Ayers Gap Preserve

Why You Should Visit
Ayers Gap is a rugged place that conceals an exquisite, cascading waterfall amidst crags of exposed rock outcrops. There are flowing brooks, waterfalls, stately hemlocks, and the cool, moist aroma of the preserve's interior gorge, also known as Bailey's Ravine. Above the ravine, a blazed trail moves along the spine of a ridge, affording a terrific view east across the Franklin countryside.

Location
Franklin

Hours
Dawn to dusk

Size
80 acres

Conditions
A loop trail brings the visitor well into the preserve and provides easy access to the sights to be enjoyed there.

How to Prepare for Your Visit
See our "Preserve Visitation Guidelines" page.

Directions
From Route 2 west from Colchester or east from I-395 in Norwich:

• Take Route 2 to exit 25 in Yantic for Route 32 north. 
•  Take Route 32 to the traffic light intersection with Route 207 in North Franklin, then drive east on 207 toward Baltic for one mile. 
• There is an area to pull off and park on the left; look for the preserve sign, which marks the beginning of the trail.

What to See: Plants
In the gorge, Bailey Brook winds its way across and below slabs of the metamorphic rock Scotland Schist. This rock is dark gray with abundant glints of mica¡Xbeautiful in its own right, particularly as a backdrop to hemlock and yellow birch.

The cliffs that overhang Bailey Brook harbor yet another natural wonder: a delicate fern that is known to exist in only five other locations across Connecticut. This lovely plant has found a refuge in the cool, moist recesses of the rock outcrops.

What to See: Animals
Keep an eye out for a variety of woodland birds.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
The Conservancy purchased this land from Felice Marnicki in 1988. It is significant as rare plant habitat.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
While the majority of the preserve is clear of debris, litter trouble spots continue to mar its beauty. Thankfully, volunteers, including the preserve monitor Jim Handfield of Franklin, and local 4-H Clover kids, as well as helpful town and state officials, are keeping the preserve clean.