The Best Maine Rafting Trips

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Theodore "Ted" Jenkins

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The best Maine rafting trips would include whitewater rafting at Kennebec River, Dead River, and Penobscot River. Rafting trips in Maine are perfect for everyone, which includes individuals, couples, families, and various youth and scout groups. Whether you are an experienced rafter or a novice, Maine rafting experience will be an experience you will carry for a long time. You do not need to bring your own equipment as everything can be rented at the many rafting resorts.

Most of the resorts offer facilities, such as restaurants and pubs, private indoor and outdoor changing facilities, washrooms, hot showers, hot tubs, cabin rentals, hiking and biking trails, and ample parking space.

Maine White Water Rafting
The best time to experience whitewater rafting in Maine is from May through October, due to the optimum water flow resulting from scheduled water release from the dam. Paddling down Penobscot River, you will experience unforgettable scenery under Mt. Katahdin. The upper gorge of the Kennebec River also offers a similar amazing experience.

Kennebec River Whitewater Rafting – You can experience many class IV rapids during the first 4 miles of the run that include "Big Mama," "Whitewasher," and "Magic Falls." The run at Kennebec River starts from the Harris Station Dam after which the river becomes fast paced, increasing your excitement. Amidst beautiful wilderness, there are 9 miles of class II and III whitewater runs after the Gorge run.

Dead River Whitewater Rafting – It offers a continuous run of 16 miles of class IV whitewater experience in remote wilderness. The Dead River had fewer dam releases as compared to Kennebec River and Penobscot River, due to the shallow lake above the dam. You can experience a quieter rafting experience in summer due to the ‘moderate’ water release, whereas during the spring and fall, the large release of water offers a real strenuous whitewater experience.

Penobscot River Whitewater Rafting – Penobscot River offers numerous class III, IV, and V rapids through the Baxter State Park, amidst the awe inspiring Mt. Katahdin. The ‘West’ branch is considered the ultimate in whitewater experience. The complete run is run in two sections.

The "Ripogenus Gorge," which contains two class V rapids, and the many class III and IV rapids, which include the "Exterminator" and "The Crib Works," is in the upper section of the run. The class III and IV rapids, which include "Abol Falls, "Nesowadnehunk Falls," and "Pockwockamus Falls" are in the lower section of the Penobscot River rafting run.

The Maine rafting trips offer a truly challenging experience!