Maine's Kennebec Valley

Instagram Facebook-f Youtube Pinterest

Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater Rafting on the Kennebec and Dead Rivers in The Forks.
Courtesy of VisitMaine.com

The waters of the Kennebec and Dead Rivers undoubtedly offer some of the best whitewater experiences in Maine and the East Coast. During scheduled whitewater releases from May to October, visitors will find reliably excellent whitewater with the choice of rafting companies that offer an experience suitable for every level of skill and bravery.

Not to worry if you can’t make it on a special release date; the Kennebec River releases a guaranteed minimum of 4,800 CFS during the season. A favorite rapid on the Kennebec River called Magic Falls is always Class IV. Spring, Summer, or Fall, there will never be a dull day’s rafting in Maine’s Kennebec Valley.

The Kennebec River

With incredibly telling names for many of its more famous rapids, like Magic Falls or Maytag, a day of whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River will offer lots of thrills. With daily releases from Harris Station Dam, plus four (4) releases of 8000 cfs, every guide that works these waters knows how to deliver an outstanding run.

2023 Special Releases

  • Saturday, June 10 – 8000 CFS
  • Monday, July 3 – 8000 CFS
  • Saturday, September 9 – 8000 CFS
  • Saturday, September 23 – 8000 CFS
Rafting the Kennebec River in the Forks

The Dead River

With a drop of over 400 feet over the course of 13 miles, the Dead River is the longest stretch of continuous whitewater in the Northeast. A somewhat secluded river riddled with huge, fun holes and pour-overs that make rafting ridiculously fun. Rapids range from Class II at the sub-1800 cfs flows to Class III up to about 3500 cfs. Class IV rafting happens several times during the season, during the turbine tests at the Long Falls Dam.

2023 Special Releases

  • Saturday, May 6 – 6000+ CFS
  • Saturday, May 13 – 6000+ CFS
  • Saturday, May 20 – 6000 CFS
  • Sunday, May 28 – 6000 CFS
  • Saturday, June 3 – 4000 CFS
  • Sunday, September 3 – 5500 CFS
  • Saturday, October 10 – 6000 CFS
  • Saturday, September 16 – 3500 CFS

Request a Visitor Guide

Download the Explorer App

sign up for emails

Try a Float Adventure

Several outfitters in the region also offer a few slightly slower options for getting on the region’s rivers. Take a Guided Tubing trip; this is a great way to cool off on a steamy summer day and spend a little time reconnecting with family and friends as you float along. You might want to try inflatable kayaks or “FunYaks,” which resemble kayaks but are inflatable and have open cockpits. Suitable for all ages, no experience is required.

Tubing on the Kennebec River

Whitewater Rafting Outfitters

To satisfy visitors’ thirst for adventure, Maine’s Kennebec Valley boasts a number of rafting outfitters offering a wide range of services and amenities. This makes it easy to find a fit for adventurers of all ages and skill levels. Some offer convenient day trips, while others provide visitors access to an unlimited variety of outdoor experiences, lodging, dining, and even craft breweries.

White water rafting with friends

Adventure Bound is Maine’s only youth and family adventure vacation destination. Whether it’s a one-day or multi-day Maine white water rafting trip on the Kennebec or Dead rivers, a day of rock climbing, inflatable kayaking, ropes course, or a custom package tailored to suit your group or family, an Adventure Bound experience will last a lifetime.

1094 US RT 201, Caratunk, ME

Bullfrog Adventures, led by Registered Master Maine Guide Steve Toothaker, offers guided canoe, kayak, and tubing trips. Day trips and rentals, as well as overnight canoe camping adventures, are available.

745 US Route 201, Caratunk

Family-run Crab Apple Whitewater has offered whitewater rafting adventures in Maine on the Kennebec and Dead Rivers since 1983. Their riverside location cannot be topped with popular Kennebec River trips floating right to their base camp. They also offer riverside lodging, a comfortable pub and restaurant, and an outdoor pool. 

3 Lake Moxie Road, West Forks

 

Rafting the Kennebec River and Dead River is an outdoor adventure you must experience at least once in a lifetime and a great way to bond with family and friends. Magic Falls Rafting Company offers whitewater rafting, float tubing, lodging, camping, and group discounts. 

 38 Dead River Road, West Forks 

Maine Whitewater offers affordable and fun adventure vacations for families, groups, and individuals, including white water rafting, ATVing, fishing, biking, hiking, snowmobiling, cabin rentals, tent camping, RV camping, and dining!

Gadabout Gaddis Airport, 36 Main St, Bingham

North Country Rivers is Maine’s premier outdoor adventure vacation resort providing fun and exciting outdoor adventure trips: whitewater rafting, ATV tours, kayaking, snowmobiling, wildlife watching tours, hiking, local waterfalls, biking, disc golf, fishing, and more, along with a full–range of accommodations and dining packages.

36 Main St, Bingham

Northern Outdoors is a prime location for adventuring in the Upper Kennebec Valley. With whitewater rafting on Maine’s class IV and V rivers, miles of ATV trails, world-class fishing, waterfall hikes, and private cabins, you’ll never run out of outdoor adventures to choose from. At the end of the day, refuel at the brewpub and kick back by a campfire.

1771 US Route 201, The Forks

Three Rivers specializes in offering whitewater rafting trips for family vacations, team-building activities, youth group adventures, corporate retreats, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and more. There is plenty of Serious Fun for everyone. If you are looking for a genuine outdoor experience in Maine, you have come to the right place.

2265 US-201, West Forks

Northeast Rafting is located in the premier spot for whitewater rafting and outdoor adventures in The Forks, Maine! Formerly known as U.S. Rafting, now under new ownership, the staff at Northeast is committed to providing an outstanding guest experience both on and off the water.

2981 US-201, West Forks

Scroll to Top