Ferry Landing State Park

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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.

ferry landing state park railroad bridge.
Railroad Bridge at Ferry Landing State Park.

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.

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.

ferry landing state park boardwalk in the winter.
I like to walk the boardwalk in the winter when there’s less crowds.

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!

two women posing at at viewing deck with river in the background.
Top of the viewing deck at the end of the boardwalk.

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!

railroad bridge at ferry landing state park.

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. 

man fishing at ferry landing state park.

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.

picnic table with river views in the background.
Picnic at Ferry Landing!

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.

cormorants on logs in the river.
Cormorants at Ferry Landing State Park.

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!

opsrey sitting on a post for nests.
Osprey viewed from the top of the viewing deck at Ferry Landing State Park.

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!

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