Epic Travel → North America → The Northeast → New Hampshire → Saco River Kayaking

Location: Center Conway, New Hampshire

Time Required: 1 hour – multi-day trips

Red Tape/Notes: Reservations are recommended for July and August; other times of year reservations are likely not required

What’s Nearby?: Covered Bridges of Bath, Arethusa Falls, Frankenstein Trestle, Diana’s Baths, Mount Washington, Echo Lake State Park

This activity can either be as relaxing or as challenging as you want. If you just want a quick paddle, you can take a 3 mile cruise down the river, or you can do a multi-day expedition to Hiram, Maine (around 30 or 40 miles, depending on your departure point). It’s also great for families – multiple companies offer canoe, kayak, and tube rentals at easy put-ins on the edge of the river and regular shuttles at the exit points to collect you. There are very few rapids in the most frequently traveled sections of the river, so it’s not an adrenaline-filled trip – if you’re looking for a workout, paddle hard. Otherwise, just cruise the river and enjoy the scenery. I highly recommend finding a nice secluded sand bar (you’ll probably find more solitude further down the river) and bringing snacks or a picnic lunch. We found an awesome spot with great sand and warm water perfect for relaxing. We could hear people kayaking by saying “wow, what a great spot! Next year let’s stop here.” Here’s hoping they won’t remember, or else we’ll have to find a new awesome spot.

We used Saco Bound for our kayak and canoe rentals and thought they were totally fine. I read online where a bunch of people were mad that it was hard to find the put out location and thought it should have been signed. These people are probably not the Intrepid sort. I didn’t think it was that hard to find (they do provide directions), and honestly I think having to look around for these things is part of the fun – sort of like a treasure hunt for the exit point.

Epic Travel → North America → The Northeast → New Hampshire → Saco River Kayaking