Stony Creek

Welcome to Stony Creek, Conneticut

A bridge connects two of the smaller Thimble Islands off Stony Creek. There are approximately 85 islands in the Thimbles chain. Photo by Caryn B. Davis

STONY CREEK IS A TINY TOWN OF 1,500 PEOPLE LOCATED A FEW MILES EAST OF NEW HAVEN AND PART OF THE CITY OF BRANFORD. THE “DOWNTOWN”, OR BUSINESS AREA, EXTENDS LESS THAN A QUARTER-MILE FROM THE TOWN DOCK, WHICH IS HOME TO TOUR BOATS AND THE DINGHIES OF MOORED AND ANCHORED YACHTS. STONY CREEK IS THE KIND OF PLACE WHERE SEA-STAINED BUOYS HANG FROM WEATHER-BEATEN BALCONIES AND WHERE A FIFE-AND-DRUM CORPS HAS BEEN IN EXISTENCE FOR OVER 120 YEARS. THERE ARE A FEW STORES, A LIBRARY, A MARKET AND A MUSEUM, BUT THAT’S ABOUT IT. HOWEVER, IF YOU’RE THE TYPE WHO ENJOYS PEACE, QUIET AND OLD-FASHIONED COASTAL FLAVOR, STONY CREEK WILL DO JUST FINE.

Stony Creek Chart

Stony Creek has long been famous for its lovely pink granite, which has been used for construction projects around the world. About a mile outside of town, the Stony Creek Quarry still mines the famous stone, from which many local homes are built.

SAT Map

Chunks of “Stony Creek Pink” also form the base of the Statue of Liberty, the abutments of the George Washington Bridge, the Old Harbor breakwater in Block Island and the entire AT&T Building in New York City. Indeed, pieces of Stony Creek are even found in Europe.

Read the story Stony Creek Fishing Information

Other than anchoring, there aren’t any options for visiting boaters who wish to keep their boat overnight in Stony Creek, as there are no transient slips or moorings. However, the Stony Creek Boating Association maintains a dock in town where dinghies and shallow-draft boats can tie up for free. The water around the dock is at most 3 1⁄2′ deep at low tide.

Some of the Thimble Islands are just big enough to hold a single house.
Photo by Caryn B. Davis

The main attraction for boaters—especially kayakers—who visit Stony Creek are the beautiful Thimble Islands, a collection of granite outcroppings south of the harbor. There are 25 inhabited islands in the Thimbles chain (named for the thimble berry, not their size), occupied by some 100 families who access the islands via personal boats or on the Sea Mist tour boat and ferry.

The only island currently open to the public is Outer Island, now part of the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge System. Boaters in kayaks an dinghies can go ashore to explore or picnic on the island. Visitors can also be dropped off at the dock or arrive by ferry.

In the Thimbles, trees seem to grow right out of the granite, and some of the islets are botanical wonders. Elton’s Island was President Taft’s summer house, and it remains opulent, with a stone cottage, swimming pool, Jacuzzi and basketball court (although I doubt Taft ever played hoops). Governor Island, settled in 1716, boasts 25 varieties of trees. The 12 1⁄2-acre Phelps Island needs its own private caretaker/landscaper to maintain a 27-room Tudor home and formal gardens.

The town dock in the heart of Stony Creek offers free dinghy tie-up. Photo by Caryn B. Davis

The Thimbles have always held a certain cachet. Money Island, on which 32 dwellings now stand, was once a self-sustaining community with its own church and bowling alley. A large hotel on Pot Rock Island, which is no longer standing, once drew many visitors to the Thimbles. Even Captain Kidd, a rich kid from New York City turned pirate, was purported to have stayed on High Island. A few doubloons were found here, fueling rumors of buried treasure.

Even the smaller islets have their noteworthy aspects: Frisbee is a nesting area for several species of shore birds; Gazebo is so small the owner could not get a permit to build a house, so he constructed a gazebo, then tied a houseboat to it; Exton’s Reef sports a covered platform on stilts.

While the Thimbles invite small-boat exploration, boaters and kayakers should remember to respect the privacy of the islands’ residents. In the last decade there have been numerous conflicts between trespassing kayakers and property owners. Increasing kayaking activity in Stony Creek and the Thimbles has also caused congestion in the local waters.

GETTING THERE:

Charts: NOAA 12372

Stony Creek Chart

Reaching Stony Creek requires careful navigation, especially as you weave your way through the Thimble Islands. Once you make it through, however, you’ll find quiet, protected water and a small anchorage close to town. Navigating the Thimbles can be tricky. Newcomers are best off approaching from the west and south, being careful to avoid the numerous reefs that pepper these waters. Pay close attention to your charts, as the buoys and channels can be confusing. Once you locate Outer Island (the southeasternmost island in the Thimbles and now open to the public) by its chimney, you can line up the channel that passes between Pot and High Islands. Be aware that many small boats and kayaks ply these waters in the summer, so keep a close watch as you thread your way through the islands.

Dockage, Moorings & Service

There are no full-service marinas in Stony Creek. Visiting boaters must anchor or trailer their boats to a local ramp (see below). A free public dinghy dock is located in town, and the depth is 3 1/2′ MLW. Nearest fuel, transient dockage and repair services are located in New Haven and Branford Harbor.</ p>

Launch Ramps

A small ramp on Stony Creek Harbor is suitable for small boats and kayaks; parking is limited, especially in summer.
A second ramp is located in downtown Branford. Turn south off Rte. 1 onto Rte. 142 (Short Beach Rd.), then left on Stannard Ave. to Goodsell Point Rd. This ramp is steep and crowded on weekends. Parking for 50 vehicles.

Anchorages

You can anchor anywhere inside the harbor, as long as you remain outside the main channel. A good spot is west of G C “1” in 7′ of water. There’s less roll in the eastern end, but watch for power lines. Transients can leave dinghies at the town dock while they go ashore for the day.

Harbormaster

(203) 315-0634

Kayak Tours

Kayak tours of the Thimbles can be arranged through CT Coastal Kayaking (860) 391-3837; http://www.ctcoastalkayaking.com

Getting Around

Heritage Taxi (203) 466-6666

Provisions

Stony Creek Market & Pizza (203) 488-0145: Carries basic grocery items, drinks, ice, etc. Also serves great deli sandwiches and pizza.

Things to See & Do

Sea Mist Cruises (203) 488-8905: Get a wonderful overview and history of the Thimble Islands by taking a 45-minute tour aboard the Sea Mist, run by Capt. Mike Infantino.
Volsunga IV Cruises (203) 481-3345: This tour boat also takes individuals and groups around the islands.
Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library (203) 488-8702: Offers cozy reading areas, internet access, an art gallery and a play area for kids.

Where to Eat

Stony Creek Market & Pizza (203) 488-0145: Serves breakfast and lunch year-round.
Thimbleberry Cafe (203) 481-2836: Serves breakfast and lunch year-round.

Where to Stay

Thimble Islands B&B (203) 488-3693; thimbleislandsbb.com: Secluded luxury B&B featuring magnificent views of the Thimble Islands and Long Island Sound.

General Information

City of Branford, http://www.branford-ct.gov

Photo Gallery

The seawall and foundation of this large house are built using the famous pink granite from the Stony Creek Quarry, located just outside of town. Photo by Caryn B. Davis