Peter Stern
New York (not exactly an outside mecca)
iampeter@msn.com

New Hampshire's Saco River is perfect for a long weekend: 43 miles of flatwater canoeing and riverside camping

This three-day, 43-mile flatwater paddle starts in Center Conway, winds through a wide valley of lush green forests and farmlands, crosses the Maine border, and winds up in the small town of Hiram. The water's clean and shallow, and you can picnic and camp almost anywhere. Best of all, you'll have only two portages to contend with--one optional 20-yard end run around the remains of a wooden dam at Walker's Falls, and a mandatory 300-yard schlep around the mini-hydro dam at Swan's Falls.

Bring your fishing rod and bathing suit, since brook trout and bass are abundant, as are swimming holes and riverside beaches. Be sure to check out the mile-long side channel to Lovewell Pond--about 21 miles downstream from Center Conway, for spectacular views of Mount Washington and other peaks in the Presidential Range. When it comes time to pitch your tent, you'll have your pick of four commercial campgrounds, two Appalachian Mountain Club campsites, or any one of the many unposted sandbars from the Maine state line to Hiram.

For rentals and shuttles, try Saco Bound (603-447-2177), Canal Bridge Canoes (207-935-2605), Saco River Canoe & Kayak (207-935-2369), or River Run (207-452-2500). For more information, contact the Appalachian Mountain Club, or check out "Our Favorite Places" in Outside's summer 1996 Family Vacations guide.