Canoe Trip 3 Day Itinerary
Itinerary Note
Note – we put some scheduled times in here just to give you some ideas. You can pick and choose what you want to do. Be sure to look at when they are open and if there are any COVID restrictions. In fact, it would probably be a good idea to call any that you plan to visit just to be on the safe side.
Map of the Saco River Canoe Trip
Overview
The Saco River is a great spot for canoeing and kayaking trips. This itinerary follows the River Run Canoe & Campground’s canoe trip, “Campin’ and Fishin’.” The trip is a 33-mile, 13 hour trip from Swan’s Falls to Hiram that has been broken down into three days. Visit their website for more information and details!
Day 1
Breakfast at the Sugar Shack Cafe
9 Depot Street, Brownfield, ME 04010 | (207) 935-4997
Begin your trip at the Sugar Shack Cafe for a delicious breakfast before heading out on your canoe trip.
Brownfield Country Market
1 Birch Lane, Brownfield, ME 04010 | (207) 935-6071
Stop at the Brownfield Country Market for some food for your trip. Be sure you have items for breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus snacks, plenty of water, and anything else you might need.
River Run Canoe & Campground
191 Denmark Road, Brownfield, ME 04010 | (207) 452-2500
Head to the River Run Canoe & Campground to start your canoe trip. They offer canoe and kayak rentals, and shuttles for starting or ending your trip. Be sure to call ahead for rentals, and for more detailed information on canoe trip guides.
Swan’s Falls
Your trip will begin at Swan’s falls, where you’ll canoe for 3.8 miles until lunch.
Lunch and break at the Canal Bridge
Take a break at the Canal Bridge as seen on the map, where you can rest and have lunch.
Walker’s Bridge
Continue canoeing until you reach Walker’s Bridge, which is 7 miles from the Canal Bridge. Here is where you’ll stop for the night. Set up camp, make dinner, and relax!
Day 3
River Run Canoe & Campground
Have breakfast and pack up your camp before heading out for the last stretch of your trip. Overall, this stretch of the trip is 13.8 miles, so be sure to stop somewhere around the halfway point.
Find a spot for lunch
Unlike for the previous two days, there isn’t much for big spots to stop for lunch. Instead, seek out a beach area where you can pull off and make your own spot!
Finish your canoe trip in Hiram
Once you reach Hiram, around Route 117, your trip will be finished! Use River Run’s shuttle to return your canoes and get back to your car.
Dinner at The Back Burner Restaurant & Tavern
109 Main Street, Brownfield, ME 04010 | (207) 935-4444
After finishing your 3-day trip, head to the Back Burner Restaurant & Tavern for a delicious dinner with a scenic view.
Camping Recommendations
Be sure to look ahead of time where you are able to camp out! Many small beaches along the Saco River allow you to, but it’s best to find out ahead of time just to be safe. For more information on camping during your trip, check out the Saco River Recreational Council’s website.
Alternatives in Brownfield
Day 2
Walker’s Bridge
Have breakfast and pack up your camp. Make sure you have everything before continuing on your trip! From here, you’ll canoe 4.7 miles to Lovewell Pond.
Lovewell Pond
Stop at Lovewell Pond for lunch and to rest a bit. Then, continue on to River Run Canoe, a 3.9-mile trip.
River Run Canoe & Campground
Finish your day at the River Run Canoe & Campground. Here, you’ll find more proper campsites. Set up camp, make dinner, and relax! If you’re only looking for a two-day trip, this would be a great place to end your trip back where you began.
Packing Checklist
The weather in Maine can be unpredictable. Therefore, here are some ideas to be prepared. Wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers, Maine is very casual, so you probably will not find any restaurants that require formal attire.
Spring/Summer/Fall: clothes, comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes for walking, sun hat, sunscreen, sweater or jacket, insect repellent, toiletries, and phone/camera
Winter: clothes (layers), ski pants highly recommended, winter boots, jacket, hats, scarves, gloves, warm socks, toiletries, and phone/camera. Please pack a helmet if you are participating in snowmobiling, skiing, or snowboarding.