Maine Family Vacations

Bring in the firewood and stock up on the hot chocolate!  Maine is getting ready for fall visitors.   Cool mornings and crisp evenings make for good snuggling up to the fire with a cup of hot joe in hand.

Days, however, are still warm and bright, perfect for playing in the great outdoors under a  canopy of brilliant fall leaves.  Autumn in New England like nowhere else on earth.  From the lakes region to the coast, Maine offers some of the most beautiful and least known leaf-looking adventures in the region. 

Take a Kennebec River rafting trip through the unique Kennebec River Gorge.  Hike to Moxie Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in New England.  Make a drive to from The Forks to Jackman on The Old Canada Road, National Scenic Byway, to admire the stunning views of Attean Lake.  Return to a cabin in the Maine woods and a roaring fireplace and steaming hottub at the lodge.  Fall in Maine is a great escape and we're ready to welcome all adventurerers!

Sometimes driving is just a way to get where you have to go, and sometimes a drive is an experience all its own.  Travel by car in New England in the fall is the latter.  From the Interstates to the backroads, fall color turns every drive into a better experience than it would be otherwise.  Leaves falling, leaves shimmering, leaves blowing across the road - rain or shine, leaves make fall trips much more fun. 

Granted some roadtips are more spectacular than others, through quaint towns, over mountain byways offering stunning vistas.  For those set to make a journey to Maine this fall, whether for Maine whitewater rafting or just a relaxing getaway, the trip is an extra-special one.  Route 201, the road to Northern Outdoors Resort, is also known as the Old Canada Road Scenic Byway and it is one of the most spectacular roads in New England. Also known as Moose Alley - Route 201 follows the Kennebec River, Wyman Lake and the Dead River and winds to the Canadian border through miles and miles of colorful scenery.

For visitors looking to explore other great drives, Falcon Guides has published the 2nd Edition of Scenic Driving New England.  It's worth picking up a copy as a useful guide on Maine adventure vacations.

Not everything about Maine adventure vacations is wild and rugged.  There is a different kind of exploration to be done through just up soaking the history of The Forks area.  Old photographs cover the walls of the Kennebec River Pub and offers glimpse into a time so different it is difficult to conceive that it was daily reality just over a hundred years ago.

The Kennebec River was made infamous by the timbermen and daring log drivers who rode the giant logs of the old forests down the wide river to the mills.  No helmets, no life vests -- dexterity, bravery and luck where the only safely factors in operation on the river in those days. 
There were no wet suits, no quick-drying synthetic clothing to keep them warm - only hard work.  The roads were dirt, the wilderness tough, the water big and cold.   It took a special kind of soul to spend time on the Kennebec River back then.

Imagine what those folks would think of the intrepid Maine whitewater rafting guests today.  Some would probably be amused.  Some would probably be pleased that more people  than they ever could have imagined now have a way to witness the wild beauty of the Kennebec River Gorge.

Visitors should take a moment in the Kennebec River Pub to examine the faces of the men and women of The Forks of so many decades ago.  They are the ones that paved the way for the adventurers of today and taking in that history adds another layer to Kennebec River rafting!

Moxie Falls is a must-do hike in the Forks, Maine.  One of the tallest waterfalls in New England, Moxie Falls is also one of the easiest to reach.  The trail is less than a mile long, wide and easy to follow.  There is a little bit of up and down, but nothing terribly steep and none of it very long.  A camera is a must!

The trail starts off flat and dry, and eventually winds down through some boggy spots.  Here, stepping logs have been placed through the wetter sections of trail.

Farther along, hikiners reach a four-way intersection.  The maine trail goes straight through and descends toward the falls.  Wooden steps and walkways wind along next to the river.  The falls will be heard before they are seen. At the head of the falls, there's a boardwalk off to the left that leads to two viewing platform. 

It's easy to find as well.  Take Route 201 north to West Forks.  Make a right onto Lake Moxie Road just before the bridge over the Kennebec River.  (This is the road that whitewater rafters take on their way to the put-in for Kennebec River rafting, so for those who have have been rafting, this will look familiar.)   About three miles up the hill, on the left, is a parking area, with a sign for Moxie Falls Trailhead.

Enjoy.

Maine Whitewater rafting is fantastic, no denying it, but there are more ways to explore the waters of Maine.  One of the most exciting things we have seen in the last several years is people discovering something we have known for a while - that kayaking does not have to mean hucking yourself off waterfalls or even have to involve whitewater at all.

Recreational kayaks - sometimes called lake kayaks or light touring kayaks - are becoming more popular every year.  More and more visitors are discovering the ease and fun of this activity.  From kids to grandparents, recreational kayaking something most people can enjoy.  We have sit-on-top lake kayaks available for rental to use on Martin Pond right here at the resort in The Forks.

These boats are so stable, they allow of a wide age range of people to get right out and explore small ponds and slow moving rivers.  With a little more experience, larger lakes and faster moving water also become accessible.  It's a quiet sport, good exercise and a great way to get closer to wildlife that would otherwise be possible.

