CWTA - Connecticut Paddling Trails - Fairfield County - Fairfield



Connecticut Water Trails Association

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Connecticut Water Trails

Connecticut Boat Launches

Connecticut Coastal Paddling

Connecticut Coastal Paddling Access

Connecticut Rivers

Fairfield County Paddling Trails

Norwalk Paddling Trails

Connecticut Water Trails Program

Paddling Trails

Fairfield County

Fairfield

Penfield Light

Directions:

NOAA Chart: 12364 at 1:40,000

USGS Quadrangle: Bridgeport

Type of Water: Coastal

Paddle Length:

USGS Real Time Water Data / Gauge: NA

Portage: None

Put In: Ash Creek Open Space

Google Map

Longitude 73.240798 ºW Latitude 41.146524 ºN

You can also Put-In at Seaside Park Boat Launch in Bridgeport

Take Out: Same As The Put-In

On The Water: After launching out into the harbor from Ash Creek, the crossing out to Penfield Light is about a mile and a half. Between the lighthouse and the shoreline is shallow allowing to observe the wildlife along the waters bottom.

As you get closer to the lighthouse you will have to carefully navigate through some low rocks.

The lighthouse was built in 1874, cormorants low to perch here and dry out. The lighthouse is also supposedly haunted by a former light keeper who drowned in 1900 while trying to paddle to shore in a rowboat.

Once you circle the lighthouse head east towards the Fayerweather Lighthouse built in 1823. From Fayerweather Island you can see the Bridgeport/Port Jefferson Ferry making it's way across the Sound.

Paddling north into Black Rock Harbor you'll see the HMS Rose a replica of a 1800's 179 foot sailing ship.

You can paddle also towards the east and explore Cedar Creek and Cedar Creek Harbor.

What You’ll See: Penfield Reef Light, Fayerweather Island (Black Rock Harbor) Lighthouse, Black Rock Harbor, Cedar Creek, Cedar Creek Harbor , and Fayerweather Island

Cautions: When launching your kayak - park your car and carry your kayak down to the mudflats. There is a small trail to the south of the boat ramp which will take you down so that you can launch right into Ash Creek and Long Island Sound.

Also watch out for fisherman along the banks as you head out of the harbor. Be aware of the currents at the mouth of Ash Creek.

Also a rudder or skeg are helpful with paddling in the wind.

Know the tide schedule to avoid a muddy take out at Ash Creek.

More Information

The information here is based upon the best available information presently available.

If you find and error or have a written description of a water trail we have not included - please contact us

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