Kennebec River Rafting
Maine’s most popular whitewater rafting trip, the 12-mile Kennebec River, is an ideal river adventure for everyone from first time rafters to whitewater junkies. Raft through the spectacular rock-walled upper Kennebec River Gorge with playful rapids and big waves before the Kennebec broadens after lunch, into the easygoing lower section surrounded by forests and wildlife.
Whitewater Rafting on the Kennebec River: Maine’s Most Popular White Water Trip
The Kennebec River in The Forks, Maine offers consistent class 2-4 whitewater rafting spring, summer, and fall. It’s one of the best family adventures or group vacations you’ll ever take, with a perfect balance of adrenaline-pumping whitewater and relaxing floats. Paddle through the Kennebec River gorge, eat a grilled riverside lunch in the fresh outdoor air, and meander around river bends back to our adventure resort in The Forks!
Your Day Rafting the Kennebec River
Trip Itinerary
Morning Check in
Whitewater rafting trips on the Kennebec River gather at The Forks Adventure Resort at 7:45am for a safety orientation, paddling instructions, and to gear up before the short ride to Harris Station Dam.
Your River Trip - Including Lunch
Upon arrival at the Dam, your Registered Maine Whitewater Guide will lead you and your crew into the granite walls of the upper Kennebec River gorge where you’ll ride an action-packed sequence of class 3 and 4 rapids. Water and weather permitting, when the river mellows your raft pulls over to our private, riverside beach for a cookout with steak, salmon, chicken, or veggie burger grilled over a hardwood fire, accompanied by stir-fried rice, salad, dessert, and beverages. After lunch, we hop back in our rafts to float the scenic lower Kennebec River, with plenty of time for swimming and floating – and a little whitewater, too!
Post River Trip
Northern Outdoors’ rafting trip takeout is only a few miles up the road from our resort where guides put on a slideshow of photos and video of you conquering the whitewater. Grab a craft beer, kick back, and get ready to laugh!
Kennebec River Rafting Trip Information
Location: The Forks Adventure Resort
1771 US Route 201
The Forks, Maine 04985
Meeting Time: 7:45 AM
Difficulty: Class II-IV rapids
Trip Duration: 8 hours
Distance: 12 miles
Season: May-October
Trip Pricing:
Starts at $83+ Per Person
50% Off Kids, Mon – Fri
View daily prices
Age Limits:
10 on Upper Kennebec
8 on Lower Kennebec
Registered Maine Guide: Professional Whitewater Guide, licensed by the State of Maine, to guide you down the river.
Lunch: Grilled riverside lunch, including your choice of steak, chicken, salmon, or veggie burger, alongside rice, salad, and dessert.
Transportation: Bus transportation to Harris Station Dam, the put in for the Kennebec River, and back, leaving from Northern Outdoors in The Forks.
Rafting Equipment: Raft, paddle, helmet, PFD (Personal Floatation Device). Wetsuit rentals available.
What to Wear: Water-friendly clothing & shoes – here is our full list of recommended attire!
Wetsuit Rental: Available to rent at the front desk the morning of your trip. Options include:
- Top Half (full neoprene) $5
- Bottom Half (overall-style pants, full neoprene) $10
- Splash Jacket (light rain and windproof covering) $5
- Booties (full neoprene shoes) $5
Kennebec River rafting trips are located at Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort in The Forks, with an on-site brewpub, swimming pool, hot tub, and a wide selection of cabins and camping.
Pricing & Availability
Kennebec River Rafting
Kennebec River Rafting is class II-IV whitewater rafting for ages 8 and up. Check available dates, and be sure to look at specials (like kids rafting discounts, Maine Day specials, and Heroes discounts) before booking your trip!
Choose a 13′ sport raft for a wilder ride! Sport rafts seat 6 people instead of the standard 8 and are available for an extra $15 pp.
Rafting trip prices do not include state river access fees, $5 pp. Prices subject to change at any time.
Too many options? We’re here to help. Give our reservation team a call to book your reservation. 207-663-4466
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