Boston Kayaker

Kayaking on Thames River - from Gales Ferry CT to Groton CT Rating: Two Stars - I was paddling at the eastern side (river left) and I got accosted by a naval base boat patrol and was told to kayak the other side of of the river. There is a submarine turned museum on the east (forbidden) side. Mixture of undeveloped greenery, spotty residential homes, some industrial structures . . . Take out is under the I-95 North bridge.   Put in at Stoddard Hill State Park   on Route 12 in Gales Ferry CT. Take out at Fairview Avenue   in Groton CT. Estimated distance   = 8 miles Stay clear off naval   submarine base.   Alternate put in at Gales   Ferry Boat Ramp. Alternate take out at State Pier   Road in New London CT. Boating on Thames   - kayak rentals Submarine Force   Museum Disclaimer: It is your responsibility to determine the legality, suitability and safety of this route for yourself.

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Other resources: CT Govt: Stoddard Hill Boat Launch CT Govt: Fairview Street Boat Ramp in Groton CT CT Govt: State Pier Road Boat Ramp in New London CT The Day: Kayaking the Thames River Trip Report Submarine Force Museum: Home of Historic Ship Nautilus Boating on Thames - kayak rentals Number of original photos on this page : 83 All photos in this website are original and copyrighted. At the Stoddard Hill State Park launch cove off Route 12 in Gales Ferry CT. The Boston Kayaker launching into the Thames River. Just launched. My son at the railroad bridge taking photos. Ducking to fit under the railbridge. Coincidentally, a train is coming by over the railbridge that I just crossed under. Paddling south on a one-way trip on the Thames River. Looking to my right at the western shore. A buoy extending into the water. I suppose they do not want boats to come closer. Choppy waters. Some industrial behemoth. It was actually operating based on what I heard when I passed by. I can see the I-95 bridges a few miles in front of me. The Yale University boathouse on my left. I can not resist beaching on this sandy spot. Looking at the west shore of Thames River. Back on the Thames River. The start of the naval base is on my left. After this photo was taken, a naval patrol boat accosted me and told me to "kayak on the other side of the river". Complying with the patrol boat, paddling away from the easter shore towards the middle of the river. Now in the middle of the river paddling southwards. The Submarine Force Museum. Includes an old submarine turned museum on the water. Landed under the I-95 northbound bridge. Road sign to the Thames River access under the I-95 bridge.