A River Set Free in Downtown Westbrook
Westbrook was originally called Saccarappa, after the falls that run through the middle of it. For more than two centuries those falls were dammed. The Presumpscot River drove the mills that built the town, and a dam at Saccarappa Falls held back the water and blocked sea-run fish from moving upriver. That changed in 2019, when crews began removing the Saccarappa Dam, and for the first time in over two hundred years the Presumpscot flowed freely over the falls through the heart of the city.
The dam removal was the result of a long campaign by groups like Friends of the Presumpscot River and the Conservation Law Foundation, and an agreement with the mill owner, Sappi, to take out the dam and provide fish passage. The work was tied to a deadline to have passage operational for the spring 2021 fish runs. What you see now is much closer to the river’s natural cascade over the ledges, restored in the middle of a working downtown.
Viewing
This is an in-town waterfall, not a hike. The Westbrook River Walk follows the south bank of the Presumpscot behind the downtown buildings, passing both calm stretches and the falls themselves, just west of Bridge Street. Small pocket parks along the riverwalk give you places to stand and watch the water drop over the ledges. Interpretive signs cover the mill history and the restoration.
The bigger story here is the fish. The agreement called for a ladder-style fishway around the falls to let sea-run species, river herring, American shad, and others, return to upstream habitat that had been closed off for generations. In good spring runs, tens of thousands of river herring move through the Presumpscot’s fishways. Late spring is the time to look for them.
Time a spring visit to the river herring run, usually in May, and you may catch fish working their way up around the falls. Pair it with a stroll on the rest of the Westbrook River Walk, which links several pocket parks along the downtown waterfront.
Getting There
Saccarappa Falls is in downtown Westbrook on the Presumpscot River, just west of Bridge Street, about fifteen minutes from Portland. Park downtown and walk to the river; the River Walk and pocket parks run right along the falls. There is no fee.
Westbrook’s downtown has restaurants and shops within a block or two of the river, so the falls fit easily into an afternoon in town.
When to Visit
Spring
Snowmelt and rain put the Presumpscot at full force, and the fish runs are on. May is the time to see both strong flow and migrating river herring.
Summer
Lower but still flowing, since this is a sizable river. A pleasant downtown stop and riverwalk stroll.
Fall
Flow rebounds after autumn rain, and the river corridor gets some foliage color. Quieter than the spring fish-run season.
Winter
The falls run through winter and partly ice over. The riverwalk can be snowy and slick; watch your footing.
Because the Presumpscot is a substantial river, the falls run year-round rather than drying up like a small brook. Spring is still the standout, both for water volume and for the fish.
Packing List
Saccarappa Falls Visit
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Binoculars to watch for fish during the spring run
- Comfortable walking shoes for the riverwalk
- A layer for the breeze off the river
FAQ
When was the Saccarappa Dam removed?
Removal began in mid-2019 and the work to restore fish passage was tied to a deadline for the spring 2021 fish runs. The Presumpscot now flows freely over the falls for the first time in over two centuries.
What fish use the Saccarappa fishway?
Sea-run species including river herring and American shad. The fishway lets them return to upstream habitat on the Presumpscot that dams had blocked for generations.
Where do you view the falls?
From the Westbrook River Walk and pocket parks along the south bank of the Presumpscot River in downtown Westbrook, just west of Bridge Street.
Is there a fee or parking?
There is no fee. Park downtown and walk to the river; the falls are right beside the riverwalk.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring, for the strongest flow from snowmelt and rain and for the river herring run, usually in May.
For more nearby, see the Presumpscot River and the Back Cove Trail in Portland.
