Saco River - Swan's Falls to Canal Bridge

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Swan's Falls is a popular entry point to the Saco River for recreationalists. This route is about 1.5-2 hours of paddling and includes a few very subtle twists and turns.

Trail Activity

Length

3.80 miles, One Way

Difficulty

Easy

Town

Fryeburg

Surface

Water - River/Stream

Pets

Permitted

Fees

Yes

Details
Trail Map
Directions
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Details

Description

Beginning just after Swans Falls, this easy Class 1 paddle takes about 1.2-2 hours to complete.

This section of the Saco River consists of very large meanderings through mostly slow, easy water. At the end of this segment there is a bend in the river. Shortly past this bend is Canal Bridge. The take-out at Canal Bridge Landing is on the right bank of the river.

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

Canal Bridge Campground and Fiddlehead Campground are located by Canal Bridge Landing. They are private campgrounds, if you plan to stay there you will need to reserve ahead of time.

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
16 Lovewell Pond Road
Fryeburg, ME 04037
Phone: (207) 935-2805
townmanager@townoffryeburg.org
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Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Be prepared for emergencies. Pack extra clothing, food, and water and also a flashlight, first aid and repair kit, matches/fire starters, whistle, signaling mirror, and pocket knife.

Trail Map

Directions

Trailhead Information

PUT-IN, SWAN'S FALLS (189 Swans Falls Road)
From downtown Fryeburg coming from the south, head northeast on US-302 (Main Street) toward Silver Parkway. Turn left onto Swans Falls Road and go 0.7 miles to the take-out on the right.

From downtown Fryeburg coming from the north, head southwest on US-302 (Main Street) toward Ballard Road. Turn right onto Swans Falls Road and go0.7 miles to the take-out on the right.

Maintained by the Saco River Recreation Council, parking for entering at Swan's Falls Canoe Access point is $10, or free for Fryeburg residents (with ID). Passes can be obtained at Swan's Falls Campground store. Public restrooms are available.

Canoes/kayaks must be hand-carried down a short path to the river.

TAKE-OUT, CANAL BRIDGE LANDING 2144 Main Street)
From ME-5 (Main Street) coming from the south, head northeast on Main Street toward Portland Street. Continue straight onto ME-5 N/Main Street. The landing is on the left about 0.4 after passing the Fryeburg Transfer station, just before the bridge.

From ME-5 (Lovell Road) coming from the north, head south on ME-5 S toward Penny Lane. After going over the bridge the landing is on the left.

Parking and access to the river from Canal Bridge Landing is $10, or free for Fryeburg residents (with ID). Passes can be obtained at Swan's Falls Campground store.

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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