Planning a Trip to Saco River
Being Prepared Is YOUR Responsibility
Proper planning and preparation is the first principle of the Leave No Trace code of conduct. Ask yourself the following questions before getting on the river:
- Where are you entering and exiting the river?
- Do you know how long it will take to reach your take-out location?
- How will you return to your vehicle?
- Does everyone have a life jacket?
- Are you familiar with local laws and regulations regarding boating and fishing?
- Have you checked current weather and river conditions?
- Do you have supplies to pack out or bury human waste?
Sound Stewardship
The Saco River ecosystem is diverse and beautiful, but also fragile. Visitors can easily cause erosion, trample vegetation, displace wildlife, and pollute waters. While enjoying the Saco River, please follow these seven Leave No Trace principles.
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you are visiting. Prepare for extreme weather and emergencies. Schedule trips to avoid times of high use and visit in small groups. Use plastic containers for beverages. Glass is banned on the river.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Travel on the water and put ashore only at durable sites. The area along the banks of the river (the riparian zone) is fragile; it is best to put ashore on non-vegetated beaches, sandbars, or sites below the high water line. Good campsites are found, not made, and altering a site is not necessary.
Dispose of Waste Properly
Dumpsters are available at all access points. Do not burn or bury trash! To pack it in and pack it out, you need to include trash, litter, leftover food and garbage. Latrines are also available at all access points. If facilities are otherwise not available, human waste should be deposited in “catholes” dug 6 to 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from the water. Carry wash water away from the river, use biodegradable soap, and dispose of the impacted soil at least 200 feet from shore or other nearby water sources.
Leave What You Find
Leave natural objects (like rocks and plants) as you find them. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Clean off watercraft, trailers, and any equipment that has come in contact with another body of water before launching. Equipment should also be cleaned upon removal.
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Fire permits are required on the Saco River and can be obtained at Swan’s Falls Campground or Quinn’s Jockey Cap Country Store in Fryeburg. Fires are to be built on sandbars and beaches only. They are NOT allowed in the woods or above the banks under any circumstances. Keep fires small, and burn only locally sourced wood to prevent the spread of unwanted invasive forest pests. It is illegal to transport wood into Maine. Feel free to use anything that is dead, downed, and reasonably small, but do not cut anything living or standing. Fires are to be put out completely with water, not sand, and the cooled ashes should be scattered.
Respect Wildlife
Treat the river bank with care. Do not pick or trample plants or flowers. Respect the wildlife. View from a safe distance and never feed.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
When on the river, do not land on posted private property. Respect other visitors and the quality of their experience. Be courteous, keep voices, music, and other noise at a reasonable level, and camp away from other groups when possible. Please clean up after yourself! It is a privilege to be able to camp along the river and we do not wish to have all land owners post their property because of a few bad apples.