Ayers Gap Preserve

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

Hours
Dawn to dusk.

Things To Do
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 beautiful 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.

Plan Your Visit
Please enjoy your visit to this preserve.  The Nature Conservancy welcomes passive recreation, including hiking, birding, canoeing, nature study and cross-country skiing. 

To ensure those who visit after you are able to enjoy the same experience you have, please remember to stay on designated trails, pack out everything you brought in, and contact our office at: 203 568 6270 or ct@tnc.org if you notice any problems. 

To maintain the ecological integrity of the preserve, the following activities are not allowed:  collection of plant or animal specimens, camping, fires, fishing, hunting, bicycling, and use of motorized vehicles.  Pets are not allowed on Nature Conservancy preserves.

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.