Saco River
Carroll Co. · 84 mi · Class I–III
1,430CFS/ 4.24 ft
Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 400–2000 CFS · USGS #01064500
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
New Hampshire Rivers Management Program · White Mountain National Forest
The most popular canoe river in New England. The Saco flows from Crawford Notch through the Mount Washington Valley, offering sandy beaches, warm summer swimming, and gentle Class I–III rapids through the White Mountains. Multi-day camping trips on river sandbars are a New England rite of passage.
Trip sections
Crawford Notch to North Conway — Class II–III, mountain headwaters
North Conway to Fryeburg ME — Class I, sandbar camping classic
Fryeburg to Hiram ME — Class I, lower river
Outfitters
Saco Bound
New England canoe institution since 1969, Center Conway
Canal Bridge Canoes
Saco River trips from North Conway
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.