I'm not gonna lie.. I have never white-water rafted, finally succumbed to peer pressure, and was absolutely dreading this trip. I hate being cold and wet and this trip had all the makings of just a miserable time.

After a 4 hour drive we finally reached the middle of nowhere. What a breath of fresh air! The accommodations were spot-on, the lodge was such a comfortable and relaxing place to chill out, the beer was great, everyone that I came in contact with from the staff to the other adventure-seekers could not have been a more enjoyable experience. The rafting was totally awesome and our guide was just a super friendly, experienced thrillseeker.

I can't wait to come back for round two on the Dead! Thanks for a much needed wonderful and relaxing weekend of adventure and fun.

Don W
Atkinson, NH

Rating: 5 *****

Spring Rafting on the Kennebec River, Maine

Maine adventure resort

Our first River Rafting trip with the family at Northern Outdoors was a blast! Went with my 3 kids (20,18,16) my 2 brothers and nephew (18). Rented two 4 person tents in the campground which was ideal - within 10 minutes of arrival we were set up and hangin' by a fire! Restaurant on sight was ideal as it minimized the trip planning and packing and the food was great. The rafting was enjoyed by all - daughter (20) was a little apprehensive but our guide Brandi set her mind at ease. Brandi was awesome - true professional, knew her stuff and had a great personality which added to the entire positive experience. Lunch on the river was a quality meal and plenty for everyone.

We plan on hitting the rapids again with Northern Outdoors next year on the Dead River!

Greg C
Methuen, MA

Rating: 5 *****

Family White Water Rafting Adventure

I usually don't participate in surveys, but my experience at Dead River Rafting was nothing short of fantastic! It was my first time white water rafting. I was nervous. The staff was nothing but helpful, caring and exciting! It was very nice to see such friendly faces and staff who were actually excited to be there. My guide was Blaize. He was awesome! Two thumbs up for him! He made me feel comfortable the whole time.

Camping was wonderful. The campsite was clean and inviting. I'm a "city person" in every respect. The fact that I spent a weekend rafting and camping, and felt right at home, was amazing. I contribute a lot of this comfort and fun to Northern Outdoors. Smooth transitions between activities, good food, live music, and lots of fun. It was definitely worth the 8+ hour drive.

Zorah S

Zorah S
Stamford, CT

Rating: 5 *****

Dead River Rafting
Maine Camping

Back again this past wknd with the boys. Decided to run the Dead w/high water and the Kennebec - what a great weekend. Not even the cold and rain could "dampen" our trip.

Friday night started, like many other trips, a little Blueberry from the brewery.

Saturday morning wake-up wasn't early at all and we were on the Dead by 10ish. Great high water and constant paddling for the 14 miles - good stuff. Day ended with a little lunch, Blueberry, music by Suzy and the Smelts and fire by the cabin.

Sunday morning wake up was early for another trip, this time on the Kennebec. What a great ride. We must've hit every hit square on because we were all suffering with whiplash (jk) later in the day. We have had Victor for a few trips and he was amazing again - taking us to the edge and back again.

Already stoked for next year's trip. Heading back to the Penobscot with a couple of class V newbies for a little class V action. Will be a blast again!

Thanks to everyone at NO, the brewery, guides and of course, Victor, for another great experience. Btw - the ride does have some cool nuances when it is cooler and rainy. Awesome!

Kevin
Pelham, NH

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Whitewater Rafting
Dead River Whiewater Rafting

We've been on two trips down the Dead and have had a great time. The staff, accomodations, equipment and food were top notch! Thanks for a great weekend! Next time Im thinking ATV'ing, or snowmobiling, or rafting the Penob...cant wait for our next trip up there, keep up the great work, you guys rock!

Steve S
Leominster, MA

Rating: 5 *****

Dead River Whitewater Rafting

Lots of fun--great weather--great guide--great river. Loved the hike into the eco-hut, the wonderful meals there, the quiet atmosphere, then the hike to the put-in spot. It seemed like a week away instead of 36 hours.

Sheridan C
Phippsburg, ME

Rating: 5 *****

Dead River Hike & Raft Adventure

First off I'd like to say, THANK YOU! This is how your resort became a part of our lives.....

