Saco River Kayaking
NileGuide Expert Says:
This is a great kayaking trip with its different perspective on more typical paddling sojourns.
Address:
61 Front Street
Portland, Maine 04072
Phone:
207-282-4191
Description:
This location offers an intriguing twist to your traditional paddling excursion. Kayakers are provided convenient entry to the Saco River via the Saco municipal boat launch, which is located beside the Saco Yacht Club at 61 Front Street. Setting off within a small cove, you'll immediately notice the opposite shore which features the rooftops of long closed mills – once the heart of Saco's industrial legacy. Before exiting the cove, you'll see the artificial waterfall on your right which now provides electrical power for the regional grid. It's thunderous roar and cascading waters are especially compelling as you paddle onwards. Turning right and paddling for several minutes, you enter a wide basin which is bordered by the now closed mills. These towering structures create a canyon-like feel that is almost haunting. You almost feel insignificant in the midst of these massive brick edifices. Along the way, you can paddle up to cavernous passageways used by the mills to empty used water into the basin. In the opposite direction, away from the mills, you'll paddle along marshy islands featuring birds, towering trees and majestic stands of sea grass that are in stark contrast to the symbols of America's industrial age. For kayak rentals, check out Coastal Maine Kayak (www.coastalmainekayak.com) in nearby Kennebunkport.
Map:
