When it comes to summer in Connecticut, many people immediately flock to our beaches. We get it: we’ve got a lot of shoreline, and in fairness, lots of our beaches are quite incredible. But if you’re not into all the crowds at the beach or hate having to wash sand out of every bodily orifice, there are plenty of non-beach summer destinations in Connecticut where you can have just as good of a day! One of our favorites is Ayers Gap: this place is almost otherworldly in its beauty, and the trails here are some of the best in the Nutmeg State. It’s the perfect summertime adventure in Connecticut.

Ayers Gap is an 80-acre preserve tucked away in Franklin that looks like something out of a fairy tale.
Lisa Sweet/Alltrails
From atop the ridge, you can look down and see for miles on a clear day.
The wooded preserve has a fascinating landscape. You'll see many rock formations, a waterfall, a ravine, a long ridge line, and more along the trail.
Danicee Butcka/Alltrails
The trees provide great shade that cool off the forest quite a bit, making this a pleasant hike even on a hot day.
Veronica Greene/Alltrails

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If you do need to cool off, there are plenty of opportunities to dip your feet in the ravine!
Diane Eggert/Alltrails
There are several trails within the preserve, giving you lots of options to explore.
Nikki Simoneau/Alltrails
The main trail follows along Bailey's Ravine and will take you to several secluded little waterfalls.
Jeff Jankowski/Alltrails
This is a great option for a summer day trip in Connecticut if you're tired of exploring our many beaches!
Shannon Kelly/Alltrails

Have you ever explored any of the trail at Ayers Gap Preserve? We’d love to hear about your adventures in the comments!

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Ayers Gap, Franklin, CT 06254, USA