chester-hadlyme ferry

Sarah20142014

I grew up in Hadlyme, riding back and forth across the Connecticut River on the Hadlyme Ferry. The views up and down the river are phenomenal. Please also visit Gillette's Castle while you are there. You will be very pleased.

JohnBCt

Driving to Gillette Castle and going by ferry made our leaf peeping a great experience. Although the colors haven't peaked yet this short ferry ride made the day.

johnhV2041IE

We used the ferry traveling from Lyme toward Hartford. The ferry is small and makes the scenic trip quickly. On the water there is a great view of Gillette Castle! Cost is modest and the trip was smooth. A wonderful New England travel experience.

drachtool

By all means take the ferry ride. The crew was funny and very helpful. Don't miss the photo op of Gillette's Castle during the crossing [in either direction]. The broad views of The Connecticut River are also get photo ops and views. We crossed in both directions. We met people from all over the country and from other countries. The trip is cheap. The views awesome.

Jaguar002

Nice way to get across the river. On a beautiful day can't be beat. Only wish it was longer. Views are fantastic.

JessicaW204

Not many ferries left on the CT River, so this is fun even though it's a very short ride. It's a fun way to get across the river.

Skierz

This is a quaint little anachronism in Southeastern CT that takes 3-4 cars across the CT River, connecting Chester with Hadlyme. Bikers can ride the ferry for $1, cars are $4-no reservations needed; just show up. Important to check ferry web site for operating hours-the ferry stops running at 5pm at Sat/Sun, but runs later during week. Missing the ferry requires a long detour either to East Haddam or back to Old Lyme to cross. The ferry landing on the Hadlyme side has a nice little park on the river with a picnic area and you can launch a canoe/kayak from there.

11ginam11

Traveled On more times than I can count lovely inexpensive Great for te kids . Travel after a trip to Gillette's

wolfie_n

As more and more river ferries get replaced by bridges, experiences like this become rarer. This site became a ferry crossing in 1769 and is still in use today. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a short ride, lasting about five minutes, but provides some wonderful views up and down the Connecticut River. It’s also a good way to get some pictures of Gillette Castle on the hill on the east bank of the river. We were there at the peak of the fall colors, and the scenery was incredible. Even though it is a short ride, it’s a good way to get from one side to the other if your destination is closer to the ferry crossing than one of the bridges up- or down-stream. Children that we have taken in the past have usually found it exciting, since ferries aren’t as common as they used to be.

HSTyler

Great ride. Don't miss Gillette Castle and Hadlyme Country Store on Hadlyme side of river. Ferry crew can tell you how find both. Ferry operates April 1-Nov 30.

v0yageur22

This little ferry carries just a few cars and it only lasts a few minutes, but the ride is just beautiful. The bluffs topped with Gillette Castle are really spectacular and the views up and down the river can be breathtaking. This little boat ride never disappoints.

cab514

Added this to our day trip to this part of the state on a whim. Had to wait a bit for the ferry but it was well worth it.For our $3 we had a fun, scenic (great view of Gillette Castle), but too quick ride across the Connecticut River.Not a practical way to go if you are in a rush, but lots and lots of fun.

pisces025

a real relic which costs the state a pretty penny each year, and certainly not a shortcut, but a delightful escape from I-95 that affords access to very pretty views and roads less taked.