the most popular destinations in the area (which has been called the “Instagram capital of the world” by The Boston Globe).
“Just seeing the photos, and us working in the Notch and seeing all of the people who’ve come through the tram, we’ve just realized that no one wants to go up there when there’s trash everywhere,” Smith said.
From water bottles to dirty diapers, the pair picked up countless items in just one morning. They filled two large trash bags, and left one clear message.
“Carry in, carry out,” Smith told WMUR News.
Leave No Trace principles are essential to maintaining beloved outdoor areas and respecting the life that surrounds them. If visitors hope to achieve their dream autumnal experience atop the New Hampshire bluff, they’ll have to do their part to keep it beautiful.
For Smith, who has lived and worked in the area for years, it’s simple.
She said, “I think just having pride in our community and seeing how beautiful it can be without garbage is truly important.”
State park workers also joined in litter removal efforts, which is only one challenge that comes with larger crowds. Crowded conditions also lead to accidents, and with officials seeing a spike in rescues, they’re cautioning visitors to come prepared.
New Hampshire officials are also working to implement new rules for visitors.
Jace Wirth, the general manager at Franconia Notch State Park and Cannon Mountain, told The Boston Globe that the level of visitor volume this weekend was exceptionally high.
“There were a lot of people, and there was a lot of trash,” Wirth said.
The state park is considering charging a fee to park or selling timed-entry tickets to control the flow of tourists, Wirth added.
“We are considering some options for the future,” Greg Keeler, a spokesperson for New Hampshire State Parks, also added, “to make it a better experience and protect the environment.”
Header images courtesy of White Mountains Visitor Center and Siobhan Smith/Facebook
