Kennebec River Rafting
HUGE WATER
– Huge Whitewater River Trip –
2024
Kennebec River High water Release Dates
- SATURDAY JUNE 8th – 8,400 CFS
- MONDAY JULY 8th – 8,400 CFS (DISCO INFERNO)
- SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 7th – 8,400 CFS (RAFT & RAVE)
- SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 21st – 8,400 CFS
KENNEBEC HIGH WATER Rafting (CLASS IV-V)
The Forks, Maine
KENNEBEC HIGH WATER OVERVIEW
Trip Length
• 4-6 Hours
2024 Releases
• June 8, July 8, September 7 & September 21
Minimum Age
• 12
Boat Capacity
• 8-9 Passengers
General Overview
The Kennebec River Huge Water rafting trip only runs 4 times per year! Every year Harris Station Dam schedules 4 “turbine tests” where they release their maximum flows. This turns the rapids we normally run on our Kennebec River trip into the BIGGEST rapids in New England! If you enjoyed our normal Kennebec River trips but wanted more action, this is the trip for you. Since this is a special trip – we serve a special lunch. All paddlers are rewarded with a Maine Lobster Bake lunch at the conclusion of the river trip.
Check In
Your river trip will be run out of our Forks Fun Resort in The Forks, ME – also known as the “Whitewater Capital of Maine”. Check-in for your Kennebec Huge Water Rafting Trip starts at 8:30am. After check-in, we outfit you with your river gear: life jackets and helmets are provided, while wet suits and splash jackets are available to rent at a small cost. Lastly, before we take you to the river, all rafters must participate in the Trip Leader’s safety speech.
Your Kennebec River High Water Experience
Your epic journey down the Kennebec River starts at Harris Station Dam. Maine’s largest hydroelectric station will be releasing the maximum amount of water that can go through its turbines – 8,400 CFS. Before you hit the river, you will learn your guide’s commands and practice paddling. Then it’s off to conquer Maine’s biggest whitewater rapids!
If you have been on one of our normal Kennebec Rapids, this trip will seem a bit different. The river is moving faster and the rapids are twice as big in some places. The first Class IV rapid that you will charge into is Big Mama. At this level, Big Mama produces a 12 foot tall wave! When you are coming through the Alley Way, you will be faced with huge waves crashing off of the narrow gorge walls.
You will be able to catch your breath in the flatwaters of Cathedral Eddy. Here your guide will prepare you for the biggest rapid of the day – Magic Falls. In this next set of rapids, you will be charging into a massive wave called Maytag. At 15 feet tall, this is the biggest Whitewater feature in all of New England. Paddle hard and listen to your guide because you are in for quite the ride!
Once you’ve conquered New England’s biggest whitewater rapids, you’ll get to enjoy a 6 mile float through the heart of Maine’s wilderness. Your guide will provide you with a snack. While you float, be on the lookout for Bald Eagles and other Maine wildlife. Don’t forget to hop in the river and go for a swim – It’s plenty deep in most places and the water is warm!
Post-Trip
The trip ends with a 3 minute bus ride back to the Forks Fun Resort. There will be fresh Maine Lobster waiting for you at the base – (you earned it)! Grab some drinks from the Boatman’s Bar & Grill and watch the photo/video presentation to see how you and your crew looked while conquering Maine’s biggest rapids. This concludes your Huge Water adventure! This is one of the most popular trips of the season, so book early!
Options/Pricing (per person)
- Special Releases – $139.00
What’s Included:
- 12 mile rafting trip on the Kennebec River during High Water
- Mid-trip snack
- Post-trip Lobster Bake
- Post-trip Video/Photo presentation of trip with option to purchase
What’s Not Included:
- Taxes
- River Access Fees
- Gratuity For Guides And Restaurant Staff
Options/Pricing (per person):
- Log Cabin – $326.00
- Bunk House – $272.00
- Campground – $242.00
What’s Included:
- 2 Nights Lodging
- Breakfast (both mornings)
- Dinner (both nights)
- Lunch on Rafting Day
- Wetsuit Rental
What’s Not Included:
- Taxes
- River Access Fees
- Gratuity For Guides And Restaurant Staff
Where Should I stay for my Kennebec River trip?
Log Cabins
Our 6 Maine Cabin Rentals are the ideal spot for those seeking adventure and comfort. You’ll feel right at home at our Forks Maine Cabin Rentals with heat or A/C, comfortable beds, a full bathroom and living room. All Log Cabins also include daily housekeeping, all linens needed for bedding, and bathroom towels.
Inn By The River
This four-season inn has 10 comfortable rooms in a country style setting for you to enjoy. The Inn by the River carries a relaxed ambiance that reflects our serene riverside setting. Centrally located in the heart of Maine’s outdoor recreation capital, the Inn offers convenient access to tubing, fishing, hiking, and more.
