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The First Rafting Outfitter in Maine

Maine Rafting History Kennebec River


Northern Outdoors - Pioneers In Maine Rafting Since 1976.

In 1976 we ran the very first rafting trip on the Kennebec River, and the first rafting trip in the state of Maine. We dodged a few logs that year, as active logging continued through 1976 on the Kennebec. We didn’t wear helmets; we didn’t have self-bailing rafts; we had unsightly life jackets, and we fell in love with the river, the rafting, the excitement, and the beauty. Folks thought we were crazy at the time. Rafting was in its infancy in the US, with just a handful of outfitters opening their doors from 1969 through the 1970s in the West and Southeast.  We changed our name from Kennebec Whitewater Expeditions to Northern Outdoors in 1983 to reflect the company's new year-round direction.

Year-Round Great Maine Adventure Vacations

Here's a video overview of everything happening here at Northern Outdoors!



Key Dates In Northern Outdoor's History

  • Kennebec Rafting History

    1976 - Ran the first rafting trip ever on the Kennebec River.
  • 1976 - Ran first rafting trip ever on the Penobscot River that fall.
  • 1978 - Ran first rafting trip ever on the Dead River
  • 1978 - Switched from heavy wooden paddles to lightweight plastic paddles.
  • 1982 - Started to offer helmets on the river.
  • 1983 - Built Main lodge at the Forks Resort.
  • 1983 - We changed our name to Northern Outdoors .
  • 1983 - We become a year-round resort, are the first to hire year-round staff, and offer snowmobiling in winter.
  • 1988 - Built the Logdominiums.
  • 1992 - Built the Crying Loon Cottage.
  • 1994 - Switched to self-bailing rafts on the river.
  • 1996 - 2000 Building more and more cabins!
  • 2002 - Purchased wilderness campground and cabins at the Forks Center.
  • 2005 - Purchased Eagle Cove Lakeside Cabins on Wyman Lake.
  • 2008 - Added kid-sized paddles on the Kennebec River, developed geocaching program, and connected ATV trail direct to The Forks Resort lodge


Setting Maine Rafting Standards for Safety, Training, Excellence


When we say we set the standards of whitewater rafting in Maine, we did! There was no-one else on the river! Today we continue to set the standards and raise the bar for excellence in outdoor recreation and adventure, on and off the river. Our professional and dedicated staff members are the reason for our continued excellence and innovation.

Our Year-Round Staff

maine rafting school groups Our commitment to having the best outdoor adventure company in Maine was the driving force behind our establishment of a year-round, four season adventure company. We wanted to hire the best staff and give them year-round employment in order to hold onto them and give them more career opportunities.  More about our Staff.

Today, the key members of our salaried guide staff have over 100 years of combined guiding experience in Maine. For them, Northern Outdoors isn't just a seasonal job, it's their career, and their dedication is one of the biggest reasons why Northern Outdoors is the most successful outfitter in the Northeast.

Northern Outdoors Maine Adventure Resort As we enter our fourth decade, our commitment to providing guests with a superior quality outdoor recreation experience is a thriving, year-round business. Every year almost 20,000 guests choose Northern Outdoors for their adventure vacation in whitewater rafting, ATVing, hiking, teambuilding, fishing, hunting and snowmobiling.

We invite you to experience for yourself the Northern Outdoors difference. Come celebrate 33 years of Maine’s great outdoors with us.

Warm regards,

 
Suzie, Jim, and Russell
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Live Music at The Forks Resort

Enjoy live music every weekend at Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort. View the Live Music Events Calendar now.

Fall Value Season Specials

Enjoy Maine's fabulous Fall with up to 35% savings off regular summer rates on rafting and lodging this fall!
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Maine ATV Trails at Northern

Find out what DirtTrax TV says about Northern Outdoors ATVing in Episode 6 Online. Plus, new ATV Area Map.
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Kennebec River Brewery

Our on-site microbrewery makes handcrafted tasty ales like the favorite Magic Hole I.P.A.
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Maine Vacation Cabins

Book your 2010 Maine Vacation package and perfect cabin(s) for your party. Easy, fast.
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Rafting Pricing

View Kennebec, Penobscot, and Dead River Rafting pricing information. Be sure to check out rafting specials too!
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Buy Your Lakeside Cabin in Maine

Unique opportunity to buy a cabin or guest house on beautiful Wyman Lake at Eagle Cove Condominiums. Click for Details

Over the years I've been to Portland on work assignments; however, I've never seen much of Maine. For years several close friends here in Chicago have strongly recommended we take a family vacation to your state. Further, they insisted that we connect with Northern Outdoors and try river rafting. This summer was our first vacation to ME and we all enjoyed it! I'm blessed with three bosses (Wife and Two Daughters/ Ages 10 and 13) and struggle to find activities that everyone enjoys. Your river trip tops the list of all time family best activities.
Pete M -Chicago, IL

It is evident that your staff really enjoys their work and take great pride in going that extra mile. We were blown away by how much fun we had, and how professionally and smoothly it was delivered.
Tom F - Biddeford, ME



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Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway • 1771 US Route 201 ~ PO Box 100 • The Forks, Maine 04985
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