Kayak The Saco River In New Hampshire For A Scenic, Relaxing Adventure
By Michelle|Published July 10, 2020
×
Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
When the summer arrives we find ourselves on a constant quest for outdoor fun! Lucky for us it’s not hard to find here in New Hampshire. Whether you love the beach, visiting lakes or simply strolling through the woods, there’s something for everyone here. And while we’ll never turn down any opportunity for adventure, we especially appreciate the ones that take us on a paddle.
Running straight through Conway, the Saco River might be one of the best natural attractions in the state. While many of the rivers here in New Hampshire feature quick water and rocky bottoms, this one is wide, flat and fabulously slow. It’s perfect for folks who are looking for a lazy way to enjoy a nice day on the water.
The pace of the water hovers around 3 m.p.h. depending on recent weather. Heavy rain might impact it slightly, but no matter what you’ll still be dealing with an easy, relaxing river trip.
Most trips down the river are between 1 and 11 miles, making this the kind of adventure you can customize. Just have a few hours? Stick to a short route. Want to spend the day? Do a hearty 11 miles of this beauty.
If you have your own kayak, bring it. If not, there are lots of places in nearby Conway that can rent you something for a few hours or the day. And many will even arrange the transportation you need to and from the river. We love that this part of the river is oh-so clear and there are lots of sandbars and beaches to spend time at.
If you’re looking to make this a more exciting adventure, you’ll find things like the First Bridge to jump from. While this area of the river is deep enough for a jump, always remember to check the water level first. That goes for anywhere you’ll be jumping.