I had always wanted to experience white water rafting. That being said, it seemed a big ordeal to plan. I run my own business as a pet care provider and finding time to vacation along with finding people to go with and accomadating everyone's schedules seemed a heavy load. Then, at a friends birthday party four years ago, a friend showed us his video from rafting on the Kennebec with his family. It was love at first sight. I said, "that's it! I'm going! Even if I have to go by myself!" I was obsessed and determined to plan this trip. My friend had said he stayed and rafted with Northen Outdoors. He said such great things about his time there, lodging, staff, pub and atmosphere....i just knew I had to call you guys! So, the next day, I Did! Let me just tell you....Debbie is a SAINT! I don't know how i would have survived planning that first trip. I swear I had a zillion question, changes in reservations from switching dates and number of people. I think one day i even called her like 5 or 6 different times! She was more than helpful, accomadating, professional, sweet and patient with my never ending questions! At the end of the day, I got nine people to venture out down the kennebec with me in 2009. Our group consisted of friends and family, ALL rafting VIRGINS! It blew our mind! I had no idea this would turn out to be a love affair with both white water and YOUR resort!

Last weekend we completed our third annual trip on the Kennebec Turbine release. Our group consensus-----best trip yet! At this point its no suprise to us that we are in for a great time. We always ask for the same cabin and luckily have always got it :) Great lodging, pub brews/food are great! Staff is always so wonderful. Feels drama free, inviting, safe and relaxing. In a nut shell----the BEST! We booked our trip for next year before leaving last weekend. It will be our first time down the DEAD river and I am already counting the days!!!! I think you do a fantastic job with the BBQ, photos and video presentation. Fun, FUNNY raft guides who know their stuff and make our trip a blast! Our group in particular is a fun and funny group. We really enjoy a guide who can keep up with the banter and inside jokes and at the same time lead us down the river in a safe yet adventurous manner. This year especially we hit the jackpot! Our guide was Mark Schaub. He is our FAVORITE! What a blast! We told him when we'd be back and he put us in his schedule as well as the girls in reservations put a note in for us requesting him to bring us down the DEAD in May 2012!!!! We miss him already!

In the future, We hope to visit at least twice a year. We look forward to also planning a winter trip and hitting the snowmobile trails! We have all taken away fun and everlasting memories over the years that shine on in our minds, hearts and endless candid photographs! Thank you for giving our friends and family special memories that no amount of money could buy......

We love you Northrn Outdoors,
Till next year, Lots of love,
Jeannine and family

Jeannine S
Allenstown, NH

Activity: Kennebec Turbine Test High Release Rafting

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Whitewater Rafting

Dear Northern Outdoors Team,
When we were looking online for a raftig trip in the States we quickly found you and immediately booked us on a Dead River Tour. After that trip we added the Kennebec right away and stayed a little longer than we had originally planned to do. We had an awesome time! That was 2 years ago. Recently, we could finally make it back to you guys for another Kennebec rafting. This time we brought some friends from Germany with us. We all just loved the rafting, the hot tub afterwards, the Cosy Cabins and your beer in general. And we'll be back again, that's for sure!

Kevin T
Troisdorf, Germany


Rating: 5 *****

Whitewater Rafting in Maine

I took my son on a trip of his choice for his graduation and to spend some quality time alone before he went to college. I have been to Northern Outdoors many times years ago and had a great experience so I chose you again.

We had a wonderful time. I rented a cabin and was so thankful. Andrew was sick so having a warm bed and not camping (we talked about it) was fortunate.

Rafting was so much fun. Victor was a wonderful guide. He new the river like the back of his hand and was a joy to have as a guide.

We had a nice experience with the young lady who checked us in (going to school in RI) . Our cabin was not ready when we got there and she made sure that we were utilizing the facilities and enjoying ourselves once we got there.

We did not eat much there, but the bit of food we did have was good and the menu seemed to have enough to please all tastes.

All in all even with the crazy heavy rain, sleet, thunder and lightning, we had a great time. My son wants to raft the Dead River now.

Tracey McP
Warwick, RI

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Whitewater Rafting

I organized my Kennebec River rafting trip with a bunch of folks (16 of us!) from work, and Northern Outdoors yet again provided an amazing trip for us! The camping facilities were great, the brewery (and pool, and hot tub, and games) was top-notch, and the whitewater rafting trip and guides were a blast! Our lunch on the river served by the guides was just what we needed at that point during the day, too. Overall, I would say this year's trip was a resounding success.

We'll see you on the Dead River next year!

