Highlands is a beautiful place.
That fact is almost unquestioned any time of the year, but during leaf season the mountains surrounding Highlands put an exclamation point on the scenic grandeur of the plateau.
The burst of yellows, oranges and reds makes local overlooks and waterfalls a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. While the most popular locations are well known, it’s important to remember that other people have every right to enjoy the fall colors without being impeded by an irresponsible few.
Anyone who has driven down the Franklin Road between Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls in October can attest to what a fall nightmare that area has become in recent weeks. Packed parking lots have led to sightseers simply leaving their cars on the side of the road during peak leaf-viewing times.
The cars impede traffic and create a dangerous situation for motorists using the road between Highlands and Franklin.
If a particular popular leaf season site is full, simply find another view, another falls, or another overlook to see. There are plenty to choose from including, the two previously mentioned falls, Glen Falls, Blue Valley overlook, Whiteside Mountain, Yellow Mountain, Cliffside Lake, and more.
Slinging a vehicle to the side of the road in order to overcrowd a popular attraction is not in anyone’s best interest.
The overcrowding of popular fall recreation areas has also reignited another concern – littering. The local roadsides have begun to fill up with all kinds of trash presumably left behind by visitors, thrown from vehicles, or otherwise carelessly discarded.
Few things take away from seeing the fall colors in Highlands faster than having to look at a vast display of litter along roadways and at scenic areas – many of which have trash receptacles available.
Whether you call Highlands home full time, part time, or are just visiting for a long weekend, everyone needs to do their part to make leaf season enjoyable for their fellow fall color enthusiasts.
Don’t overcrowd popular attractions, drive carefully, and put trash in the proper places. It’s a simple proposal.