For those who get hooked on the sport - good news!  Recreational kayaks can start as low in cost as a couple hundred dollars, with a nice paddle in about the $100.00 range and a PFD (Personal Floatation Device) starting at around half that.  A couple of cam-straps and a bow line and the boats go easily onto the roof of a car for transport to vacation adventure.

Where we used to see just whitewater kayaks on the roofs of the cars in our parking lot, we are now seeing an increasing number of recreational kayaks as well. 

Lunch on the banks of the Kennebec River is part of the adventure of a Maine whitewater rafting trip with Northern Outdoors.  Between the Upper and Lower sections of the Kennebec River, is a partly rocky, partly sand beach.  Set back in the trees is a huge grill and several low benches.  This south-facing river-beach is where the big yellow rafts pull in for a break and guides jump out to cook a hot, fresh lunch for their rafting guests.

And when we say lunch - we're not talking cold sandwiches, we're talking a choice of grilled chicken, salmon, steak or veggie burgers.  We're talking fried rice, salad and home baked cookies (Okay so the cookies aren't baked on the river bank, but everything else is cooked there!).  Gigantic camp kettles produce hot chocolate and coffee.  Ice tea, lemonade and water in coolers keep everyone hydrated.

There are no droopy paper plates and flimsy plastic silverware - instead guests eat off sturdy, metal camp plates with real forks and steak knives.  Metal camp cups don't disintegrate in hands wet from the river.  This lunch is meant to fuel everyone up and bring a smiles to faces young and old.  It's a great way to celebrate a successful run of the Upper Kennebec River and prepare for the playful adventure of the Lower Kennebec!

It's a common misconception that Maine whitewater rafting means splashing through freezing snow-melt in full wet suits wearing 15 pairs of socks.  But on a hot summer day, the strikingly beautiful Kennebec River is anything but frigid. 

Like many rivers throughout the country, the Kennebec is dam controlled, meaning the water level is controlled by the hydroelectric dam and the releases are on a regular daily schedule.  Many dams release their water from the bottom of the lakes behind them, and water at the bottom of a lake has not seen sunlight for months...brrrrrrr!

Luckily for Kennebec River rafting guests, the Harris Station Dam draws its water from the top of Indian Pond  — and that water has spent many summer days warming up.  During a super-hot summer like the one we've been having, this means the water in the Kennebec is a refreshing, not chilling, 70+°F.   Perfect water for rafting, splashing and swimming.  Perfect for anyone wanting to experience a Maine river trip that breaks cold-water-rafting stereotypes.

There's nothing quite like waking up in the Maine woods to let you know you are really away from it all on Maine adventure Vacations.  There is an interesting mix of noise and silence.  The occasional rumble of a passing logging truck is what passes for traffic noise, and the birds are telling their first tales of the day to all the trees that will listen.  The wind in the evergreens is a subtle, consistent presence. A splash from the lake just down the hill from the cabin indicates the presence of a Green Frog.  Mist is rising off the lake and if we're lucky, a loon might float by and wish us good morning.

Heading to the lodge, the sun is breaking through the early morning clouds with the promise of a glorious day ahead.  Breakfast is fresh fruit and bagels, sausage and scrambled eggs, hot coffee and OJ, cereal for the kids and pancakes with - of course - real Maine maple syrup. 

Guests are getting ready for a great day of Kennebec River rafting, pulling river shoes and making sure their waterproof cameras are at hand.  Off to the side of the rafting group, a dozen people are gathered, GPSs and clue-lists in hand, ready to head off on a Geo Caching scavenger hunt.  The Appalachian Trail through-hikers at the next table are swapping trail stories of the Hundred Mile Wilderness to the north and deciding when to head down to catch the Canoe Ferry across the Kennebec River.  The folks from the cabin next door settle in on the couches in front of the fireplace with a handful of maps, planning their motorcycle ride on the Route 201 National Scenic Byway (aka Moose Alley).

It's another typical morning in our special corner of Maine and we can't wait to see what else the day will bring.

Summer is family time, and there is nothing like getting outdoors with the kids and playing on rivers and trails to give everyone something to talk about for the rest of the year.  Big travel vacations are tough for families in an economy like this, but a 2-3 day getaway packed with fun is possible, only a short drive away from everyday life. 

Kids in the game room, families playing water volleyball in the swimming pool, everybody trekking through the woods with GPS in hand on a Geocaching hunt — there is no end to the fun a Maine family adventure vacation offers.  Throw in half-price Kennebec River rafting or float trips and everyone is cooled off as well as relaxed. 

In honor of adventerous families, we have gathered our great family getaway activities into one list (TADA!) to make planning Maine adventure vacations with kids easier. Yes, we really are that good.  The fact that many of us have kids and love to watch their faces as they experience new things lets us help visitors with their planning.   We encourage everyone to bring the kids or the grandkids and come out to play.

