By this time of year, you’re probably itching for spring in a serious way. The sight of the trees leafing out and flowers emerging from the earth can’t happen soon enough and yet seems so far away. But Connecticut is fickle with her seasons and the transition from winter to spring can happen as suddenly as flipping a light switch. So while it may seem dreary outside right now, you never know what tomorrow will bring. When spring does arrive, you’ll want your very first outdoor adventure to be a hike down this incredible waterfall trail.
Gather some friends or family, this adventure is too beautiful not to share. Ayers Gap preserve is an 80-acre oasis in North Franklin accessible from sunrise to sunset.
Google Images/Eileen Dolan
In the spring, take the waterfall trail to Bailey’s Ravine. This 1.6-mile loop seems like a tropical jungle hike with all of the lush greenery emerging.
AllTrails/K.M. Hosfelt
Encounter wildflowers and mushrooms pushing their way through the damp earth. While the sounds of chipmunks and squirrels scampering around make for a pleasant reminder that winter is long gone.
AllTrails/K.M. Hosfelt
Fern forests create a green carpet alongside Bailey’s Brook. You can almost imagine fairies and sprites hiding behind nearby rocks and trees in this magical place.
AllTrails/K.M. Hosfelt
The waterfall itself has many names. Bailey’s Ravine, Bailey’s Falls, Ayers Falls, and Water Nymph are a few. The plunges, slides, and cascades may not be huge, but what they lack in size is made up for in beauty.
Google Images/Danielle Johnston
You can hike up into the ravine for a closer look. The massive rocks are towering in size.
Google Images/Eileen Dolan
Each section of the waterfall showcases its own dramatic beauty. This lesser-known falls in Connecticut is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
AllTrails/Bruce Caisse
Don’t forget your camera for this waterfall hike. There is plenty to be captured through the lens. Spring can’t get here soon enough, don’t you agree?
AllTrails/Bruce Caisse Find Bailey’s Ravine Trailhead within the Ayers Gap Preserve at 291 Pond Rd., North Franklin, CT 06254.
Have you ever hiked this picturesque waterfall trail? Waterfall chasers will also adore taking this easy hike to a stunning quintuple waterfall. During your travels, if you capture some fantastic photos of these natural wonders, post them in our Connecticut Nature Lovers Group on Facebook.
Google Images/Eileen Dolan
AllTrails/K.M. Hosfelt
Google Images/Danielle Johnston
AllTrails/Bruce Caisse
Find Bailey’s Ravine Trailhead within the Ayers Gap Preserve at 291 Pond Rd., North Franklin, CT 06254.
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