My son and I had a terrific time. Our guide, Elyse, was very personable, the lunch was great. Everything was better than expected. Even the campsites were outstanding.

We went tandem skydiving the week before, and I can tell you that your program is a far greater value for the money, and more memorable.

Thank you

louis s
shrewsbury, ma

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Whitewater Rafting

On my third trip to N.O. I brought 4 first timers with me. We all had a blast, and they all want to plan another trip ASAP. Camping was great. Nice sites with great access. The bath house was clean with plenty of hot water. The Lodge never comes up short with the comforts of fresh beer, a pool table, and WIFI. Took a dip in the hot tub, which was much needed after a long day paddling and hiking up to Moxie Falls. Rafted the Kennebec with Mike M. for our guide. I highly recommend you request him. He's not only a great river guide, but he's also the brewmaster. We we're rained out from Hurricane Irene on our last morning. So, instead of cooking in the rain, we hit the breakfast buffet at the Lodge. Clutch move.

Keep the Blueberry Ale flowing, Mike! Thanks!

Stephen M
Red Bank, NJ

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Camping Getaway
Kennebec River Brewery

From the very first time we spoke to Northern Outdoors until the moment we left the premises this past Monday we were extremely impressed. We arrive VERY late on Sunday night in a downpour of rain. Your staff was waiting for us and helped us get to our cabin. When we woke up we ate a great breakfast, got the details of the trip and we were off. On the trip we felt both thrilled and safe all at the same time. We even recommended it to a couple we met on a later leg of our journey.

Well done Northern Outdoors. Thanks for a great trip.

Dana P
BUFFALO GROVE,IL

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Whitewater Rafting

Well, I never thought I would do such a thing, since I don't get along with water much. Until last Friday, Sept 2, 2011. There we were, my husband, a friend and myself all rafting together on the Kennebec River. There was excitement, fun, fear, food and peacefulness all wrapped into one event. Our guide, Chris, kept us safe and showed us the ways of the raft and water with great ease, while giving us the ride of a lifetime :-). Now the antics he presented to us may have been to his mothers presence on the raft with her crew, but we were so glad to have met them all. Night before accomodations were super, too. To sum it all up, it was an experience that I can't wait to do again. Thank you.

Sheila
Gray, ME

Rating: 5 *****

First Time Maine Rafter

I booked our trip as a birthday present for my best friend. We could not have asked for a better weekend! The campsite was great, the people at the lodge were great, and the adventure blew our minds! Our guide, Scotty, was great! All the guides were so much fun. We had never been rafting before and after just one trip down the Kennebec we are planning to raft all three rivers, every summer from now until who knows when. I have been recommending this to anyone I come in contact with and will continue to do so :)

Cora P
Greenland, NH

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Getaway Weekend

...why not make it a little more interesting?

Hurricane Irene. We knew it was coming, we were prepared. After the 4th day with no power, cooking on the camp stove in the kitchen, I decided it was time to bring the boys to The Forks and at least have some *fun* while living "rough."

Good call.

We arrived and I realized I had forgotten to print our tickets to Water Country on our way home. Epic fail. Brandi to the rescue! She printed them out for me from an email I forwarded from the lodge, and she delivered them to our campsite. Too awesome.

Campfires and s'mores abounded in front of our cabin tent that evening as the kids and their dad excitedly discussed what the next day's adventures would bring. Good times.

We headed up to the lodge, paperwork in hand... only to find that our 9 year-old and I would have to sit out the rapids. **FAIL** Please, please, PLEASE... spare kids the disappoinment and make *very* clear the age restrictions on the website. We would have waited until next year, true, but then you'd only be getting a glowing review instead of one tainted by grumpiness. I was *very* unhappy, as I love rafting, and we still paid full price for my trip even though I missed the fun.

OK, enough grumpy - Zach could *not* have been a cooler guide. He was fantastic with the kids, very capable with the raft, laid back, great sense of humor, but very confident and in control.

