Rafting on Maine's Kennebec River

On an unseasonably hot Maine morning in June, I decided to cool off with some whitewater action. After I sat through the required safety lecture let by the youthful but able guides from Crabapple Whitewater, I was outfitted with my life vest and paddle. Then, I joined the other outdoor adventurers in our bus ride to Kennebec River, a 12-mile stretch of river considered to be the most popular whitewater destination in the east.

We arrived at the foot of Harris Station on Indian Pond just in time for the dam's schedule big water release. One by one our rafts disappeared behind the first bend engulfed by the sound of roaring waters and shrieks of glee. This is no kiddie ride as the minimum suggested age is 12 on the upper Kennebec and 8 or 9 on the lower sections depending on the outfitter. However, many outfitters have a row-frame raft where the guide does all of the rowing that is available for younger children, who wanted to ride the upper river's Class II to Class V rapids.

"Here comes a taste of what's to come!," our guide Wade yelled as we hurled through Taster, a Class III rapids. After we tasted the water literally, we went through a series of Class IV rapids at a breakneck pace. As we paddled past a Class VI rapid, I asked Wade if one could ride this rapid - the look on his face indicated that even these experienced guides rarely venture into those swirling waters.

Next, Wade ordered us to grab on and hold tight, as we went over Magic Falls, a Class V rapid that drenched the boat, sending two of my companions overboard. After Wade pulled them in very quickly thanks to some quick thinking and two rescue ropes, we stopped for a much appreciated snack. After we got back into our rafts, we passed some breathtaking waterfalls and then dove straight in to Carry Brook Rapids and Black Brook Rapids, both Class III and IV rapids. During a portion of this trip some swimmers chose to get out of the rafts and swim the rapids, while others like myself preferred to paddle.

A fellow traveler joined us for the remainder of the journey, as we paddled down the lower Kennebec River Rapids (Class 1 and II). We passed Moxie Falls, the highest falls in Maine and then drifted for two miles until we reached our pullout station. Our trip concluded around 1:30pm with an afternoon open grill cookout.

To protect the environmental quality of these rivers, the State of Maine limits the number of rafters to under a thousand per day. During my entire trek, I saw only one other group of whitewater rafters and a smattering of individual rafts on the water.

Area activities to enjoy post-rafting include: paintball, kayaking, biking, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, moose and bird watching, float plane, ATV and pontoon boat tours, and skydiving. Also, die hard whitewater rafters wanting another day or two of action can check out the Penobscot and Dead Rivers.

While campsites, and cabin tents are available for those who enjoy the experience of roughing it, my luxury suite at Crabapple Whitewater was equipped with a kitchenette, living room area, Jacuzzi, and back porch. Other area outfitters offer a range of accommodations including B&B's, log cabins, guest houses, inns, and motels. Also, RV hookups are available. Many outfitters have a restaurant on site and Northern Outdoors even brews beer in their own Kennebec River Brewery.

While the daily dam releases guarantees whitewater action from May through October even during the driest of summers, the last week in August and the first three weeks in September can be particularly delightful. The summer tourists have left, the kids are back in school, the black flies have left for the season and the fall foliage is starting to emerge. A whitewater trip on the Kennebec River will average $80 to $130 with with the lower prices offered during this off season.

For more information about how you can get in on some whitewater action, contact The Raft Maine Association at http://www.raftmaine.com.