Tourists overcrowd New Hampshire trails while officials consider changes

By Birdi Diehl

Popular 1.5-mile trail Artist’s Bluff in Franconia Notch State Park was overcrowded with tourists this last weekend, according to hiker Tamara Breau on a New Hampshire Facebook page. Artist’s Bluff trail is a short path known as “the Instagram capital of the world,” but its scenic path is where people flock.  

Breau called the hiking experience “dangerous” and believes there should be more supervision. In response to the incident, the New Hampshire State Parks and Cannon Mountain gave a statement together. 

Director of Forestry for Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources, Oliver Pierson, believes that mindfulness is key when on a busy trail. 

“It’s really about being respectful and enjoying both the scenery and your fellow hikers,” said Pierson. 

The New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation staff were prepared for a spike in visitation with specific control measures centered around parking, traffic, and shuttle service. 

All 1500 parking spaces around Artist’s Bluff were full last weekend, with visitors parking anywhere they could. 

“There were a lot of people, and there was a lot of trash,” said Jace Wirth, general manager at Franconia Notch State Park and Cannon Mountain. 

Wirth said state park staff picked up garbage near the trailhead and around the parking lots running along Route 18. An employee is now in place by the trailhead to educate visitors on how to throw garbage away properly. 

Approximately 3.7 million people are expected to visit New Hampshire in this fall season alone, according to the Division of Travel and Tourism.