We definately need something to make this more "user friendly". What about some sort of wagon/cart specific crossroads which has a maximum range of 1 minimap? It'd be handy for getting your wagon into and out of your claim, and over walls of towns, but couldn't really be used for any sort of meaningful teleporting like boats are.
I also like the idea of being able to build a ford, and considering what real man-made fords look like, rocks are a good method, just not sure how feasible it is.