Maine White Water Rafting
Maine Rafting Adventures - Maine River Rapid Tube Rides

There's nothing quite like hitting the rapids. White water rafting or river riding is fun and exciting. Aside from getting out in the fresh air, whitewater rafting is a great group activity. Whether the group is a family, friends or classmates, whitewater rafting builds teamwork and creates adventure! Maine offers some wonderful rivers ideal for rafting. In fact, Maine has some of the very best rivers in the United States for whitewater rafting.

The Kennebec River is New England's #1 choice for whitewater rafting and fun. Combining outdoor activity and group participation, Kennebec River rafting continues to be the summer vacation choice for families wanting an outdoor adventure getaway. There is a wonderful array of both exciting rapids and calm waters on the Kennebec River. The Kennebec River is a great place to start if you are new to rafting or if you are a more experienced rafter looking for adventure.

The Dead River in Maine features 15 miles of continuous whitewater, which is only accessible 10 days out of each season. The Dead River gives rafters an experience they will never forget. High volume dam releases are scheduled during May and June. The dam releases, combined with the snow melt and spring runoff, result in high rapids and an exciting ride down the Dead River.

The Penobscot River combines some wild rapids with beautiful wildlife. A trip down the Penobscot starts in the narrow, granite walled Ripogenus Gorge, where the river drops over 70 feet per mile through the exciting and challenging Class V Exterminator, Staircase and Cribworks Rapids before alternating between steep drops and calmer stretches on the lower river. There are daily dam releases on the Penobscot River ensuring an adventurous ride every day.

Whitewater rafting is a great way to spend a week with your family, church group, school group, or even a couple's getaway. One does not have to be experienced in rafting to take a trip such as this. This is why whitewater rafting is the perfect vacation for kids, young and old. Aside from the excitement of riding the rapids, the wildlife that can be seen while lazily floating down the river between rapids, is absolutely amazing and breathtaking.

When you plan your trip, will determine the rapids your encounter. River rapids change classes on a daily basis. Rapids are classified into categories based on height, power, wave intensity and current intensity. Knowing what class the rapids are will also determine how wild or calm of a ride you will have.

Planning your whitewater rafting trip in advance and try to make it an extended stay. Many Maine lodging facilities will offer a discount for 3 day or longer vacations. There are many outfitters and adventure guides in Maine that will guide you step by step to ensure you have the best experience possible. Guides are well trained and will make sure your trip is a memorable one. Some Maine outfitters offer packages that include lodging and other adventure activities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

Photos are courtesy of Northern Outdoors

White Water Rapids Classification:

Class I: Small rapids; low waves; low current with no obstructions
Class II: Some rapids with medium difficulty; little obstructions
Class III: Large irregular waves up to 4 feet; many rapids; some maneuvering of the raft
Class IV: Difficult and long rapids; irregular waves that are powerful; some dangerous rocks; scouting of the rapid necessary
Class V: Powerful and long rapids; large waves; very difficult; scouting of the rapids a must
Class VI: Extremely dangerous; extremely difficult; expert paddlers