Stephen W
Cambridge, MA

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Whitewater Rafting

The Penobscot River is a true Class IV-V Maine whitewater rafting gem, and Northern Outdoors is well known for running this river as a classic top-to-bottom river trip.  The only interruption?  A welcomed grilled riverside lunch between the upper and lower sections of the Penobscot River.  (Not everyone runs the Penobscot that way. Some outfitters run the bottom section first, then go up and run the top. It makes for a really different trip, so ask about that when researching a Penobscot river trip.)

We start by paddling through the granite-walled Ripogenus Gorge of the Upper Penobscot River with a series of steep drops followed by pools and rapids on the Lower Penobscot section.  As you float down river between rapids, the scenery doesn't get any better than seeing Mt. Katahdin, Maine's highest peak and the dominant centerpiece of Baxter State Park.

Of the three whitewater rivers in Maine - the Penobscot, Dead and Kennebec - it's the Penobscot River that beginner rafters often visit after Kennebec River rafting.  Of course, avid paddlers and adventure seekers flock to conquer the "Nob" first since it's a bit more technical and challenging. Either way, it's pure unadulterated top-to-bottom fun.

Big water, epic scenery and a trip that follows the natural flow of the current...it's classic Maine whitewater rafting.

Maine Adventure Vacations on the Penobscot River

With a spin on our almost annual Hold 'em 'n' Paddle firefighters rafting trip this year we had a GREAT time! This year's Hug 'em 'n' Paddle was planned as a "family trip". There were only two FF family's represented with 6 teenage girls and their FF fathers.

I know my girls have been hearing about our trips for years and were excited for months prior to the trip. They are aready looking forward to another trip maybe on the Dead River!

I am looking into a possible FF group, family group, AND "Triple Crown" group combined / extended trip for next year.

Thank you ALL @ N.O. for years of GREAT trips. (And Years to come).

Snoop M
NKFD Hold 'em 'n' Paddle

Snoop M
Rating: 5 *****

Whitewater Rafting in Maine

Yippee, we're thrilled!  Yes, you read the title of this blog right. Two separate articles on Boston.com recommend Maine whitewater rafting with Northern Outdoors this summer, and there's no better time than now to stay cool by getting on the river with us!

Maine Travel Maven and Boston Globe correspondent, Hilary Nangle, recommends Kennebec River Rafting in her 10 made-for-the-memory-books list.  Check out her list item titled Roll Down the Kennebec.  When describing our Kennebec River rafting trip, Nangle says it best,


Then there's this other sweet piece on Boston.com, 20 Outdoor Adventure Trips to Take this Summer which recommends "20 New England activities happening this season, journeys ranging from those for beginners to some to satisfy the most hardened athlete".  Here you'll find a shout out for our Dead, Penobscot and Kennebec River rafting trips.  

With temperatures here in the Northeast predicted to stay in the 90's to 100's, experiencing the thrill of Maine rafting is a sure way to beat the heat this summer.  Besides, it's wicked fun too! 

Working in an environment of deprevation, violence and high stress forty hours a week means that when I take a vacation, it's not only going to be adventurous and fun, but also loud, crazy and outlandish, and your staff easily handled me and our motley crue!!...some were even able to join right in on the ribbing...they're all such great sports!!

We did the Dead last year, the Kennebec this past weekend, and we're planning for the Penobscot next year. We keep coming back to you because your outfit does such an outstanding job with every aspect of our visit: reservations, accommodations, customer service, rafting, the staff, the extra activities, the music, the food and the fair cost of it all!!

A special shout out to the following phenomenal staff: Kevin, Dawn, Kris, Trevor, Elyse and Chad. I didn't want to leave and I can't wait to get back there!!

Keep up the fantastic job!!

Angela
Leominster, MA

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Whitewater Rafting
The Forks Resort Center

We went down the Dead River on Sat. (5/28), it would have been a great time but our guide, Emily, made it amazing - dare I say perfect. Her personality meshed so perfectly with ours; we were laughing and singing as much as we were paddling.

The wait to get on the river was a little long, though understandable given the rising water levels. Once, we shoved off the fun started right away. 80% of our raft had some kind experience being on the river and it helped us take advantage of the fast moving current. Emily showed a great knowledge of the river and gave us a great ride.

We were one half of a bachelor party, so you know the jokes were being tossed around before we even hit the water. Emily fit right in with the group and allowed us to be goofy while still getting to work when we had to. We even managed to rescue 1 person and 2 paddles, all in a good days work haha.

Credit also has to be given to the person Emily was training, he was just as jovial as the rest of us (sorry that I can't remember his name). I've been rafting and canoeing before - because of our 2 guides this was still one of the most memorable trips I have ever taken. Even as I write this a month later, I can still remember how much fun we had.

