White Water Rafting in The Forks, Maine

There are three big rivers for whitewater rafting in Maine: the Kennebec, the Dead, and the Penobscot. The Kennebec and Dead Rivers converge at The Forks in Somerset County and include class 2 - 4 rapids. The Penobscot River runs through Baxter State Park and is a bit more intense with class 5 rapids.

In mid May, I spent a weekend at Adventure Bound, a whitewater rafting and adventure center in Caratunk, Maine (The Forks), with 140 high school students and their outdoor club advisors. These types of trips are a regular part of my job with Teens to Trails and believe it or not, they’re genuinely fun. Mostly because I get to witness teens lighting up through outdoor experiences: making memories, building community, and discovering that time outside beats time on screens. Teenagers, like adults, are the best versions of themselves in these environments - they’re playful, kind, and eager to work collaboratively. As tiring as these trips can be, they fuel me through the office days stuck behind a computer. We’re all happier off screens.

If you’re looking to bring a large group whitewater rafting, Adventure Bound is the perfect place, offering a long list of on-site activities, including: a high and low ropes course, river access with canoes and kayaks, an indoor climbing wall, pool and hot tub, and disc golf.

It’s also a short drive to several great hikes, including: Mosquito Mountain, Pleasant Pond Mountain, and a 1-mile hike to stunning Moxie Falls - one of Maine’s tallest waterfalls that includes a vertical drop of almost 90-feet. If you're looking for a place to cool off, there are swimming holes at Moxie Falls as well.

Moxie Falls, a 12-minute drive from Adventure Bound.

The wildlife in The Forks is abundant, and you may encounter moose, black bear, and bald eagles. My son took these photos of a bald eagle circling overhead while down at Adventure Bound’s waterfront.

If you’re planning a whitewater rafting trip with a small group, I’d recommend Northern Outdoors. My family rafted with them several years ago and they were wonderful. For details on that trip, read the full post here.

Whichever company or river you choose, I can guarantee you’ll be greeted by smiling faces and enthusiasm. In all of my rafting experiences, I’ve never met a cranky guide. They’re on the river because they love it, and who wouldn’t? You'll love it too. Reach out with questions about Adventure Bound or Northern Outdoors!