Things to do nearSaco River
The Saco River in Maine and New Hampshire is a beloved paddling and swimming destination known for its sandy banks, clear water, and forested scenery.
The Saco River stretches roughly 136 miles from its headwaters near Crawford Notch in New Hampshire down through southwestern Maine before emptying into the Atlantic at Saco Bay. Long before European settlement, the Abenaki people traveled and fished along its banks, and the river later powered mills that shaped the region's early economy.
Today the Saco River is best known as a paddling destination. Canoeists and kayakers follow gentle Class I and II stretches through hardwood forests and past sandy beaches that feel surprisingly remote given their proximity to major roads. Swimming holes along the Maine portion are particularly popular in summer, drawing families and day-trippers looking for a natural escape.
The surrounding landscape offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and quiet forest roads that complement a day on the water. Great blue herons, ospreys, and river otters are frequent sights. The Saco River is a place where the pace of New England's natural world sets the schedule, making it genuinely worth a visit in any season.
7-day forecast
Tips for visiting Saco River
Visit during late June through August for the warmest water temperatures and the best conditions for swimming and paddling.
Try a multi-day canoe camping trip, as the river has several established riverside campsites accessible only by water.
Bring a dry bag to protect your gear, since the river has occasional rapids and unexpected splashes even on calm stretches.
Arrive early on weekends in summer, as popular put-in spots near Conway, New Hampshire fill up quickly by mid-morning.
Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles, as the river corridor is a shared natural resource relied upon by local communities.
Top tours & experiences near Saco River
4-Hour Saco River Tube Rental in Conway
Float the Saco River back to your car on a 4-mile route with beaches and small rapids
Half-Day Sailing Tour on Saco Bay
Sail longer and see more of Saco Bay on a half-day trip
Saco River 3-Mile Canoe & Kayak Rental
A relaxed 3-mile introduction to canoeing, kayaking or paddleboarding
Sail to Wood Island Lighthouse Tour From Kennebunkport
Sail to Wood Island and tour inside the lighthouse and keeper’s house
Private Lobstering & Wood Island Lighthouse Cruise in Saco
Private lobstering and scenic cruise for up to 6 on Saco Bay
1-Mile Saco River Tube Float in Conway
A Short Saco River Float With Time for Beach Stops
Cruise the Saco River & Saco Bay on a 2-Hour Sail
Sail Maine’s coast in a small group of 6 or fewer
Private Sailing Charter on Saco Bay, Maine
Reserve the boat for an intimate Maine coast sail with your own group
Saco River 3-Hour Tubing Rental
Float past swimming holes and sandy beaches on a relaxed Saco River outing
Private 4-Hour Whale Watching Eco Tour in Maine
Private 4-hour whale watching cruise for up to 6
10-Mile Saco River Canoe & Kayak Rental
Spend a Longer Day Floating the Saco River to a Private Campground
Saco River Kayak, Canoe & Tube Rentals
Plan a flexible Saco River day with gear, access, and a river briefing
Private Lobstering & Sunset Cruise in Saco, Maine
Work lobster traps and cruise Saco Bay at sunset on a private boat for up to 6
Cruise Kennebunkport on a 2-Hour Private Sunset Tour
Take a private Maine sunset cruise for up to 6 guests
4-Hour Private Inshore Fishing Charter in Maine
Fish Maine’s inshore waters on a private 4-hour charter
Private Fly Fishing Charter in Kennebunkport
Fish the Saco River on a private fly-fishing charter for up to 2 guests
3-Hour Guided Sailing Cruise in Kennebunkport
Sail the Saco River and Saco Bay in a small group
Private 6-Hour Sailing Charter in Saco
More time to explore the Saco Bay coastline by private sailboat
Private 2-Hour Fishing Charter in Kennebunkport
Fish close to shore with your private captain, up to 6 guests
4-Hour Sailing Charter in Saco Bay
Sail Saco Bay with island, river, and coastal route options
Private 4-Hour Scenic Cruise in Kennebunkport
Cruise Maine’s coast on a private power boat with a custom route
2-Hour Private Sunset Cruise in Kennebunkport
Cruise Maine’s coast at sunset on a private boat for up to 6
Lobstering & Sunset Cruise in Kennebunkport
Learn lobstering on a private sunset cruise for up to 6