Saco River - Lovewell Pond to Brownfield Bridge

This easy paddling route starts in Lovewell Pond, connecting through a channel to the Saco River with some minor turns to Brownfield Bridge.
Trail Activity
Paddling
Length
5.10 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Easy
Town
Fryeburg
Surface
Water - Lake/Pond, Water - River/Stream
Pets
Permitted
Fees
Yes

Description

This Class 1 route begins by heading northeast 0.3 miles to a channel at the south end of the pond, with a sharp right turn into the channel.  The channel travels 0.8 miles to the Saco River. Head straight (south) onto the river, do not take a left.  The river continues with a few minor twists at the beginning for a majority of the time. Towards the end of this segements the river slowly meanders.

The take-out at Brownfield Bridge Landing is just before the bridge on the right side.

This section of the Saco River is very popular in the summer months so be prepared for crowds during that time, especially on weekends. For a quieter, more family-friendly experience try paddling in Spring or Fall, or on weekdays.

Other Information

NO DRINKING:

  • Alcohol is illegal anywhere on the Saco.
  • Maine state law prohibits drinking alcoholic beverages in public.
  • Any non-alcoholic beverages must be in reusable bottles, plastic, or cans. NO GLASS.

The Saco River is a wild and natural place. DO NOT LITTER, and please follow the leave no trace principles:

  • Pack out any trash you create. Dumpsters are at all pick up/take out points.
  • Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
  • Permits are required for all fires. DO NOT cut live trees, use down or dead wood for campfires. Fires on sand bars only.
  • Human waste must be buried in at least 6 inches of soil, not in the sandy beaches.
  • Respect wildlife.
  • Be considerate of other visitors. Keep noise level low.
  • Plan to be off the river well before dark.
  • Please remove all plants from your canoes, trailers and other equipment before launching to help prevent the spread of invasive species, and please recreate responsibly!

Trail Manager

For additional information, please visit the Town of Fryeburg website, or contact:

Town of Fryeburg

Town of Fryeburg
16 Lovewell Pond Road
Fryeburg, ME 04037
Phone: (207) 935-2805
townmanager@townoffryeburg.org
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Nearby Events

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Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Find out about and follow any local regulations and respect landowners’ property.
Legend
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Trailhead Information

PUT-IN, LOVEWELL POND
Coming from the south from US-302 (Main Street) in downtown Fryeburg, head northeast on Main Street toward Oxford Lane.  Turn right onto ME-113 / ME-5 S  (Portland Street), continue for 3.3 miles, then turn left onto Fish and Game Road.

Coming from the north from US-302 (Main Street) in downtown Fryeburg, head southwest on Main Street toward Stuart Street.  Turn left onto ME-113 / ME-5 S (Portland Street), continue for 3.3 miles, then turn left onto Fish and Game Road.

There is limited free day and overnight parking available at the Lovewell Pond Boat Ramp.  Please park well off the side of the circle and do not block or park near the boat launch. Public bathrooms are available.

TAKE-OUT, BROWNFIELD BRIDGE

From US-302 (Main Street) in downtown Fryeburg, head east on ME-113 / ME-5 S  (Portland Street) for 6.8 miles. Take a left onto Misty Lane and go 0.2 miles. Turn left on ME-160 N and go 0.6 miles to the Brownfield Bridge Landing. The Landing is just before the bridge on the left.

The Brownfield Bridge Landing is managed by the Saco River Recreational Council.  Parking and access is $10, or free for Brownfield residents (with ID).  Passes can be obtained at Swan's Falls in Fryeburg or at Woodland Acres Campground. Public restrooms are available.

You will have to carry your canoe or kayak a short ways at both the put-in and take-out points.

There is no uber or reliable taxi service in the area.  If you plan to leave your vehicle at your desintation, make sure you have a parking pass or park in the area that allows overnight parking. If you are using a shuttle, it must pre-arranged with local services in the area.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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