Mousam River in Maine

Trip Overview

A 2 hour trip on the tidal portion of the Mousam River in Kennebunk, ME.

We put in at the mouth of the river where it empties into the Gulf of Maine. The launch site can either be the beach right at the mouth or into the river itself. Take the Parsons Beach Road to the end where it becomes a private road and all will be obvious. Best to plan on a trip early or late in the day or off season as there are less than a dozen parking spots.

This is best paddled near the top of the tide so that you can float up with the tide and then back down again. A pleasant and peaceful escape in southern Maine. The tidal portion of the river is just 3 miles to the head of the tide.

We did it on a spring day when the open water was windier than we felt comfortable with. Homes along the river are set back and well screened from the river. Two bridges to paddle under including one road and one railroad.

Accommodations:

Parking (12 spots); Porta-Potty

Fees:

No

Directions:

I-95 to Wells, Maine; North/East on US1/ME9 through Wells bearing right on ME 9 when they diverge just north of the village.Travel 2 miles east on ME 9 to the junction with Parsons Beach Road (right) If you cross the Mousam you went too far. Half a mile to Parsons Beach where the road turns private. A dozen parking spots

Resources:

A very brief mention in "Kayaking the Maine Coast."

Only picked out the parking from Google Earth.