Kennebec River Rafting

Rafting: Dead River, Maine
Bumping down the Kennebec River, Maine (courtesy, New England Outdoor Center)
Kennebec River Rafting at a Glance
Price: $$
River Rapid Class: III-IV+
Trip in Miles: 12 miles or less
Trip Duration: 1 to 2 days
Season: May-September
Raft Types: Paddle Raft, Inflatable Kayak
River Sections: Kennebec Gorge, Harris Station to West Forks
Nearby Towns: West Forks (ME)
Gateway City: West Forks (ME)
Driving Times: Portland (ME): 3 hours, Quebec City (Canada): 2.5 hours

The Kennebec is one of the last Maine rivers to be tamed, and with the dismantling of Edwards Dam, one of the first to be freed. The run from Carry Brook to the Forks combines steep gorges and galloping whitewater. Long considered unrunnable, commercial outfitters with modern equipment have turned this run from lethal to playful. Controlled water releases from the Harris Station Dam throughout the season make for some big, dependable action. Beyond big rapids like Three Sisters, Alley Way, and Magic Falls, summer highlights include cooling dips and hikes at Dead Stream and 90-foot Moxie falls. You might also be lucky enough to spot river otters, eagles, and even runs of Atlantic Salmon.




Published: 4 May 2011 | Last Updated: 25 Aug 2011
Details mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication

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