Center Conway, NH to Hiram Dam, Maine - 43 1/4 Miles

The river is clearest in the 17 1/2 miles from Center Conway to the confluence with the Old Saco. In this section of the river, the current is stronger, the river generally shallower. The banks more open, and the sand bars more numerous. As you approach and pass the Old Saco entering from the North, you will notice that the banks are more heavily forested and the water darker.

Just below the US 302 bridge near Center Conway, soon after the river flows between the abutments of the old covered bridge, there are some Class II Rips that are bony in low water. The remaining 9 miles to Swan's Falls are mostly quickwater. The main highway approaches the river across from McSherry's Nursery (3 1/4 mi). The next landmark is Weston's Bridge (6 3/4 mi). Westin's Bridge and Beach is the Fryeburg town beach. There are organized swimming lessons and activities in the river every day, so canoeists are advised to stay far right on the outside of the curve. In another 3 1/4 miles is Swan's Falls (10 mi), where there is a dam that should be approached cautiously in high water. Portage is on the right.

About 1 mile past Canal Bridge (14 mi), the river swings to the north and a stream enters on the right. The stream can be followed upstream about 100 yards or so to Bog Pond, a small secluded body of water. The next landmark is the Old Saco (17 1/2 mi), which enters on the left.

The Old Course of the Saco, was once the channel of the river. The Saco River today follows a canal dug in 1817 for flood control. The western end of the Old Saco is still silted in, but the eastern portion still drains Kezar Lake.

From the Old Saco (17 1/2 mi) quickwater continues for 6 miles past Walker's Bridge, US-302 (21 mi), and the outlet to Pleasant Pond (23 1/4 mi) to Walker's Falls (23 1/2 mi) where the short, easy rapids become flooded out at high water. Pleasant Pond is very close to the river and provides good views of the mountains.

Two miles below Walker's Falls the outlet from Lovewell Pond enters on the right. Then the Saco meanders, passing to the west of Brownfield Bog Wildlife Management are, which is a nesting area for ducks, great blue herons, bald eagles, and other colorful and rare birds. The Inland Fishery and Wildlife Department has set up rookeries here in an attempt to encourage nesting. Below the ME 160 bridge (29 1/2 mi) the river continues to meander for the next 13 3/4 miles to Hiram.

CAUTION! Once you have passed through Hiram, you will go under a bridge and the town will be visible. After a 2 3/4 mile stretch, you will come upon the Great Falls Dam (Hiram Hydroelectric Project)...this is a very dangerous Portage in High Water! Once you see the sign, go immediately over to the right. The portage is on the far right of the entrance to the dam...you only have a few feet before you go over the dam. This is a very long and rugged portage (1/4 mile). Camping is excellent on the sand bar and beach below the falls. This is an excellent fishing hole for Atlantic Salmon and a great place to swim! Fire permits can be obtained from the local General Store in Hiram if you did not get a fire permit in Fryeburg or North Conway.

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