Canoeing the Saco

feb · 08-02-2010, 03:16 PM

Thinking of taking my kids canoeing on the Saco next week, during the week, for just a few hours. Probably rent a canoe from Saco Bound and was thinking of just going for a couple of hours, maybe to Swans Falls. They seem like a good outfit that will pick you up afterwards. Not looking to camp, just see some different scenery for a few hours.

Any recommendations or suggestions, things to watch out for etc? Sounds like it will be fun, don't expect the river to be deep at all.

Thanks.

MarkinNH · 08-02-2010, 06:18 PM

Saco river is a great paddle. I have done it several times with our kayaks. Other then a little steering there isn't much work to do, the current does it all for you. Very relaxing and enjoyable.

I have always done the longer trip, down to the bridge. There is an easy portage you have to do to get around the damn. It only takes a few minutes and is well marked. We always took this as an oportunity to eat our packed lunch's or do a little bbq. and do a some people watching.
Lots of places to pull over for a little exploring or a swim.
Water shoes of some kind will make walking around in the rocky river safer and easier.
You won't go wrong with Saco Bound. They will set you up and take good care of you. Depending on how you time your trip you may have to wait a little at the end, for the next scheduled pick up back to the beginning.
Enjoy and have a great trip.

BroadHopper · 08-02-2010, 06:58 PM

Paddle the Saco a few times. Best bet is below the dam and head toward Maine. Less rapids and great for kids. It's not deep but strongly suggest PFDs.

The Andoscrogin is another beautiful river for paddling. A little further Northeast and worth the trip. Lake Umbagog is a paddler's paradise. As well as fishing. There are plenty of awesome places to paddle in NH.

08-02-2010, 03:16 PM	#1
feb Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Meredith (Winnisquam) & Nashua, NH Posts: 209 Thanks: 25 Thanked 20 Times in 17 Posts	Canoeing the Saco Thinking of taking my kids canoeing on the Saco next week, during the week, for just a few hours. Probably rent a canoe from Saco Bound and was thinking of just going for a couple of hours, maybe to Swans Falls. They seem like a good outfit that will pick you up afterwards. Not looking to camp, just see some different scenery for a few hours. Any recommendations or suggestions, things to watch out for etc? Sounds like it will be fun, don't expect the river to be deep at all. Thanks.

08-02-2010, 06:58 PM	#3
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,509 Thanks: 3,116 Thanked 1,089 Times in 783 Posts	Paddling the rivers Paddle the Saco a few times. Best bet is below the dam and head toward Maine. Less rapids and great for kids. It's not deep but strongly suggest PFDs. The Andoscrogin is another beautiful river for paddling. A little further Northeast and worth the trip. Lake Umbagog is a paddler's paradise. As well as fishing. There are plenty of awesome places to paddle in NH. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

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08-02-2010, 06:18 PM	#2
MarkinNH Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 392 Thanks: 177 Thanked 146 Times in 76 Posts	Saco river is a great paddle. I have done it several times with our kayaks. Other then a little steering there isn't much work to do, the current does it all for you. Very relaxing and enjoyable. I have always done the longer trip, down to the bridge. There is an easy portage you have to do to get around the damn. It only takes a few minutes and is well marked. We always took this as an oportunity to eat our packed lunch's or do a little bbq. and do a some people watching. Lots of places to pull over for a little exploring or a swim. Water shoes of some kind will make walking around in the rocky river safer and easier. You won't go wrong with Saco Bound. They will set you up and take good care of you. Depending on how you time your trip you may have to wait a little at the end, for the next scheduled pick up back to the beginning. Enjoy and have a great trip.