Kennebec Riverside Cabins
The Kennebec Riverside Cabins sit directly on the river’s edge – you can’t find cabins this close to the river anywhere else. Each cabin has a private deck, small kitchenette, outdoor grill, and firepit. These cabins provide our guests with the best views of the confluence – where the Kennebec and Dead Rivers meet.
Bunk Houses
Our bunk houses are a wooden structure with a screen door & window and four sets of bunks (sleeps up to 8). For smaller groups, we have mini bunk houses that sleep 3-4 people in platform beds. Each bunk house also has a picnic table and a fire ring.
Camping
Spread over acres of grassy fields, amongst tall pines and along the Kennebec River is our Kelley Brook Campground. Only a short walk from our headquarters where you will find Boatman’s Bar & Grill & our Trading Post store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I go whitewater rafting in Maine?
Our Maine whitewater rafting trips take you into New England’s finest wilderness areas and provide you with views you could only get to on a raft! Maine is also one of the few places in the world with guaranteed whitewater rafting trips 7 days per week. Most rivers rely on snowmelt or rainfall to give them enough water to raft on - Maine get’s enough water from its dams to raft every day from May to October. This means the water we raft on is much warmer than other parts of the world - sometimes reaching 70 degrees in July and August. Maine - The Way Rafting Should Be!
How far in advance should I book my rafting trip?
The earlier the better! Especially if you plan on booking lodging with us. While we do take last minute reservations, we strongly suggest that you book your trip as far in advance as possible. We have been able to get people on the river with less than a day's notice, but we prefer to have ample time to arrange guides and logistics for your river trip.
What should we bring?
We outfit you with your life jacket, helmet, and paddle. We also have wet suits and splash tops available to rent. We recommend dry fit, breathable clothing!
Are photos or videos part of the trip?
Every trip either has a photographer or a videographer recording your raft as it goes through the biggest and best rapids of the day! When we get back to base, there is a photo or video presentation where you get to watch yourself conquer the mightiest rapids on the river. For many, the photo/video presentation is one of the highlights of the trip. Afterwards, the photos and videos of your raft are available for purchase in the gift shop. Share your Maine rafting trip memories with your friends on social media and be sure to tag @threeriverswhitewater
What meals are included with the trip?
There is a river lunch included in your trip. You get your choice of burger, veggie burger, fish, chicken, or steak and an assortment of freshly prepared sides like mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, river rice, cole slaw, and our chocolate chip cookies.
NOTE: Guests with special dietary requests should notify us beforehand so we can best accommodate their needs.
How many people can fit in a raft?
All of our rafts are 16 feet long. The maximum number of people in one raft is 10 plus the Registed Maine River Guide. Most rafts end up with 6 to 8 people in them. No matter how many people you end up rafting with, it all comes down to how well you work as a team to paddle through the rapids.
Is rafting fun?
No... it’s SERIOUS FUN! You’ll have a hard time finding a more fun way to spend the day after you have been on one of our Maine white water rafting trips. Think about how much fun you have while on a roller coaster - well it’s even more fun than that! Because instead of just being along for the ride, YOU are a part of the experience.
Is this the right adventure for my family/group?
Most likely, yes! Rafting is fun for everyone and our Registered Maine River Guides will cater the experience on the river to you and your group. The time spent on the river and in these wilderness areas is priceless. And without any cell phones to distract you, you’ll find it to be surprisingly refreshing.
Do I need to have experience to go rafting?
Not at all! Many of our guests are first timers and our Registered Maine River Guides pride themselves on their ability to teach their crews how to work together on the river. You will receive plenty of instruction on safety prior to the trip and there is time to practice paddling before you run any rapids. We LOVE taking first timers down the river and exposing them to our favorite places in the world. If you are an experienced rafter, we recommend our most challenging trip on the Penobscot River.
Can I bring my phone with me on the rafting trip?
It’s not recommended and won’t even have service - and that’s the best part! You will be free of distractions and really get to enjoy the pristine wilderness areas that you’re in. You’ll find that when you unplug for the day, it’s a lot easier to reconnect - with nature, your friends, your family, and yourself.
What if it’s raining on the day I’m supposed to go rafting?
We run our rafting trips 7 days per week - rain or shine! In fact, rafting is probably the most fun thing you can do outside in the rain - you’re gonna get wet anyways!
What sets Three Rivers apart from other rafting companies in Maine?
The Three Rivers Family has the highest standards for safety and guest service. We spend more time and money training our staff than any other outfitter in Maine. Our goal is for you to leave Three Rivers with lifelong memories. Since 1997, our commitment to being the best rafting outfitter in Maine has built our reputation as “The Home of Serious Fun”. But don’t just take our word for it - head to Trip Advisor to see why we have 300 more 5 Star Reviews than any other rafting outfitter in the state