Whitewater Rafting
The Upper Kennebec Region from Bingham to Jackman is whitewater rafting territory. The town of The Forks, nestled around the confluence of the Dead and Kennebec Rivers, is Maine’s rafting Mecca. Over a dozen outfitters provide rafting trips along with guided outdoor adventures, canoeing and kayaking, inflatable kayak trips, hiking, rock-climbing, ropes courses, fishing, wildlife and bird watching.
Over 60,000 passengers a year paddle down the Class II-IV rapids of the Kennebec and Dead Rivers. Thanks to water releases from hydro-dams, Maine’s rafting season lasts from May to October. The Kennebec River water flow is a minimum of 4,800 cfs daily, producing waves of nearly 5 feet through the magnificent evergreen laden gorge. The 12 mile trip begins at Harris Station Dam on Indian Pond and flows for 6 miles of Class IV rapids – The Taster, Big Mama, Three Sisters and the famous Magic Falls. The remaining 6 miles of the trip features smaller rapids and ends in The Forks. The Dead River offers the longest stretch of continuous whitewater in the East. The 16 mile trip begins at Spenser Stream and runs through Class IV-V whitewater to The Forks.
River trips are full day trips beginning between 7 and 9a.m. and ending between 3 and 4 p.m. Outfitters provide transportation to and from the base facility to the river, PFD’s, helmets, paddle, pre-trip orientation, guided trip down the river, snacks, a hearty open grill meal and a post-trip slide and video show of you adventure. Rafts carry between 6 and 10 persons with an 8 person raft being the most common. Many outfitters offer row frame trips which are a bit more relaxing and a great way for passengers to view the scenery as the guide does all the steering and paddling.
To protect the environmental quality of its wilderness rivers, Maine limits the number of rafters each day. It is a good idea to make reservations in advance. Rafters should bring a bathing suit, wool or polar fleece, secure sandals and a change of clothes. Wetsuits spray jackets and booties are available to rent. Trips to rain or shine and rafters are going to get wet!
Most outfitters offer complete adventure resorts with a variety of lodging from primitive camping and canvas platform tents to modern cabins, lodges, motels and inns. Restaurants serve family style meals, pub food and fine dining entrees. The Forks is home to a micro-brewery and evening entertainment ranges from volleyball to live bands.
