A popular hiking trail in Lincoln, New Hampshire, has become overwhelmed with tourists, causing chaos and danger on the trails. Local hiker Tamara Breau documented the chaotic scene at the Artists Bluff Trail in Franconia Notch State Park, describing it as both “dangerous” and disgusting. There were reports of people shoving, going off trail, climbing, and leaving trash, leading to a perilous and miserable hiking experience. The influx of visitors has led to bottlenecking at the trail’s top, with some hikers having to be rescued due to overcrowding.
The situation has become so severe that state agencies have had to conduct several rescues over the weekend at popular hiking locations like the Basin Cascade Trail at Cannon Mountain. Non-locals are seemingly unaware of the earlier climate changes at higher elevations, with freezing temperatures and snow already present in some areas. New Hampshire Fish and Games conservation officer Chris McKee noted that many tourists are not prepared for the winter-like conditions in the mountains. Many hikers were dressed inappropriately for the weather, wearing sandals and shorts, making rescue operations more difficult.
The influx of tourists is not just affecting hiking trails but also impacting traffic on I-93, making it challenging for emergency services to reach those in need. Frustrated residents like Breau are finding it increasingly difficult to enjoy the outdoors due to the overwhelming number of visitors. Breau and other locals are expressing their concerns about the lack of etiquette and common sense displayed by tourists, calling for better monitoring by officials to handle the situation. The chaotic scenes on the hiking trails have become a parody of the foliage frenzy that typically attracts visitors to the region.
The overwhelmed hiking trails in New Hampshire are a reflection of the larger issue of overtourism in natural areas, with visitors not respecting the environment or others’ safety. The situation has become so dire that many residents are opting to seek alternative outdoor destinations to avoid the chaos and danger caused by the influx of tourists. The need for better management and monitoring by state agencies is evident, as overcrowding and improper behavior are putting both visitors and rescuers at risk. It is essential for tourists to be more aware of their surroundings and to come prepared for changing weather conditions when visiting popular outdoor destinations like New England.
