Overview

• State Parks has instituted a one-way hiking pattern, added staff and volunteers, and expanded signage to reduce crowding on the Artists Bluff Trail in Franconia Notch.
• Temporary increases to bathrooms, trash capacity, and food and drink service are in place for the roughly two-week foliage peak.
• Managers say last fall’s congestion, trash buildup, and multiple rescues prompted the new crowd-management approach.
• General manager Jace Wirth reports visitation so far is similar to or slightly below last year, with teams evaluating results for possible adjustments.
• If Congress fails to reach a deal, a shutdown as early as Oct. 1 could shutter bathrooms and ranger staffing at White Mountain National Forest facilities during peak visitation.