A good portion of the state of Maine is in the Appalachian Mountains. It is 90% covered with trees, a lot of which are pines. It is for this reason that Maine is nicknamed the Pine Tree State. Up in the mountains and within the forests are lakes and rivers that lend themselves to adventure tourism.

Maine boasts of at least three whitewater rivers:
Penobscot River. This 350 mile (563 km) long river is the second longest in the Pine Tree State, and is supplied by several lakes. The portion of Penobscot where it turns into a 12-mile whitewater starts near the Ripogenus Dam, which supplies the river with ample water starting about the middle of May until October. The months of May and June have the most ample water, and therefore stronger water flow, because of the run-off from the melting snow.

Penobscot’s overall rating is Class IV but there are areas in the river that less ferocious than others. Immediately below the Ripogenus Dam are the Ripogenus Gorge and The Cribworks which are Class V rapids. Downriver are alternating Class III and IV waters, allowing you to alternately catch your breath and plunge into the quick waters. The last challenge before the takeout is the Big Pockwockamus, a Class IV.

One of the best features of this river is the breathtaking view of Mt. Katahdin, Maine’s tallest mountain. Indeed, this mountain is the centerpiece of the Baxter State Park.

Kennebec River. Fed by Maine’s largest lake, Lake Moosehead, Kennebec stretches for 150 miles (240 km). Twelve miles of this long river, beginning at the Harris Station at the Indian Pond, pass through the Kennebec Gorge. These 12 miles have tall waves, big boulders, eddies, holes, strainers, and sieves, which are definitely boosted by the release of waters from the dam.

Rapids range from Class II to V. If you are a father with small kids, you can take them to the Class II with you, after which, you can take them ashore then go back to take on the Class IVs such as the Rock Garden, Z Turn, Maytag, or Carry Brook; or, even the Class V Magic Falls.

Dead River. The name Dead River is a misnomer. With its whitewater and the scenic Bigelow Mountain Range on its southern shore, it can hardly be thought of as dead. Its tributaries are the North and South Branch Dead Rivers that converge into the Flagstaff Lake. The lake was made into a dam, which allows control of the water flowing into the river for whitewater rafting.

The Dead River has about 30 rapids running continuously for 14-miles. Right at the put-in point, you run into the Class III Spencer Rapids, exit out of it into the Minefield, a Class IV challenge. More Class III and IV waters follow until the take-out point at Crusher Pool, but not before running the Class V Big Poplar Falls.

There are professional whitewater outfitters in Maine that are recognized by the State of Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Choose them over fly-by-night operators that do not have a track record in the business. This will help make your whitewater rafting adventure truly exciting and challenging, yet safe and secure.