New Dead River Hike & Raft option for the 2012 season

Wednesday, January 11, 2012 by Northern Outdoors Staff

Maine Huts & Trails recently opened a new 14.2 mile trail section that connects The Forks with the Grand Falls Hut and west onto the Bigelow Range and Carrabassett Valley, completing the full 45-mile first phase of this very exciting project.

 

The new section of trail opens up a variety of winter cross country ski and snow shoeing opportunities and it enables us to offer an exceptional two-day Hike & Raft package

The Dead River Hike & Raft package starts and ends at our lodge in The Forks and incorporates a full day of hiking with spectacular scenery, a night at the Grand Falls hut with dinner and breakfast and then a full-day of whitewater rafting on the Dead River. This package will be available on all scheduled Dead River highwater trips except the September 2nd release.

New Years Eve at Northern Outdoors Lodge

Monday, January 9, 2012 by Northern Outdoors Trip Reviews
We had a great evening at your facility. Beautiful lodge to relax and enjoy by the fireplace. We were there New Years Eve. The cozy cabin was a great little place...clean neat and cozy. The only complaint we had was that the bed was extremely hard and no radio or t.v. in cabin. If we stay again we would just bring our own radio and maybe ask for a different cabin for a softer bed :) Had a great time. Hoping for some snow to come back and stay for a couple of days with our children.

The food was great, a little pricey but, what isn't now a days. My husbands biggest complaint in the bar was that there was no BUD LIGHT! I myself, I am a COORS LIGHT fan so, I was very happy :)

He tried the deer in head light beer but it just didn't do it for him... The staff were all very nice, helpful, and friendly. Will recommend this place to others but, tell them to bring their own beer, and a radio...hahaha

Josh & Lori D
Carmel, ME

Rating: 4 ****

New Years Eve Party at Northern Outdoors

2011 Deer Hunt

Tuesday, November 15, 2011 by Northern Outdoors Trip Reviews
Great food and hospitality, had a wonderful time.

Randall M
Philippi, WV

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Whitetail Deer Hunting

Great Week

Friday, November 11, 2011 by Northern Outdoors Trip Reviews
Even though we didn't see any deer, our week was great. The cabin was beyond expectations, as were the meals. The staff was terrific. We were treated like family. Our guide Greg worked his tail off to get us a deer. I feel we made new friends during that week. One nice thing was we saw wildlife not native to our area of New York......moose. I would certainly return to Northern Outdoors in the future.

Walt A
Latham, NY

Rating: 5 *****

Guided Maine Whitetail Deer Hunt


Perfect rafting trip

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by Northern Outdoors Trip Reviews
Bringing my grandchildren, ages twelve and ten, along, I kept saying to myself: "Are you out of your mind?" But the trip leader Chad, and our guide Seamus, were very professional, very well-trained, and after Magic Falls, I stopped worrying about the kids.

The whole trip was idyllic; the weather perfect, the shore lunch superb. At the finish, I felt that, just as every American should see the Grand Canyon, every Mainer should experience the Kennebec River this way, and I will strongly recommend your company for doing so.

Thank you!

Michael L
Augusta, ME

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Family Rafting Adventure

Kennebec River Trip Report

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by Northern Outdoors Trip Reviews
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

Bachelorette Weekend

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by Northern Outdoors Trip Reviews
I planned this white water rafting trip for my best friend as her bachelorette party. There were 7 girls who had never white water rafted before and we were all looking forward to the experience. We enjoyed ourselves from the moment we got to our cabin (the King Pine), which was gorgeous and perfect for 7 girls, to the moment we checked out. The rafting trip was a total blast and even the girls who were a little nervous and not sure if they would go through with it, were so glad they did. Our guide, Zack Davis, was absolutely fantastic. He was great with all of his new timers and made our rafting experience that much better.

We had a delicious meal at the lodge and enjoyed our last night there with some great drinks and music at the lodge. Every employee was super friendly and helpful and the 7 of us can't say enough about this trip. On Monday, our first day back to work, I got an email from my friend, the bride - thanking me for planning the trip. Her direct quote was the following: "that was THE funnest weekend i think i've ever had" - I don't think we can say it any better.

Thank you Northern Outdoors for a wonderful experience, and a whole bunch of great memories!!!!

Kelly L
Boston, MA


Rating: 5 *****

Bachelorette Rafting Weekend

Great Vacation

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by Northern Outdoors Trip Reviews
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

Awesome 2fer Wknd

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by Northern Outdoors Trip Reviews
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

Awesome Weekend!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by Northern Outdoors Trip Reviews
This past weekend I had a bachelorette party for my friend and 22 of her closest friend! Half of the gals rafted and half chilled out in the fabulous/comfy cabins! The rafters were chilly, due to the lateness of the season, but the guides were wicked caring and helpful! They outfitted them in warmies, made sure they were happy and having fun! Food in the pub was AWESOME!

