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
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. 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!
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 Details
Difficulty
Class II-IV rapids
Distance
12 miles
Location
The Forks Adventure Resort
The Forks, Maine
Meeting Time
7:45 AM
Trip Duration
4-6 hours
Lunch
Full day trip with gourmet grilled lunch included.
Season
May – October
Trip Pricing
$79-$144 Per Person
Age Limits
10 on Upper Kennebec
8 on Lower Kennebec
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
The Forks Adventure Resort
Whitewater rafting trips on the Kennebec River are located at Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort in The Forks, with on-site Kennebec River Pub and Brewery, swimming pool, hot tub, and a wide selection of cabins and camping. Raft the Kennebec and Dead River, go ATVing, hike into Moxie Falls, and plan a lazy river afternoon river float- all in The Forks!
You may also be interested in…
Dead River Rafting
Ages 14+
Full Day Trip, 8 Scheduled Release Dates
15 miles of continuous class II-IV+ rapids. 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
- Is Whitewater Rafting Safe for Kids? A Mother’s Experience. - Read one mom's experience as she she takes her three children ages 10 to 15 on their first whitewater rafting trip!
- 3 Maine Family Vacation Ideas in the Outdoors - Maine has tons of awesome spots to vacation with your family, from Portland to Baxter State Park. Here are three of the best family vacation ideas in Maine!
- Whitewater Rafting, Waterfall Hiking – Rainy Day Fun - Whitewater rafting Maine's Kennebec River, and hiking to Moxie Falls, one of New England's highest waterfalls. Have fun outdoors no matter the weather with the right gear and the right people!