CT: East Haven- Farms River & Granite Bay (Kayaking)

I started my launch in a new location in East Haven, CT at Farms River.

There were several choices in what type of paddle to experience. I chose to start with a paddle up River.

It was a nice and easy up river paddle with ospreys nests and houses with docks along the sides. Seemed like a welcoming community of people who decorated their shore line in boating fare.

At one point however, the paddle became tougher trying to get through an old “tide gate” of the river. I couldn’t make it through! I relented and allowed the flow of water to bring me back downstream.

I then turned into Farm River gut into Granite Bay. Lovely rock formations and cliff side shores until you find a small local neighborhood beach which appears to have been on Clark Avenue. I stopped for a bit of a respite.

Spying several paddlers on the water I decided to venture out again and while I was going to return to the launch I decided to first paddle beside Kelseys Island.

Performing quick research from the water I found that while there are private cottages on the island, the beach is public to those that can reach it! The area is also filled with different kinds of birds.

I stopped on it’s shore and found it lovely and serene. So cool to only be able to get there by boat! This was definitely one of my favorite launches for the variety!

Click to access FFREMapBrchr5.pdf

I’m told there are several options of where and how to launch. I paid for a parking pass at Farms River Marina. The blue dot below was me! How cool!

245 Mansfield Grove Road, East Haven is the marina which requires a Pre paid fee and code to get in.