A village near a beauty spot forest was gridlocked over the Easter weekend after hordes of cars flooded the roads because of viral TikTok videos.
Powys County Council said the ‘sheer numbers’ coming to visit Hafren Forest in Llanidloes, Powys, was a ‘wicked problem’.
It follows a sudden surge in social media users flocking to the area after viewing clips of the river, waterfalls and popular boardwalk online.
Councillor Glyn Preston said the situation was ‘really challenging for local people’.
He added: ‘Our facilities are not suitable for the sheer numbers who are coming up to the Hafren Forest.
‘We should welcome tourists to enjoy our area, particularly if they’re going to spend money in local shops and businesses, but the situation at the Hafren is really challenging for local people, farmers, and those working in the forestry.’
Traffic officers said ‘dangerous and obstructive’ parking along the road near the car park had also been an issue.
In a video uploaded to TikTok last month – which has since amassed tens of thousands of likes – one hiker says: ‘I can’t believe I’ve only discovered this place.
‘If you love forest walks, waterfalls and amazing scenery, you’re gonna love this one.’
In another, a woman says: ‘This incredible forest walk needs to be added to your 2026 to-do-list.
‘This is Hafren Forest and it’s considered the UK’s best board walk.’
A series of clips then showcase the stunning forest views.
Dyfed-Powys Police has suggested introducing a clearway order – a restriction preventing stopping and parking.
Environment body Natural Resources Wales (NRW), which owns the site, was asked to fund the order and the cost of new signage.
It comes as neighbours have also raised separate concerns about an ice cream van trading near the car park.
New signs were installed to direct traffic to Hafren Forest via a safer route.
But some older signs remain in place – leading to confusion and ongoing use of the unsuitable route.
Mr Preston said: ‘They are going to be removed. All the signs will uniformly direct traffic via Staylittle.
‘It’s still not an ideal road, but it is better than the Old Hall valley.’