Lastly, as a homebrewer I have to say you guys did a good job with the beers. The IPA was average - but still good. The Wit was very good and perfect for an early summer day. The Doppelbock was the star - a lot of great flavors in that beer.

David L
Lyndhurst, NJ

Rating: 5 *****

Bachelor Party Weekends
Kennebec River Brewery Beers

This is my second time rafting with Northern Outdoors, and I must say that the experience was once again exceptional! My girlfriend and I were very pleased with our guide, Dave Welch. He was an exceptionally knowledgeable ambassador and we found him to be very skilled at both guiding our boat and motivating us as crew members.

My girlfriend Christine and I ended up sitting at the front of the raft, and one point during a class 5 section she was swept off the raft into the river. I was absolutely staggered when, out of nowhere, Dave came diving to the front of the boat and pulled her in, only to disappear in what seemed like a millisecond to return to his duty of safely guiding us out of some very challenging rapids. The entire raft crew was very impressed with his skill and reaction time.

We had an absolute blast on the trip and definitely plan to return later this summer with friends to raft the Dead River and at least once a year going forward. We also plan on joining Northern Outdoors on a snowmobile tour this winter. Thanks again and keep up the good work!

Chris M
Weymouth, MA

Rating: 5 *****

Penobscot River Whitewater Rafting

Our Kennebec River rafting trip is Mother Nature's perfect roller coaster ride.  This Maine whitewater rafting trip starts with a brief gathering in the morning at The Forks Resort Center then its off to the river to experience rapids such as Big Mama, Lower Alleyway and Magic Falls.  If water levels allow, your guide will stop at a place called Dead Stream Falls where you can stand right underneath a waterfall! 

Check out this Kennebec River rafting video of the week to see some of the action!

Whitewater Rafting New England
Maine Adventure Vacations

A group of 15 took the Dead River adventure, for my brothers bachelor party. Most of the people in the group had never been rafting before in their life including myself. After the raft trip, everyone was hooked and we plan on doing a yearly adventure with Northern Outdoors.

The fact that Northern Outdoors welcomed a group of 15 guys with open arms for a bachelor party with no reservations and provided great hospitality was amazing. The group of guys was respectful, but the staff was also more than nice! They put up with the crazy antics and loud behavior with nothing but the up most professionalism and class! I would highly recommend and already have recommended this trip to anyone I know who has a pulse! I definitely plan on booking a trip next year!

I had such a great time, and was so sad to see the weekend end! This was in my opinion and the rest of the groups opinions one of the best bachelor parties/weekends we have ever had!

We stayed at King Pine and Moose Maple for our trip. The accommodations were great and were perfect for the trip. Both cabins were very clean and well stocked with towels. We were right next to the brewery and restaurant which was great! With the close proximity it made it very convenient to switch up between hanging out by the fire and going up to the lodge.

The lodge staff was great, on the last night we stayed, the bartender brought drinks to us in the hot tub which was unbelievable!
Our raft guides were Zack and Victor and they were great!

Roger L
Hanover, MA

Rating: 5 *****

Dead River Whitewater Rafting
Bachelor Party Weekend
Kennebec River Pub & Brewery

Northern Outdoors is the perfect destination for adventure weddings, just ask our friends at Love & Lobster who recently interviewed us for their blog titled Rustic Weddings: Northern Outdoors.  Love & Lobster assists creative couples seeking clever online inspiration in planning their wedding along New England’s beautiful coastline.  The site provides insider tips, interviews with local venues and vendors, and photographic eye candy. 

Here's a bit from the Love & Lobster interview regarding adventure weddings at Northern Outdoors:

"If the words “outdoor” or “adventure” describe your wedding plans, there’s a gem of a venue tucked in Maine’s upper reaches that’s well worth the drive.

Northern Outdoors boasts an authentic Maine lodge and scenic location in The Forks, a little town perched at the convergence of the Dead and Kennebec rivers, famous among white-water rafting enthusiasts for their thrilling rapids. We checked in with Stephanie Koetzle, a spokesperson for Northern Outdoors, to learn more about how they blend weddings with the wilderness."

To view photos and read the entire article on adventure weddings click here.
At Northern Outdoors, we love adventure and providing an outdoor destination for folks to create lasting memories. Whether it's adventure weddings or classic New England vacations, we've got ya covered!

Maine Adventure Vacations
Love & Lobster