Rafting in Maine

Virtually all of Maine's white-water rafting takes place on the dam-controlled Kennebec and Dead rivers, which meet at The Forks, about 30 miles from Greenville on the eastern edge of Western Maine, and on the West Branch of the Penobscot River, near Millinocket in the North Woods. Guided single- or multiday excursions run rain or shine daily from spring (late April on the Kennebec, May on the Dead and the Penobscot) to mid-October. On family-friendly rafting trips you can explore some of the gentler river stretches.

Maine is New England's premier destination for the sport, which is why thousands of people come here every year to ride the waves. The Kennebec is known for abundant big waves and splashes; the Dead has New England's longest stretch of continuous white water, some 16 miles. The most challenging rapids are on the West Branch of the Penobscot River, a Class V river on the southern border of Baxter State Park outside Millinocket.

Many rafting outfitters operate resort facilities in their base towns. It's not uncommon for outfitters to run trips in both the Millinocket region and The Forks. North Country Rivers, based south of The Forks in Bingham, and New England Outdoor Center, outside Millinocket, are leading white-water-rafting outfitters.