Explore Franklin, CT
Franklin at a Glance
Part of New London County
If you’re looking for the best hiking trails in Franklin, this is the complete guide to all the trails, waterfalls, and history it has to offer.
My Highlights
- The ravine hike, waterfall, and overlook at Bailey’s Ravine
- The trio of falls and overlook at the Sprague Land Preserve
- The ninja warrior course at Giddings Park
Hiking
Town Parks
- Giddings Park –★★– 1 mile – Small town park with courts, fields, easy walking paths, and a ninja warrior-style obstacle course
Land Trust
- None
State Parks / Forest
- Franklin Swamp WMA
- Mahoney Pond –★– 1.5 miles – More popular with hunters than hikers, you could hike a loop with a view of this pond
- Pease Brook WMA –★– 1 mile – The eastern corner of this WMA is in Franklin though the majority is in Lebanon
- Franklin Swamp WMA
Blue Blaze Trails
- None
The Rest
- Bailey’s Ravine –★★★– 2 miles – One of the best places to hike in this part of the state from a great overlook to the waterfall and ravine hike
- Devil’s Den – Unexplored
- Sprague Land Preserve –★★★★– 11 miles – Another of the best places to hike this property also overlooks and waterfalls and much much more
Boating/Fishing
- Gager’s Pond – Shoulder parking for a good sized lake
- Arrowhead Acres – Great winery and farm store
88th oldest town in Connecticut, incorporated from Norwich in May 1786, and named from Benjamin Franklin.