Should the Hudson Valley Take this Simple Step to Ban Tourists?

Tourism has always been a divisive issue in small towns across the northeast, but when the leaves start to change, the argument goes into overdrive. One town in Vermont has taken a drastic step by banning tourists from coming to their idyllic small town this autumn... should the Hudson Valley follow suit?

Money brought in from out-of-towners can be the key to the success of many small businesses, but other locals don't think the economic value is worth the increased traffic, trash, and environmental damage caused by the influx of leaf-peepers. But what happens if you ban tourists completely?

Should the Hudson Valley, NY Ban Leaf Tourism?

Excited tourists, road-trippers, and social media influencers traveling to Pomfret, VT for the perfect fall photo this year were in for a rude awakening. In what can only be described as a bold decision, the town board actually voted to close some of their most popular scenic roads to non-residents during prime leaf-changing season. From the board:

Foliage season traffic in this area has steadily increased during the last several years, causing significant safety, environmental, aesthetic, and quality of life issues.

The decisions from the board officially limited traffic on multiple roads to everyone but local residents, their guests, and service providers. Parking regulations, police enforcement of the closures, and even traffic barricades were all included in the plan. But will this memorandum inspire others to follow suit?

High-Traffic Tourist Attractions in the Hudson Valley, NY

It certainly seems like many Hudson Valley residents would be game to limit out-of-town traffic. Anger over parking spaces taken by New Jersey and Connecticut hikers looking to conquer Mount Beacon has already boiled over this year, and tourist selfies have been blamed for several deaths at the Hudson Valley's most famous waterfall.

To Ban or Not to Ban

While an outright ban of tourism to an entire town could be gently described as going overboard, limiting traffic on specific local roads during peak leaf season could be a very attractive proposal for many Hudson Valley neighborhoods. Any backroads that lead to autumn attractions could all be candidates, and a compromise that could satisfy camps on both sides of the debate..

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There are almost too many towns (and roads) in New York to consider for such a traffic ban. Before any legislation is signed, however, there are plenty of scenic, fascinating, or even silly locations in the state that are perfect destinations for your next road trip. Check them out below.