Rachel P
Foxboro, MA

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River White Water Rafting

My husband and I just returned from a fabulous experience with Northern Outdoors! We came expecting a great rafting trip and we got that plus so much more.
Our rafting trip on 9.11.11 with high water from the previous days' Turbine Release was out of this world. Beautiful day, fast, warm water and an experienced guide (Greg) made for an unforgettable time. We also enjoyed the Video put together by Zach and the photo slideshow expertly narrated with hilarious comments (Brian narrated, I think).

We loved the atmosphere in the lodge and the Beer...yum! You must try the Sampler! Who knew you could like both a smokey Porter AND a sweet blueberry Ale?

Greg recommended we take a "hike" (really an easy walk in the woods on a nicely groomed path) to Moxie Falls. The views were gorgeous!
Oh and did we mention the hot tub? Clean, clear and hot! No sketchy "foam" on top.
Schedule your trip with Northern Outdoors...NOW...you will not be disappointed!

Betzi & Andy
Essex Jct, VT

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Turbine Test Release
Kennebec RIver Pub & Brewery

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

Yes we both had a very nice cruise on the trails as this was our 1st time in this area. We drove 94 miles in 2 days, and would have driven more on Thursday--but it rained--These trails are different than in NH as many are dirt roads used by logging trucks.

We did both have a beer and food and both were great. The 1 beer I had was enough-WHOA--felt like 3 beers---what was in that Porter???

We stayed in a Cozy Cabin and the accomodations were excellent--though more shelving would be great in the kitchen area to the left of the stove/frig, as well as some hooks to hang towels as well as in the bathroom. And the outside light facing the parking spot needs to be replaced...Looking forward to returning in 2012, when the weather is warmer for us. For more ATVing and rafting next time.

We were the only ones there for 4 nights and enjoyed the quiet sounds of the darkness, along with using the fire ring....it was eerie but also serene.

Thanks for the relaxation.

Richard W
Nashua, NH

Rating: 5 *****

Maine ATV Trails
Kennebec River Pub & Brewery

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

First we won the trip as a give away on a radio station that was broadcasting at L-A Harley in Lewiston Maine. White water rafting is not something we had ever thought of doing but excited we did. We arrived on Aug 24 Loris b-day and was greated by some wonderful staff. We then checked in and had a look around at all the amenitiers that was offered. Next we had supper in the dining area and had the most charming waitress, had a great meal. The waitres even got the staff and everyone in the lodge to sing happy birthday it was great.

The next day aug 25 we had a saftey meeting then we headed to the Kennebec river with all in the party for that day. Meet a great bunch of people and the friendliest and knowledgeable river guides that you would want to be with. Enjoyed out first rafting trip and hope to do it again some day. Then came the best part eating lol. We did this back at the lodge because of the threat of a thunder storm. Then the slide show and video of the trip we liked it so much we even bought it. Yea I know the whole point!

We would like to thank everyone envolved in makeing it a wonderful birthday for my wife and me and hope that everyone gets to experiance white water rafting at least once.

Sincerely,
Paul & Lori W

Paul W
Concord, NH

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River White Water Rafting
Northern Outdoors Lodge

Hello Russell

It was another successfull weekend.

We had a fabulous time. We are already talking about next year. We had a few new rafters and they enjoyed the whole experience.

The guides were awesome and the staff at the lodge was great. Debbie from the office was awesome in helping make the reservations and the weekend go very smoothly

These are some of the reasons we are back year after year

Thanks again
Margaret & Steve McCarthy

Margaret McCarthy
Walpole, MA

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Whitewater Rafting

My family and I (the 4 of us) joined your team on a fabulous rafting trip on the Penobscot RIver. We had an absolute fantastic time....Our guide, Zach, was wonderful!!! He was full of enthusiuasm, knowledge of the river, and an overall great guy to share our first experience of white water rafting. We were also paired up with 4 other great guys that were out to have a great time and added lots of laughs and fun to the day.

