Run New England’s Biggest Whitewater–the Dead River
THE DEAD RIVER IS A LIMITED RELEASE RIVER, WITH ONLY 8 DAYS OF RAFTING EACH SEASON
Are you ready to ride some seriously huge whitewater with thrilling class 3, 4 and 5+ rapids? Then make your plans to raft the Dead River! This dam-controlled river has only 8 releases per season from below Grand Falls to the confluence of the Kennebec and Dead rivers. And it’s just a short shuttle drive
Your Dead River trip builds in intensity with great warm-up rapids at the top, and culminates in the class 4-5+ Poplar Hill Falls at the end. Prepare yourself for gorgeous scenery–especially when the leaves turn into vivid reds, oranges and yellows. The trip ends just 5 miles upstream from our Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort, where you’ll enjoy a classic grilled lunch after the trip. Frosty microbrews are also available at the Kennebec River Brewery. Not into HUGE whitewater? Book a lower-volume summer release. Whatever you do, reserve your ride on the Dead River soon before all 8 releases rush right by you!
Increase your adventure fun by adding hiking and hut stay with our Dead River Hike & Raft Package
High Adventure Sports Rafts
High Adventure Sport Rafts available on ALL Dead River trips at no extra charge. Book early, limited supply. They intensify your whitewater experience!
Specially designed for a livelier ride, these rafts are shorter (13 ft vs 16 ft), narrower, and have a smaller tube diameter that puts you up close and personal with the river. Only 4-6 guests, plus a guide, fit in a high adventure sport raft (our normal-size rafts take 8 guests, plus a guide). Be sure to ask for this option when you make your reservation. These sports rafts are recommended for experienced paddlers only, minimum age of 15. In the event of epic high water (e.g., spring runoff), we require the normal 8-person larger rafts–trust us, you’ll want ’em!
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Choose from 3 Trip Options on the Dead River:
Standard Raft – Full-Day Trip (Standard-size rafts for 8 guests plus a guide)
Sport Raft – Full-Day Trip (Diablo high-adventure rafts for 4-6 guests plus a guide)
Sport Raft – Summer Flow Trip
Dead River Release Schedule:
MAY RELEASES
- Sat, May 7: 7000+ cfs
- Sat, May 14: 7000+ cfs
- Sun, May 29: (Memorial Weekend) 5500+ cfs Spring Raft ‘n Brews Weekend
JUNE RELEASES
- Sat, June 4: 5000 cfs
- Sat, June 11: 3500 cfs Summer Flow Trip (Standard: High Adventure Sport Rafts)
SEPTEMBER RELEASES
- Sun, Sept 4: (Labor Day Weekend) 5500 cfs
- Sat, Sept 17: 3500 cfs Summer Flow Trip (Standard: High Adventure Sport Rafts)
OCTOBER RELEASE
- Sat, Oct 1: 6000 cfs Octoberfest Fall Raft ‘n Brews Weekend
cfs = cubic feet per second, a measure of release volume
Trip Details
Experience
Fun Posse, Explorer
15
Miles
15
Minimum Age
Trip Location
Meeting Time
7:30 AM
This is a full day trip with lunch included after the trip back at lodge.
Rapids Class
3-5
Wetsuit rentals |
Full Suit $20; Farmer John $10; Top Half or Paddle Jacket $5; Booties $5 |
Reviews
Awesome time on the rapids. First time rafting, went on the Dead river on the first trip of the season. Had a great time, Mary was the best guide. She was funny and also kept us safe. It was a great bachelor party trip.
David L.
Chelmsford, MA
High Adventure Sport Rafts!
Free sport raft upgrade for adrenaline seekers only! Available daily Spring & Fall, weekdays only Summer. Request at booking.
Resort Facilities
Finish (or start) your rafting trip at our Adventure Resort right here in The Forks. From cabin tents to deluxe cabins, you can choose a lodging option that suits you best. Resort amenities include a hot tub, game room, on-site brewery, full-service restaurant and swimming pool.
