Dead River Rafting
Hayden’s Landing, Mile-Long, and Big Poplar are just a few of the class IV+ rapids that come to greet you when rafting this 16-mile stretch of the Dead River. Beginning just below Grand Falls and ending in The Forks, whitewater rafting on the Dead River is a truly remote and wild Maine experience.
Whitewater Rafting on the Dead River: New England’s Most Continuous Whitewater
Get ready to ride some seriously huge whitewater with thrilling class 3 and 4+ rapids on the most continuous stretch of whitewater in Maine! The dam-controlled Dead 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 from the Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort where the brewpub awaits your return.
Your Day Rafting the Dead River
Morning Check in
Whitewater rafting trips on the Dead River gather at The Forks Adventure Resort at 8:00am or 8:30am for a safety orientation, paddling instructions, and to gear up before the ride to the Dead River put in.
Your River Trip
After your ride to the Dead River put-in location, just below Grand Falls, you will meet your Registered Maine Whitewater Guide and hop on the river. Your Dead River trip builds in intensity with great warm-up rapids at the top, and culminates in the class 4+ Poplar Falls at the end. Prepare yourself for gorgeous scenery–especially when the leaves turn into vivid reds, oranges and yellows during Last Blast in October!
Post River Trip- Including Lunch!
The trip ends just 5 miles upstream from our Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort, where you’ll enjoy a classic grilled lunch of steak, salmon, chicken, or veggie burger served alongside fried rice, salad, and dessert. Also at our adventure resort? Craft beer from our very own Kennebec River Brewery! After lunch, your guides put on a slideshow of photos and video of you conquering the whitewater so grab a craft beer, kick back, and get ready to laugh!
Water Level Matters!
The Dead River at 5,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) and higher is made for the adventurous souls. It’s high volume, with big waves and fun rapids all throughout the 15 mile river trip. For an even wilder ride, request the 6 person “Sport Raft” for no extra cost!
The “summer flow” trip, under 4,000 CFS, is slower-moving, a bit more low key, but still has some solid class III rapids. This trip is geared more toward first-time Dead River folks who want to dip their toes in before committing to the big flow.
Dead River Rafting Trip Details
Difficulty
Class III-V rapids
Distance
16 miles
Location
The Forks Adventure Resort
The Forks, Maine
Meeting Time
8:15 AM
Trip Duration
4-6 hours
Lunch
Full day trip with gourmet grilled lunch included.
Season
Spring & Fall
Trip Pricing
$89-$134 Per Person
Age Limits
14 Minimum Age
What to Wear
Water-friendly clothing & shoes
Wetsuit Rental
Available after morning meeting
Full Suit $20
Farmer John $10
Top Half or Paddle Jacket $5
Booties $5
2022 Dead River Releases
|
May 7th |
6000+ CFS |
$89 |
|
|
May 14th |
6000+ CFS |
$89 |
|
|
May 21st |
6000 CFS |
$89 |
|
|
May 29th |
6000 CFS |
$109 |
|
|
June 4th |
4000 CFS |
$79 |
|
|
Sept 4th |
5500 CFS |
$134 |
|
|
Sept 17th |
3500 CFS |
$79 |
|
|
Oct 1st |
6000 CFS |
$99 |
All river trips have the options of our 13′ Sport Rafts for a wilder ride. Seats 6 – ask for this option when you make your reservation, and book early!
Availability Calendar
Prices do not include taxes and Maine Dead River Access Fee of $12.50 per person
The Forks Adventure Resort
Whitewater rafting trips on the Dead River are located at Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort in The Forks. Think: cold, craft beer in the hot tub after your trip, wide selection of private cabins, riverside campground, and fun events every weekend!
You may also be interested in…
Kennebec River Rafting
Ages 10+
Full Day Trip, May-October
Class IV rafting, perfect mix of splashy waves and relaxing floats. Located at The Forks Adventure Resort.
Kennebec Turbine Test
Ages 14+
Full Day Trip, 4 Scheduled Release Dates
High water trip with class IV+ rapids on the Kennebec River. Located at The Forks Adventure Resort.
Penobscot River Rafting
Ages 14+
Full Day Trip, May-October
Class V river, traveling in the shadows of Mount Katahdin. Located at Katahdin Adventure Basecamp.
Maine Adventure Travel Guide
- Spring Whitewater Rafting in Maine: The Dead River - There's no better way to kick off rafting season than with 16 miles of continuous whitewater, a rowdy river adventure that delivers some of the best rafting in New England!
- 5 Things to Do in Maine in the Fall - Adventuring to Maine in autumn is a no brainer: with 90% forest cover, Maine's fall foliage is INCREDIBLE! But, what's the best way to see it all? Whitewater rafting, ATVing, and more make our top 5 list of the BEST things to do in Maine in the fall!
- Last Blast on the Dead River: The Fall Rafting Finale - It’s the final Dead River release of the year. The river will be running at 6000 cubic feet per second. The guides’ excitement is palpable — October may just be the most spectacular time on the river.
