“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Do you have bypass ferries enabled on your GPS?  You probably default to taking a bridge to cross rivers or waterways, but ferries can be a great way to slow down and look around for a bit.  

Save Ferries

Due to their low traffic and relative cost to operate, ferries are in danger of being closed.  There are still 2 operating ferries on the Connecticut River.  Both the ferries we’ll travel on today were nearly closed by the state on August 25, 2011 as part of the state budget cuts. The move to close the ferry was widely unpopular in surrounding towns and grassroots efforts began to save the ferry. The state government rescinded its decision to close ferry service, and hence, it continues to run.  

Slowing down for a bit and riding on the ferry is one of the ways we can help save them & learn why they are such a unique experience.

Chester-Hadlyme Ferry

The first one we’ll use is the newest one still in operation, the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry.  Beginning operation in 1769 it was originally known as Warner’s Ferry. Jonathan Warner of Chester owned land on both sides of the river and started the ferry service utilizing a raft propelled using a nail and long poles.

Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry

Our second ferry crossing is the oldest continuously running ferry service in the United States.  Started in 1655 it actually began before the formation of the towns for which it is currently named.

Routes for the ride

Routes are available below. Both as a GPX and on Rever. Please note the GPX is a track to ensure best compatibility with your GPS. You can convert it to a route within your GPS and display the track to ensure your turn by turn is matching the intended route.

GPX of route

Rever route

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