New Meadows River

The Sawyer Park Boat Ramp in Bath offers a well-maintained cement launch facility for kayakers, canoeists, and small boats accessing the New Meadows River. The ramp is located near historic bridge ruins on the west bank and includes a town float for convenient access. Note that the staging area is relatively compact with rocky/muddy conditions, so plan accordingly if launching multiple vessels.

Paddlers should be aware of an overhead cable with 50-foot clearance located just above the bridge ruins—exercise caution when passing underneath. The New Meadows River's navigable portion extends roughly 10 miles, making it suitable for day trips and recreational paddling. The location is approximately 30 minutes north of Portland and provides access to a scenic river environment. Nearby, Pond Island National Wildlife Refuge offers historical interest with its lighthouse, originally operational since 1821.