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
Chance of rainTips 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
Sail Saco Bay on a 4-Hour Cruise
Sail longer and see more of Saco Bay on a half-day trip
Sail to Wood Island Lighthouse Tour From Kennebunkport
Sail to Wood Island and tour inside the lighthouse and keeper’s house
Lobstering & Scenic Cruise in Biddeford
Private lobstering and scenic cruise for up to 6 on Saco Bay
Cruise the Saco River & Saco Bay on a 2-Hour Sail
Sail Maine’s coast in a small group of 6 or fewer
Sail on a Private 2-Hour Charter in Maine
Reserve a private sail for up to 6 on the Saco River and Saco Bay
Explore Maine Lobstering & Scenic Cruise in Saco Bay
Private lobstering cruise for up to 6 on a 27-foot boat
Private 4-Hour Whale Watching Eco Tour in Maine
Private 4-hour whale watching cruise for up to 6
Maine Lobstering & Sunset Cruise Private Charter
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
Sail to Wood Island Lighthouse Private Tour in Maine
Sail to Wood Island and tour inside the lighthouse and keeper’s house
4-Hour Private Inshore Fishing Charter in Maine
Fish Maine’s inshore waters on a private 4-hour charter
5-Hour Private Offshore Fishing Charter In Maine
Fish offshore from the Saco River on a private 5-hour charter
3-Hour Private Sail in Kennebunkport
Charter your own sailboat for up to 6 on the Saco River and Saco Bay
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
6-Hour Private Sailing Charter in Kennebunkport
Sail for 6 hours with your private group of up to 6
Private 2-Hour Scenic Cruise in Kennebunkport
Customize a private 2-hour Maine coast cruise for up to 6 guests
Private 2-Hour Fishing Charter in Kennebunkport
Fish close to shore with your private captain, up to 6 guests
Private 4-Hour Sailing Charter in Kennebunkport
Sail Saco Bay for 4 hours with your private group of up to 6
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
Private 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Charter in Kennebunkport
Fish Saco Bay on a private 4-hour charter for up to 6 guests
Customize a Private 4-Hour Saco Bay Charter
Cruise Saco Bay on a private boat and choose scenic cruising, lobstering, or fishing
Private 2-Hour Scenic Cruise in Coastal Maine
Customize a private Maine coast cruise for up to 6 guests
Customize a 4-Hour Private Lobstering & Fishing Tour
Private 4-hour Saco Bay boat charter for lobstering, fishing, and coastal views
Fish Saco Bay on a Private 2-Hour Charter
Private 2-hour fishing charter for up to 4 on a 27-foot boat