Love Maine Trails month is coming in June! Learn more about how you can participate.

Saco River - Canal Bridge to Walker's Bridge

This beautiful, easy paddle, surrounded by trees and nature as it twists and turns, starts and ends under bridges.
Trail Activity
Paddling
Length
7.00 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Easy
Town
Fryeburg
Surface
Water - River/Stream
Pets
Permitted
Fees
Yes

Description

This gorgeous segment of the Saco River has many twists and turns as it meanders down the Saco River.  The paddling route takes approximately 3 hours.

This Class 1 paddling route begins by passing under Canal Bridge. 2.6 miles from the bridge, there is a channel on the right; stay left here to follow the main flow of the river.

At the end of this route the river passes under Walker's Bridge. The take-out is at a sandy area just after the bridge on the left.  Boats must be hand-carried up a very small beach hill.  

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
View website

Nearby Events

VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

Trail Tips

Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack it in, pack it out. This goes for trash, leftover food, toilet paper, and hygiene products. If you brought it into nature, please bring it out.
Legend
Hide All

Trailhead Information

PUT-IN, 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.

TAKE-OUT, WALKER'S BRIDGE
From US-302 (Main Street) in downtown Fryeburg, head northeast on Main Street towards Bridgton Road.  Turn right onto US-302 E (Bridgton Road). The take-out is just over the bridge on the right.

From US-302 (Bridgton Road) inEast Fryeburg, head southwest on US-302 W toward Stanley Hill Road.  The take-out is just before the bridge on the left.

Walkers Bridge is a privately owned landing.  If you plan to leave a car there, a parking pass can be obtained on site.

You will have to carry your canoe or kayak down a short path/beach 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
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
These awesome businesses support our goal of connecting people to outdoor adventures in Maine!
Hang Tight!
Nearby services are loading
No Results
No Services Found
SHARE THIS TRAIL

Add Trail Log

Please wait…
Join In on the Fun!
Log in or create an account below to unlock all the great features of Maine trail finder: keep track of trails you want to do, preserve memories of trails you’ve done, earn badges, and more!
Your log in attempt was not successful. Please try again.
    Lost your password? Reset your password
    Don't yet have an account?
    There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.
      * Indicates required field
      Already have an account? Login here
      Enter your username, and we will send you a new, randomly generated password to your email account.
      There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.

        Success! A new password has been emailed to you.

        Log in now

        Please wait…