The rest of the staff we met that day, were also so very helpful and cheerful, and certainly all seems to really enjoy what they do. The food on the river for lunch was delicious. We had plenty to eat and enjoyed every bite. The entire trip was a real joy to us all and we look forward to next year and hope to try and raft on of the other rivers....possibly the Kennebec.

The beauty of the Mountains and the relaxing parts of the river also added to the day...it was not a rushed event and we really enjoyed spending the whole day on the river. I told many friends and family of the great time we had and we are in hopes that we may be able to share a raft with them as well. It was a wild time and one we will remember for a long time. Thank you all for the fabulous time....

Julie R
Strafford, NH

Rating: 5 *****

Penobscot River Whitewater Rafting

Our Kennebec River trip was more exciting than I could have imagined.

I had rafted before -- in California, Oregon, and Alaska. What I liked so much about this trip was the combination of excitement (without the fear of jamming into rocks) and the soothing part where you could relax and enjoy the water.

Our guide was clearly experienced and he enjoyed his work. He made sure everyone had a good time.

Christine H-L
Wiscasset, ME

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Whitewater Rafting

Northern Outdoors is amazing! Our short family trip included fishing and rafting on the Kennebec. We were very impressed with the flawless organization of the trips. Our fishing guide, Chris, was great. Our rafting guide, Victor, was very professional as well as lots of fun. All of the staff were infectiously enthusiastic and encouraging. We loved the lodge and accommodations. And the beautiful weather was a bonus! We will definitely come back for more.

Steve B
WINDSOR, ME

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Whitewater Rafting
Kennebec River Fishing

Our trip to Northern Outdoors was AWESOME! We had 7 kids and 4 adults. The kids had never rafted before and ever since our trip they have been bugging us to go back. My 10 yr old said as soon as she's 15 she is going to raft the Penobscot! She will too!

We used everything, the hot tub, pool, game room, dance floor, store, and the restaurant and we loved it all!!

We are already planning our trip for next year and have added at least 3 more families to our trip. We will also be requesting "Luke" to be one of the guides. He was just amazing! The two men in the raft both went overboard at different times and each time he had them back in the boat in 5 seconds. I still can't believe how fast he had them in the boat. He always had our safety first. The kids have been telling their friends all about him.

Thank you for a great 2 days! We have some great memories that will last a life time and hopefully we have started a summer tradition with the Northern Outdoors!!!!

See you next summer,
The Norcross Crew

Kristi N

Auburn, ME

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Family Whitewater Adventure
Maine Family Rafting

This was our 6th year in a row with Northern Outdoors, and as always a great time was had by all. When we first vacationed in this area we were with NEOC...also a excellent company, anyway...other family member decided to come up to see what all the fuss was about and they were not disappointed. It was their 1st time in ME and a first for all of them on the river, not sure I've seen them smile that much in a long time, my sister in particular had the biggest cheese on here face the entire ride down.

I also took them to Moxie falls, nice short hike yet refreshing...especially if you want to have kids tag along....overall I think everyone had a great time and we will see you again next year.

NICHOLAS G
COVENTRY, RI

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Family Rafting
Moxie Falls hike

Thanks Northern,

My daughters one and only request to dad was a Rafting trip this summer. You guys made it a huge success introducing my daughter to the Kennebec, the food was the best and the personal treatment the staff added will surely bring us back!!!

Todd D
Millis, MA

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Family Rafting

Northern Outdoors is always first class. You're guides are very professional, friendly and helpful. Lunch on the river was done really great...very very efficent and the food was really good too. I especially love the video's that you put together with the music.

It's really great that you try to include everyone in the groups the best that you can. When we arrived it was a bit hectic, but the ladies behind the desk handled every situation very professionally and patiently. We come to Northern Outdoors every year. Last year we brought 17 people and will continue to bring new friends and family .

Thank you for another fun adventure.
See you next year.

Patricia B
Oakdale, CT

Rating: 4 ****

Kennebec River Whitewater Rafting

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