The Nature Conservancy Property managed by the Town of Franklin
80 acres in Franklin, CT
Parking: Small pull off at 291 Pond Rd, North Franklin, CT
Trail Map Trails: 2 miles Rating: ★★★☆☆
Ayers Gap Preserve run by The Nature Conservancy is best known as Bailey’s Ravine. This property is one of the best locations in eastern Connecticut. While the trails aren't long there are many highlights packed into such a small area.
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.
The fern is known as the spleenwort Asplenium montanum.
The preserve was established in 1988 when it was purchased by the Nature Conservancy from Felice Marnicki. The property was dedicated to Helena E. Bailey-Spencer (wife of Lt Gov. Samuel R. Spencer) on July 15, 1989. Both women have plaques just off Ayers Rd near the trail entrance.
The lower waterfall in this area was known as the Water Nymph as a stop along the trolley line through Ayers Gap as it headed to Willimantic.
There is also a plaque on the rock just east of the parking lot dedicated to John Ayer Trapper for whom the area is named: “JOHN AYER Trapper. First settler in the Town of Franklin, lived near this spot as early as 1665. Erected by his descendants, 1937.” John came from Haverhill, MA and bought 300 acres from the Mohegan chief Uncas.
Ayer’s have lived in the area ever since running possibly the state’s oldest agricultural business. Including the brothers, John B. (dec. 2006) and Eugene L. Ayer (dec. 2002) mentioned in Peter Marteka’s 2001 article who were 10th generation descendants of John Ayer Trapper. In 2018, the farm celebrated its 350th Anniversary. A quote from Sarah Ayer stuck with me, she was speaking about the farm, but I think it applies nicely to Bailey’s Ravine as well:
“It’s more of a gift to be taken care of,” she explained. “The history of it astounds me, and the heritage of it has always been important to me. It’s always been such an amazing place to be.”
CTMQ – Bailey’s Ravine at Ayer’s Gap (2018)
Youtube – My Winter Hike of Bailey’s Ravine (2016)
Auntie Beak – Ayers Gap and Baileys Ravine (2014)
Peter Marteka – Ravine Is Home To The Spleenwort (2008)
Peter Marteka – Ravine Provides Scenic Views (2001)
Ralph Ginzburg – Crisis at the Top For Centuries Old Farm (1987)
“Connecticut Waterfalls: A Guide.” Connecticut Waterfalls: A Guide, by Russell Dunn, Countryman Press, 2013, p. 203.
The Nature Conservancy – Ayer’s Gap Preserve (dead link 12/2018)
Last updated Feb. 6, 2018 The information shown here is for general reference purposes only. exploreCT.org gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability of this data. Parking in all areas, whether designated here or not, is at your own risk. exploreCT.org is not responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles or contents.
291 Pond Rd, North Franklin, CT 06254, USA
nickraybro
June 9, 2025 at 3:57 pmThis is one of Connecticut’s Hidden Gems. It’s a difficult steep hike but that said this trail has some of the most breathtaking views in all of Eastern CT. The Ravine itself has all kinds of Wildlife running through it. It’s a great spot to connect with nature all year long. At the time of this review there is a burned scar on the hill from a wildfire and a tree in the rock formation which hinders picture taking but this trail is typically well maintained. Highly recommend if you’re local.