Penobscot River Rafting

14 miles of stunning scenery, a steep granite gorge, endless forest, class 5 rapids, rafting over waterfalls, floating past Mount Katahdin, crossing under the Appalachian Trail, on the edge of Baxter State Park. We first rafted the West Branch of the Penobscot River in 1976, and we’ve been perfecting our trip since then. Join us for a classic top to bottom river run, and one of Maine’s most epic outdoor adventures.

Whitewater Rafting on the Penobscot River: Maine’s Wildest River

Whitewater rafting trips on the Penobscot River meet at the Katahdin Adventure Base Camp, located at at the Big Moose Inn in Millinocket, Maine. Camp here or relax in a lakeside cabin, both within walking distance to two lakes, two restaurants (with a rooftop bar), and the meeting place for our Penobscot River whitewater rafting trips. The Base Camp sits just outside of Baxter State Park on Millinocket and Ambajejus Lakes, with pontoon boat moose tours right out your front door. Learn more about cabins and camping at the Big Moose Inn, and rally your crew for the best whitewater rafting in Maine!

Your Day Rafting the Penobscot River

Morning Check in

Whitewater rafting trips on the Penobscot River gather at The Katahdin Adventure Basecamp in Millinocket, Maine at 7:00am for a safety orientation, paddling instructions, and to gear up before a bus ride to the Penobscot River put in location.

Your River Trip- Including Lunch

A short ride up the Golden Road from our Katahdin Adventure Base Camp, you will meet your Registered Maine Whitewater Guide and launch your raft into the steep rock walls of Ripogenus Gorge, through the class V rapids of Exterminator and The Cribworks, to raft surfing at Big Amberjack. After a riverside lunch with steak, salmon, chicken, or veggie burger grilled over a hardwood fire, accompanied by stir-fried rice, salad, dessert, and beverages, get ready to tackle the 12′ drop over Nesowadnehunk Falls! This spot, endearingly referred to by river guides as the “whitewater playground”, is a fan favorite, where rafters spend time going over the waterfall, surfing, or watching all the action! But it’s not over yet- there are still two class IV rapids, Abol and Pockwockamus, before you take your raft out at Never’s Corner. Whew- it’s a busy, but FUN day!

Post River Trip

The rafting trip takeout is a short drive away from the base camp near Millinocket, Maine. Less time on the bus = more time on the river… and what a river it is! Back at base, your guides put on a slideshow of photos and video of you conquering the whitewater so grab a beer, kick back, and get ready to laugh!

Penobscot River Rafting Trip Details

Difficulty

Class III-V rapids

Registered Maine Guide Badge

Distance

14 miles

Location

Katahdin Adventure Base Camp
Millinocket, Maine

Meeting Time

7:00 AM

Trip Duration

4-6 hours

 
Lunch

Full day trip with gourmet grilled lunch included.

Season

May 25 – Sept 2

Trip Pricing

Starts at $83+ Per Person

30% Off Kids, Mon & Fri

View daily rates

 
Age Limits

14 on Upper Penobscot

12 on Lower Penobscot

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

Availability Calendar

Prices do not include taxes and fees


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COLOR KEY:  AVAILABLE | LIMITED AVAILABILITY | VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITYSORRY, UNAVAILABLE

Where To Stay

Whitewater rafting on the Penobscot River is based out of our Katahdin Adventure Basecamp at the Big Moose Inn. Located in the east-central portion of the state, this region includes mile-high Mt. Katahdin and Baxter State Park, the vast southern Aroostook softwood flats, the hilly lake country south of Route 6, and the rolling farm country of western Penobscot County. 

Get Directions

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Avid outdoorsman, Registered Maine Guide, V. Paul Reynolds pens a column for The Piscataquis Observer on Penobscot River Whitewater Guides -- featuring Northern Outdoors' icon Todd "Penobscotman" Mercer.

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