FRANCONIA – After hordes of leaf peepers converged on Artists Bluff last fall foliage season and traffic congestion caused delays for Fish and Game to respond to a call, the state has decided to make the trail a 1.2 mile one-way hike.

“In an effort to maintain an enjoyable and safe experience for all, Franconia Notch State Park is enforcing a One-Way trail loop,” it introduced this week, in time for this weekend which could be busy and the following Columbus Day weekend. 

State Parks said the “Short Trail” on Artists Bluff in Franconia Notch State Park is closed.

“Hikers will be asked to walk the entire loop in a counterclockwise direction. The full loop is 1.2 miles. There is NO roadside parking. Please park in the Big Dirt Lot across from the Cannon base area. Do not park in the Echo Lake lot. Pack out what you pack in. Please dispose of all trash properly.”