Connie Voltura's experience highlights the challenges faced by Burney Falls, a major tourist destination in California. The popularity of the falls surged, leading to overtourism and safety concerns that prompted State Parks to close the area for maintenance for most of 2024. This closure significantly affected the local economy of Burney, with businesses witnessing up to a 50% drop in revenue. Despite the adverse impacts, State Parks reopened Burney Falls quietly at the end of the year to manage crowds and protect the area from further degradation.
"There were 30 people that had parked along the side of the road. Their cars were in the ditch, and some were walking along the highway with small children," she told SFGATE. "I just closed my eyes, thinking somebody is going to get hurt. It's not a safe situation."
The agency said it needed to address maintenance issues caused by overtourism. The closure rippled through the small town of Burney 6 miles away.
Another blow came when wildfires diverted Pacific Coast Trail hikers from the area, another big loss for the town's small tourism industry.
"Any kind of press brings people there," he said. "That's why we opened it without fanfare."
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