Staff was accommodating and generous from the point we started planning until checkout! We'll definitely be visiting Northern Outdoors again SOON!

Kerry Mc
South Casco, ME

Rating: 5 *****

Bachelorette Party Rafting Adventure



Trevor's Angels...

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by Northern Outdoors Trip Reviews
This is one of Trevor's Angels.

First I want to say: Trevor: We HAD the best tiMe ever, you are one of a kind. Thank you for not tipping us over. (LOL) We couldn't ask for a better leader. It's not easy leading a group of 10 STRONG women, and Trevor found away to successfully do it, from the girl talk, to the silly games, and ALL the funny pictures we took. You showed us how fun it can be to do something you enjoy. I wish you the best in your journey.

We learned so much on this trip about each other as a group, with that said, I wanted to Thank the staff at Northern Outdoors for a "Great experience" and good food. Now, I can scratch white water rafting off my list of fun things to do in my Life.

P.S. I can't wait to come back in the summer.

Ms. Sahadia
Boston, MA

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Group Rafting Adventures


Family Fun

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by Northern Outdoors Trip Reviews
We pass by Northern Outdoors every year on our way to Canada for Thanksgiving (US Columbus Day). We always say wouldn't it be fun to stay there. Well, this year we did. We arrived at supper time and enjoyed a lovely dinner in the game room where my sister and I could talk and the kids could jump from game to game. We then went for a swim. The kids enjoyed the heated pool and the fun of swimming in October. We heated up in the jacuzzi before heading off to bed. In the morning, we got up early and hit the pool and jacuzzi again! We will definitely look to make this a yearly stop!

Thanks again for starting off our weekend with a relaxing night and a good laugh - deer in the headlights beer - LOL!!

Danielle R
Clinton, MA

Rating: 5 *****

Fall things to do in Maine



Honeymoon ATV Trip

Thursday, October 6, 2011 by Northern Outdoors Trip Reviews
We came to Northern Outdoors for our honeymoon. We stayed in the Boom Chain Cozy Cabin and we loved it. It was just what we wanted. Nice bathroom, kitchen, and it was very clean. We came up for an ATV trip and we rode almost everyday. It was nice to come back after riding all day and get a nice meal and relax at the lodge. The food and beer were awesome. Having a place where we could eat, relax in the hot tub or shoot pool was a real nice touch.

I would love to come back sometime. Its well worth the trip from Vermont.

Jamie P
West Topsham, VT

Rating: 5 *****

ATV Trails


Company Sales Promotion Trip

Thursday, October 6, 2011 by Northern Outdoors Trip Reviews
This was the third rafting even that our company has used as a sales promotion. It was the best by far ! The lodging worked very well for our group, the food and beer was great, the rafting was fun, and every Northern Outdoors employee that we had contacted with was extremely helpful and friendly.

Gina D
Temple, ME

Rating: 5 *****

Corporate Retreats


"EPIC"

Tuesday, September 27, 2011 by Northern Outdoors Trip Reviews
I can't say enough positive things about my trip! The staff was fun, organized and made the trip a blast! I was the only one from my group who had rafted before and let's just say, we're all going back next year! Thank you for the memories and adventure - watch out for that Sasquach lurking about in the campground....

Emily E
Gorham, ME

Rating: 5 *****

Maine White Water Rafting


Better than expected

Tuesday, September 27, 2011 by Northern Outdoors Trip Reviews
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

Excellent Vacation

Tuesday, September 27, 2011 by Northern Outdoors Trip Reviews
We had a fantastic time with our stay from lodging, housekeeping, wait and kitchen staff along with river guides and front desk!

We rafted on Monday and Dawn took us down the river. She showed us a great time! The video nick put together was awesome. I always feel like family up there but everyone went above and beyond to make my friends, who came up for the first time, feel like part of the northern family.

Thank you so much!

Beth C
Rockville Centre, NY

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Whitewater Rafting

great people

Tuesday, September 27, 2011 by Northern Outdoors Trip Reviews
Rafting was fantastic. Moe was a great guide and really knew the river. He safely got us down while letting us have fun. I'd also like to thank the staff with protecting us from hurricane Irene. They chose to evacuate their campsite and instead of refunding our money or saying too bad they didn't control the weather they put the 13 of us in a great cabin at no extra cost!

Thank you so much!

Neil T
Gales Ferry, CT

Rating: 5 *****

Penobscot River White Water Rafting

Northern Outdoors Never Fails

Tuesday, September 27, 2011 by Northern Outdoors Trip Reviews
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



Bachelorette Weekend Getaway

Tuesday, September 27, 2011 by Northern Outdoors Trip Reviews
A long overdue Thank You to Northern Outdoors for an all-around awesome weekend! My bachelorettes (with the white sunglasses) and I had a great time on the river on 8/27, not to mention a major Zack Attack!! He was the best guide we could ask for!!

Jess G
Brighton, MA

Rating: 5 *****

Bachelorette Weekend Getaway