Whitewater Rafting on Maine’s Rivers
Maine is home to the best whitewater rafting in the Northeast, with three dam-controlled rivers offering daily rafting trips on class III-V whitewater from May through October. Splash through class V rapids, spot moose and eagles along the river, enjoy a gourmet lunch grilled on a riverside beach, visit waterfalls, ride through steep river gorges — all with skilled and professional Maine Guides.
New England’s Best Whitewater Rafting
Daily Rafting Trips Near Boston, Portland, Acadia National Park
Raft three unique rivers in Maine, just four hours from Boston, three hours from Bar Harbor and Portland. Northern Outdoors pioneered whitewater rafting on Maine’s rivers in 1976, with the first guided descents of the Kennebec, Penobscot, and Dead Rivers, and we’ve been guiding ever since. Join us for an unforgettable river adventure!
Kennebec River Rafting
Ages 10+
Full Day Trip, May-October
Our most popular rafting adventure, this class IV river is an ideal trip for first timers, family friendly vacations, and return rafters who enjoy a mix of splashy waves and relaxing floats. Grilled riverside lunch, with slideshow and video to end your day.
Dead River Rafting
Ages 14+
Full Day Trip, 8 Scheduled Release Dates
15 miles of continuous class II-IV+ rapids – you will earn your lunch (and beer)! Enjoy a grilled lunch and end of day slideshow and video back at the resort after a full day of paddling. Visit in the spring for the biggest water, or in fall for brightest foliage.
Penobscot River Rafting
Ages 14+
Full Day Trip, May-October
CLass IV-V pool drop river, traveling through Ripogenous Gorge and in the shadows of Mount Katahdin (in Baxter State Park). Grilled riverside lunch, with slideshow and video to end your day at the Katahdin Basecamp.
Kennebec Turbine Test
Ages 14+
Full Day Trip, 4 Scheduled Release Dates
High water river trip with class IV+ rapids on the Kennebec River. Starts with huge waves, ends with a quick and easy river float. Follow up with grilled lunch, craft beer, and slideshow and video to end your epic whitewater adventure at The Forks resort.
Lazy River Float Trip
Ages 8+
Half Day Trip, May-September
Self guided afternoon adventure in an inflatable kayak – similar to tubing, but with more control and comfort! Perfect family friendly outing, but also great for groups of friends or couples looking for an afternoon trip. Pack a cooler, kick back, and relax.
Rafting Specials
Ages 8-80
Including, but not limited to…
15% off for Heroes – includes nurses, first responders, military & more, 1/2 price rafting for kids, spring and fall value rates, early booking specials, discounts for Mainers, and more. Check these out before booking your whitewater adventure!
Cabins, Camping, & Glamping – Oh My!
Northern Outdoors has two locations to base your outdoor adventures at: The Forks, for rafting the Kennebec and Dead Rivers, and Millinocket for your Penobscot River adventures. Pick your river, then choose where you’ll kick back after!
Read our Reviews
“The rafting team was amazing and so knowledgeable, especially our guide Grace. She explained things well and made sure we had the best time possible. When we stopped for lunch we were so shocked at how well put together it was, and the food was amazing. I’ll definitely be recommending the rafting experience to anyone I know that is headed to Maine and I also hope to come back again one day for another great time. Thanks again!”
Isaac S.
Arizona
Whitewater Rafting with Friends and Family
- Planning a Whitewater Rafting Family Vacation - Whitewater rafting family vacation in Maine? Yes! Leave the coast behind and head north for family fun.
