In terms of numbers of paddlers, the sandy Saco River is tops in Maine. In fact, it has a reputation for sometimes being too popular, especially midsummer days with drenching sunshine. Like yesterday. But when I took my kayak down the Saco yesterday, I saw only three other boats.

The Saco River is tops in Maine for popularity among paddlers.
Scott Andrews photos

Canoeing the Saco yesterday.

In fact, on the 14-mile stretch between Route 160 in Brownfield-Denmark and Route 117 in Hiram, I didn't see any other paddlers.

I enjoyed hours of solitude with a northwest wind mostly at my back, helping push things along.

Lots of flowers too. Wish I knew what these are!

Lots of flowers were blooming along the river and its banks.

A pair of canoe rental companies/campgrounds are located on either side of the Route 160 bridge. River Run is on the Denmark side, while Woodland Acres is on the Brownfield side. Phone numbers are 452-2500 and 935-2529 respectively.

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