Located in Fruitland, literally at the end of the road. The ferry is well marked from US 17 to CR308, to CR309 and then down the Ft Gates Ferry RD. Interesting historical marker, the Mount Royal site, very cool.
A really good YouTube video is posted here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he62Bt8C0L0 The couple that put this up did a great job, very nice. Heed their advice, and mine, VISIT.
The day was rain free. The ride is challenging on a heavy classic cruiser style road bike. From the Fruitland Park (main office) side it's only 1 mile of dirt road to get onboard. If you don't enjoy that mile, TURN BACK! Once you cross the river, you get about 8 miles of dirt rd, varying from fresh grade hard-pack dirt to soft sugar sand, to wet mud sections that for me weren't bad today, but after a wet season may have been real cruiser bike-stoppers. Luckily, worst case, you decide not to proceed, turn around and the ferry operator will come back for you - park at the ramp and LEAVE YOUR LIGHTS ON - is the universal "come get me" river signal.
Cost of the ride for my motorbike today - only a Fiver! AWESOME service, the ride operator was cordial and efficient. Sadly, he remarked that he doesn't get many bikers through lately.
Brave the dirt, take the drive to the boat, enjoy a last true, unspoiled bit of Florida, far away from condos, downtowns, politicians, and stop lights. A wonderful bargain at $5 for the bike, or even $10 for a car.
More ride pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/105039978752277397723/FortGatesFerryRide#
