Maine White Water Rafting Companies
Maine Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting in Maine is an adventure and an experience you will never forget. The experience of rafting in Maine has come a long way in recent years. It was not too long ago that going rafting in Maine meant camping out in the great outdoors. A great experience mind you, as there is nothing quite like that campfire camaraderie. But it was an experience not for everyone. Today's rafters can still choose to campout, but rafters may also select from fine Bed and Breakfasts, wilderness lodges, private homes, log cabins and resort type settings.
What has not changed is the thrill of the Maine river ride. The day starts as you disembark from your shuttle that has brought you to the head of the river. Here your guide goes over the basics of your day and reviews rafting lingo and commands. You jump into your raft, and suddenly, you are off on the adventure of a lifetime. Sometimes you drift along in solitude enjoying the river, the wildlife and serene surroundings. You may even spy a Bald Eagle or a Moose grazing by the river. Other times you are paddling through Whitewater rapids and it is guaranteed you are no longer concerned about that long list of emails you have not attended to.
There is nothing quite like your day in the river, from the most peaceful serene moments to the heart pounding thrill of the rapids this is a once in a lifetime experience everyone deserves.
Maine whitewater outfitters offer trips on the Kennebec, Penobscot and Dead Rivers. Thanks to daily hydropower dam releases, Maine is the only state in the Northeast that can guarantee water levels even during the driest of summers. Rafting season begins May First and continues to mid-October. Outfitters provide a variety of outdoor adventures including overnight camping and rafting trips, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, guided hikes, mountain biking and fishing.
Maine White Water Rafting Companies
Rapids Classifications
Class I - Easy, no obstacles, small ripples, slow current
Class II - Moderate, occasional obstacles, medium current with waves
Class III - Difficult, longer rapids with strong, irregular currents
Class IV - Very Difficult, steeper, longer with numerous obstacles
Class V - Extremely Difficult, has large vertical drops, strong hydraulics, very swift, irregular currents in heavily obstructed channels
Class VI - Nearly Impossible and Very Dangerous. For teams of experts only, after close study and with all precautions taken.
The Maine Rivers for White Water Rafting
Kennebec River
The 12 mile Kennebec trip begins at Harris Station on Indian Pond and flows through the Kennebec Gorge ending at The Forks, the confluence of the Dead and Kennebec Rivers. Class II-V Rapids.
Penobscot River
The first 2 miles descend from McKay Station through Ripogenus Gorge. The last 12 miles of rapids end at the take out near Pockwockamus Falls. Class III-V Rapids.
Dead River
The Dead river offers the longest stretch of continuous whitewater in the East. The 16 mile trip begins at Grand Falls and runs through Class IV and V whitewater ending at The Forks.
