Ferry Landing State Park
Ferry landing state park in Old Lyme, CT, is a beautiful place to visit. The park has a beautiful boardwalk where you can enjoy views of the Connecticut River. There are also several picnic tables where visitors can enjoy a meal by the water. The park is perfect for families who want to spend a day outdoors.
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Getting To The Park
Ferry Landing State Park is conveniently located just a couple miles off of Interstate 95 in Old Lyme, CT. Take the exit that takes you on to 156. Less than a mile off the exit, you’ll turn right on to Ferry Road. The road is quite easy to miss, but if you pass it, there is a small dirt pull off just past the road where you can easily turn around.
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As you’re going down the road to the park, you might feel like you’ve gone down the wrong road because it seems like a residential area. Don’t fret, I felt the same way my first visit here. Continue down the road, and you will make your way into the park!
For parking, there are several spots along the water that you can park at. If those are all full, continue all the way to the end for additional parking in the parking lot closer to the railroad bridge.
Things to do while visiting Ferry Landing Park
There’s something for everyone to enjoy at Ferry Landing State Park. Whether you’re looking to just enjoy time by the river, looking to see wildlife, or go fishing, you’re sure to find something to enjoy at this park!
Walk the boardwalk
The boardwalk along the river is definitely a highlight of this park! Enjoy beautiful views of the river as you walk along the boardwalk. In the warmer months, it’s not uncommon for there to be lots of people fishing along the boardwalk.
When you get to the end of the boardwalk, there is a viewing deck that gives you great views at a great vantage point. In the summer, you’ll be able to watch people boating on the river and you might even see some ospreys!
The top of the viewing deck also gives you some of my favorite views of the train bridge. It’s a great place to get photos of the bridge!
Fishing at Ferry Landing State Park
Fishing in the Connecticut River is another popular thing to do at Ferry Landing State Park. The fishing access here consists of a fenced bulkhead area and a fishing/crabbing boardwalk.
If you’re planning to go fishing here, you can expect to catch bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, catfish, tomcod, winter flounder, hickory shad and white perch.
Have a picnic
What’s better than a picnic with a view? Ferry Landing State Park has various picnic tables situated along the river with some great views. Sit and watch boats go by and birds as you enjoy your picnic. Many of the tables are shaded by trees so you can comfortably enjoy your meal.
Go bird watching
This park is a great place to go bird watching. You’ll be able to see various water birds and song birds. Some birds you can expect to see here are ospreys, blue herons, cormorants, and egrets.
This is a great spot to see ospreys. You can enjoy sights of ospreys flying over head or fishing in the Connecticut River. Additionally, there is an osprey nest that you can see from the viewing deck at the end of the boardwalk. If you have binoculars or a telephoto lens, you might be able to see the babies in the nest!
Top reasons to visit Ferry Landing State Park
In conclusion, Ferry landing state park is a great place to visit for those who want to enjoy nature and the outdoors. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, and the views of the river are stunning. If you’re looking for a place to relax and take in nature along the water, this is it.
More things to do in Connecticut
Looking for more things to do in Connecticut? Below are some more spots to visit!
- Taste test some local beer at the best breweries in Connecticut.
- Visit the best waterfalls in Connecticut.
- Go for a swim at Gardner Lake State Park.
