Kennebec River Turbine Test

Four special releases each year on the BIGGEST white water in Maine, and TWO different ways to experience it! HIGH water, HUGE waves, and TONS OF FUN… don’t miss rafting the Kennebec River Turbine Test 8,000+ CFS release dates based out of our adventure resort in THe Forks, Maine. Choose from full or half day trips!

Kennebec River High Water Rafting: Maine’s Biggest Whitewater Experience

During a turbine test, Brookfield Power tests their generating turbines by releasing the maximum amount of water possible from Harris Station Dam. Kennebec Turbine Test rafting trips enjoy 8,000+ cubic feet per second (cfs) water flows, which is nearly DOUBLE the Kennebec River’s normal whitewater rafting release volume. They let us know these dates ahead of time so we can let YOU know! If you love whitewater action, you will want to be on one of these special Turbine Test release trips–only 4 per season!

Turbine Test: Full Day

Your Day Rafting Kennebec River High Water

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.

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. This aggressive, high-adventure whitewater rafting trip races through the beautiful Upper Kennebec Gorge with non-stop action and huge waves. The Kennebec broadens after a brief stop for a snack, into the fast-moving lower section surrounded by forests and wildlife. Enjoy incredible scenery, exciting rapids and plenty of opportunities to float in the water and see wildlife such as eagles and osprey diving for fish!

Northern Outdoors’ rafting trip takeout is only a few miles up the road from our resort. After a short ride to The Forks Adventure Resort, you’ll enjoy a classic grilled lunch and microbrew at the Kennebec River Pub & Brewery including steak, salmon, chicken, or veggie burger grilled over a hardwood fire, accompanied by stir-fried rice, salad, dessert, and beverages. After lunch the 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!

Double Trouble: Half Day

Your Day Rafting a High Water Double Trouble

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.

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. This aggressive, high-adventure whitewater rafting trip races through the beautiful 4 mile Upper Kennebec Gorge with non-stop action and huge waves. These top 4 miles are jam packed with whitewater- and lucky for you, you get to do it again! Your trip pulls over at Carry Brook Stairs and hikes OUT of the gorge, back onto the bus, and back up to the top to do it all over again! After the second run, your crew gets out at the stairs, back on the bus, and back to the brewpub.

Note- this trip does NOT go to our riverside lunch spot, and does not do the lower river float out.

The double trouble trip is a half day, jam packed with adventure- so your group hikes out of the gorge at Carry Brook Stairs and back onto the bus. It’s a 25 minutes bus ride back to the lodge, where the hot tub, or a dry change of clothes, and the Kennebec River Pub & Brewery is waiting for you. If you’re interested in watching the action, keep your eyes on the Bingo Hall- the guides put on a slideshow of photos and video of you conquering the whitewater that’s sure to have some epic hits!

Kennebec River Turbine Test Trip Information

Location: The Forks Adventure Resort
1771 US Route 201, The Forks, Maine 04985

Meeting Time: 7:45 AM

Difficulty: Class III-IV rapids

Trip Duration: 3-6 hours

Distance: 4-12 miles

Season: 4 Releases Per Year

Trip Pricing: $149+ Per Person

Age Limits: 14 Minimum Age

2025 Kennebec River Turbine Test Releases

June 14th 8000 CFS $149 Book Now
July 7th 8000 CFS $149 Book Now
Sept 6th 8000 CFS $149 Book Now
Sept 20th 8000 CFS $149 Book Now
Rafting trip prices do not include taxes and $5 pp state river fee. Prices subject to change at any time.

Registered Maine Guide: Professional whitewater guide licensed by the State of Maine to guide you down the river.

Lunch: Full day trip only. Snack provided on both trips.

Transportation: to river & back from Northern Outdoors

Rafting Equipment: Raft, paddle, helmet, PFD (Personal Floatation Device)

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

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.

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Availability Calendar

Prices do not include taxes and fees


SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
COLOR KEY:  AVAILABLE | LIMITED AVAILABILITY | VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITYSORRY, UNAVAILABLE

2025 Kennebec River Turbine Test Releases

June 14th 8000 CFS $149 Book Now
July 7th 8000 CFS $149 Book Now
Sept 6th 8000 CFS $149 Book Now
Sept 20th 8000 CFS $149 Book Now
Rafting trip prices do not include taxes and $5 pp state river fee. Prices subject to change at any time.

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