Fall Foliage Season Triggers Heavy Traffic, Safety Measures in New England

Peak leaf‑peeping season has drawn thousands of visitors to fall hotspots, producing heavy traffic and overcrowding at sites such as Franconia Notch and Artists Bluff and showing streams of cars on I‑93. State park officials at Franconia Notch have responded with one‑way trails, much more signage, doubled restroom capacity, added trash receptacles, closed side access, new barricades and extra staff and volunteers to manage crowds through Oct. 15. The surge along the Kancamagus Highway and other scenic routes has also produced illegal parking, blocked roadways and traffic congestion that have been linked to accidents and could impede emergency response. Officials in Colorado’s Georgetown say last weekend’s an estimated 28,000 cars caused gridlock severe enough to force off‑ramp closures, prompting stepped‑up traffic control and repeated warnings to plan ahead, avoid illegal parking and keep roads clear for emergency crews. In Vermont, police have closed short stretches of road in places like Woodstock to cut down on traffic chaos for residents, while travel writers suggest visiting less congested towns such as Warren for similar peak foliage with far fewer crowds.