Saco River - Oxford, Cumberland and York counties

The Saco River - which flows through or along the border of the towns of Fryeburg, Denmark, Brownfield, Hiram, Baldwin, Cornish, Limington, Standish, Hollis, Buxton, Dayton, Biddeford and Saco - offers numerous short and long canoe or kayak trips suitable for paddlers of all ages.

With pebble and sand beaches all along its course, the Saco River winds gently through primarily rural countryside in southern Maine. Starting below the whitewater in Center Conway, N.H., it's about 7 miles to Swans Falls in Fryeburg, 19 miles from Swans Falls to East Brownfield and another 14 miles from East Brownfield to Hiram. River runners need to take out and carry their boats around Swans Falls in Fryeburg, Great Falls in Hiram, Steep Falls in Standish and Union Falls in Dayton.

Canoe and kayak rentals are available at several locations in North Conway and Center Conway, N.H., and some offer free parking, put-in and shuttle services for their customers. Overnight canoe camping trips are also an option. Google "Saco River canoe trips" to find out more.

Although the river is most heavily traveled in the Fryeburg region, Saco Bay Trails Committee recommends exploring the lower section of the river by putting in below Union Falls in Dayton and taking out before the dams in downtown Biddeford and Saco. For more information, visit www.sacobaytrails.org.

Notebook:

Wednesday, Aug. 6 -

Be sure to check river conditions before you go, as the rainy summer season has resulted in higher-than-usual water levels and swifter currents in some places, which may not be suitable for inexperienced paddlers or parties with young children.

Wednesday, July 30 -

Seven miles from Center Conway, N.H., to Swans Falls in Fryeburg with two kids under the age of 7 and a 3-year-old Siberian Husky. Necessary gear: Life jackets, sunscreen, water, snacks, swimsuits, towels, plastic bags and a leash. Optional gear: Hat, sunglasses, camera. Prerequisite: Courage.

[Quick-reference guide: Fee - YES (for equipment rental or private camp sites) | Dogs - YES | Kid-friendly - YES | Facilities - NO (although private campgrounds along the river do have restrooms and showers)]