Whitewater Rafting in Maine

Perhaps it is not your sport, but if it is, you are in luck... because white water rafting in Maine is awesome!

Whether you are tubing down the Penobscot River, the Kennebec River, or the Dead River, you will find Maine whitewater rafting to be...

...some of the best whitewater rafting in New England, AND the United States.

With dam controlled high water you can be assured of a great experience on rivers that offer Class I through Class V rafting. They provide fantastic opportunities for solo or couples rafting trips, as well as family white water rafting vacations.

White Water Rafting in Maine Rivers

Although Maine is well notated for its dozens of lighthouses, sandy beaches, and rocky shorelines, the central and western parts of the state have a much different story to tell.

Boasting mountains, lakes, rivers and streams...

...the Maine Lakes and Mountains region, and the Kennebec and Moose River Valley region, provide an inviting sportsman's paradise. And it is here where most Maine white water rafting expeditions begin.

Dead River - With thirty rapids along a nearly 14 mile stretch - from Spencer Falls to West Forks - Maine's Dead River provides the longest and most continuous section of whitewater rafting in New England.

During Maine's rafting season, the Dead River has high water released on specific dates (typically 10 times per season), with higher releases generally during May, early June, September and October. It is at these times when the largest number of rafters ascend on the area.

Penobscot River - Whitewater rafting in Maine can be at its most spectacular, and challenging, on the Penobscot River. Referred to as the most technical rafting river in Maine, a combination of rapids and still pools combine with stunning scenery to make this a very popular rafting destination.

In Penobscot River's South Branch Section, and located in the remote wilderness of northwestern Maine, is Canada Falls. ;The falls are steep, technical, challenging and exciting.

In the West Branch of the Penobscot River are the Seboomook Section (also known as the Penobscot River Roll Dam Section) and the Ripogenus Gorge. Although the Seboomook can be great for Maine family rafting the Gorge is where the river is most turbulent. It dives 70 feet per mile through a narrow granite walled canyon, spilling into the Class V Exterminator and Staircase rapids and creating an extreme whitewater rafting experience.

With Class II and Class III rapids, Lower Penobscot River provides suitable family rafting fun as it makes its way along the banks of Baxter State Park, home to Mount Katahdin.

Kennebec River - Probably the most popular of the rivers for whitewater rafting in Maine is the Kennebec River. Running approximately 7 miles through a narrow canyon, the beautiful Upper Kennebec Gorge has fast moving water that at times hits the Class IV mark.

The Lower Kennebec Gorge is an easier and more relaxing section to navigate, with most rapids in the Class II to Class III range.

Whitewater Rafting in Maine Vacations

During the Maine rafting season - from mid-April to mid-October - a wide variety of Maine whitewater rafting vacation packages are offered through numerous Maine sports outfitters.

Many of the outfitters listed here offer not only half-day and full-day rafting trips, and overnight rafting expeditions...

...but also wide ranging packages for other Maine outdoor activities. Sport-fishing, whitewater kayaking, canoeing, hiking, mountain climbing and rock climbing, backpacking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and moose hunting sightings, are just some of their likely offerings.

Adventure Bound - Caratunk, ME
888-606-RAFT (7238), 207-672-4300
www.adv-bound.com

Magic Falls Rafting - West Forks, ME
800-207-7238
www.magicfalls.com

Maine Whitewater - Bingham, ME
800-345-6246
www.mainewhitewater.com

Moxie Outdoor Adventures - The Forks, ME
800-866-6943, 207-663-2231
www.moxierafting.com

North American Outdoor Adventure - West Forks, ME
800-RAPIDS-9 (800-727-4379), 207-663-4472
www.nawhitewater.com

North Country Rivers - Bingham, ME
800-348-8871
www.northcountryrivers.com

Northeast Guide Service - Greenville, ME
888-484-3317, 207-787-4437
www.northeastguideservice.com

Northern Outdoors - The Forks, ME
800-765-7238, 207-663-4466
www.northernoutdoors.com

Penobscot Adventures - Bingham, ME
877-356-9386
www.penobscotadventures.com

The New England Outdoor Center - Millinocket, ME
800-766-7238
www.whitewaterraftingmaine.com

Three Rivers Whitewater - The Forks, ME
877-UGO-RAFT (877-846-7238)
www.threeriverswhitewater.com

Windfall Outdoor Center - Jackman, ME
800-683-2009
www.windfallrafting.com

Maine Guides - www.maineguides.com

Referring to itself as "the largest index of Maine Recreational Guides on the Internet", Maine Guides is a great trip planning resource for whitewater rafting in Maine - and for any other outdoor Maine activities.

Maine Guides can ensure that you are properly outfitted for your whitewater rafting adventure and that you choose the right river location for the age group and ability of your party. They will also provide you with whitewater rafting safety tips, and for the curious... whitewater rafting history information.

Do you know someone who offers whitewater rafting in Maine and would like to be on this list? Please let me know!