Hiram Dam, Hiram Maine to Bonny Eagle Dam (ME35)- 25 1/4 Miles

The Saco River has a large watershed, and it is a fairly large river. The rapids are much more difficult in high water, especially at Limington Rips, which generate big waves. This portion of the river is used much less frequently than the section preceding it. The water is not as clear as it is near Fryeburg, but the scenery is comparable. The occasional rapids are a feature not found on the section from Center Conway to Hiram.

In the late spring when water levels are generally medium, canoeists can make a nice 20 3/4 mile run by starting at Kezar Falls, running Ossipee River to the Saco River near Cornish, and then continuing down the Saco to the NH 25 bridge in East Limington.

From Hiram there is flatwater for 2 3/4 miles to Great Falls Dam (Hiram Hydroelectric Project). CAUTION! In high water, go left of an island after a sweeping left turn. You should land on the right above the dam portage along the trail there. Central Maine Power has put in two new trails in this area: one leads to a scenic overlook, and the other is a nature trail.

Two-thirds of a mile below Great Falls dam there is a Class I rapid at a short left turn. Quickwater continues past the mouth of the Ossipee River (5 3/4 mi) to the Maine 5/117 bridge in Cornish (6 1/4 mi).

There are riffles just past the Cornish bridge. After 2 3/4 miles, you reach Old bald Rapid, a short class II pitch with large waves in high water. There are more riffles in the remaining 5 1/2 miles to Steep Falls.

Steep Falls (14 3/4 mi) is a dangerous 7-foot drop, which MUST BE PORTAGED! You are apt to come upon it suddenly, especially in the fast-moving current of high water. Be alert for the sound of falling water, a glimpse of a house on the left bank, or the sighting of a green girder bridge below the falls. WHEN YOU NOTICE ANY OF THESE, PULL TO THE LEFT WHERE THERE IS A SHORT PORTAGE. After the falls, there is 1/4 miles of rapids. Class II in low water, but rougher in high water. The rapids continue under the bridge and past the remains of a dam.

Below Steep Falls, riffles continue intermittently for 1 mile followed by almost 3 miles of quickwater to Parkers Rips, a short Class II rapid near a house on the right where the river swings left. In 3/4 mile, you reach Limington Rips, a 1/2 mile set of Class II rapids in low water, but Class III with heavy waves in medium water.

The left-hand side of the island requires more maneuvering and is usually used in low water. The drop is steeper on the right, but scouting is easier, and the shore closer in case of mishap. The take-out above the rapid is also on the right to the road immediately adjacent. The hardest section of this rapid is near the end, below the ME 25 bridge (19 3/4 mi).

Just past Limington Rips, the Little Ossipee River enters on the right (20 mi). A deadwater continues for the remaining 5 3/4 miles to Bonny Eagle Dam (25 1/4 mi) just below the Maine 35 bridge. Take out on the right near the power house. If you are continuing down the river, portage beyond the building about 50 yards to a set of steps that lead down past a wellhouse on the river.

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