Rafting enthusiasts take note: For those who have never rafted the Dead River in Maine, we highly recommend it.  The Dead River offers some of the best Maine whitewater rafting and it only runs a limited number of times a year!  With more continuous whitewater than any other river in the East, the Dead River puts you smack in the middle of super-intense, wet and wild action.

The Dead River is dam-controlled and has only 10 high-water releases per season.  We love to thrill guests on heart-pounding Class III, IV, and V whitewater from Grand Falls to the confluence of the Kennebec and Dead Rivers in the West Forks.

This rafting trips builds in intensity with great warm-up rapids at the top and culminates in the Class IV-V Poplar Hill Falls at the end. The scenery is outstanding, especially in September and October when the leaves are turning — if you have time to look!

The Release Schedule for the Rest of the 2010 Season:

Sunday, August 15th	3500 cfs  (Diablo Sport Rafts)
Sunday, September 5th	5500 cfs
Saturday, September 18th	3500 cfs  (Diablo Sport Rafts)
Saturday, October 2nd	Full Open up to 6000 cfs

You never know what you are going to come across driving up to Northern Outdoors for a Maine whitewater rafting vacation.  Sure, you expect to see lots of great views, stands of birch trees, maybe even a moose - but a Bread Festival?  Not exactly high on the list!

For those traveling north on July 29-31, 2010, however, bread should be moved to the top of the list.  The annual Kneading Conference and Artisan Bread Fair is taking place in Skowhegan, Maine.  The Kneading Conference, July 29-30th, brings togeather professional bakers and bread enthusiasts, and requires pre-registration.  On July 31, 2010, the Artisan Bread Fair is free and open to the general public.  Yummy, yummy, yummy!

What better way to start Maine adventure vacations off than with a a taste of fresh, hearty fare?  We know whitewater rafting takes lots of energy and stocking up on fresh-baked carbohydrates is a great way to get some.    Hot summmer days, cooling river rafting, warm bread...not a bad way to spend the weekend!

Up here in Maine, we do what we do best - work and and play hard.  We'd be doing that whether anyone else noticed or not, but every now and then we find ourselves the subject of some great, national level, news coverage.  Recently in the USA Today section 'Travel Tips', our beautiful state got some exposure and Northern Outdoors was right in the mix. 

We like that we do things well enough that other people can appreciate what we have to offer, from the adventure of Maine whitewater rafting, to the luxury of a fully-stocked cabin on the edge of a lake to the fresh brewed beer at the Kennebec River Brewery and Pub.  It's satisfying to know that visiting with us gives people a much needed break and offers many options for fun.  

Thanks to all those who have visited and continue to visit us over the years.  We look forward to seeing you for a long time to come! 

The Kennebec River is a dam-controlled river, meaning so water for whitewater rafting is almost always guaranteed!  The Harris Station dam, built from 1952-1954, provides the releases on the Kennebec River.  Harris Station is a peak generation facility, meaning that it is one of the power plants called upon to meet increases demands for power, such as occur when the temperature rises and more air conditioning is turned on.  Increases in power needs in the summer mean the releases from the dam are often bigger on the hottest days - perfect for those looking to get cool through Kennebec River rafting!  Bigger releases means more water in the river - which means bigger waves and more fun!

Harris Station is unique for its “black-start” capability. The station can begin generating power and come on-line without the input of electricity. Black-start generating locations help start up other generators in the event of a large outage. Electricity from Harris is fed into the New England grid and moves throughout the state and the surrounding areas.  This also means that even if the power is down the rafting does not have to be! 

Farther north, Penobscot River rafting offers even more adventure, will great waves and views of Khatadin, the highest mountain in Maine and the northern terminus of the famous Appalachian Trail.

We're watching the mercury hit record temperatures all the way up the coast and thanking our stars that we work on the river where cooling off is part of going to work everyday.  With the forecast calling for nothing cooler that 86 degrees F in Boston for at least the next 10 days, we know people are going to be looking forward to some Maine whitewater rafting. 

The Kennebec and Dead river run cool and Kennebec River rafting and Penobscot River Rafting River rafting are perfect ways to take the bite out of the worst summer heat.  We make sure everyone gets wet in the big waves and that those of age have the option of a chilled, handcrafted, beer on tap at the end of the trip.   Anyone who's still too hot after all that can take a dip in the pool and chill on the deck under the stars.

The Forks, Maine is a rural paradise.  Located on Route 201 in North Western, Maine, The Forks and West Forks have a year round population of under 100 people, but oh what a place we live in!  We have stunning scenery, great kayaking and canoeing, awesome fishing, moose and eagles and great trails.  We also have wild Maine whitewater rafting and super-tastey micobrew beer at the Kennebec River Brewery, and lodging from luxury cabins to tent camping for visitors.  We're so country-cool we can hardly stand it.

Spring and summer means hours of play on the rivers and lakes either fishing or rafting or kayaking and canoeing.  It means day hikes on the Appalachian Trail or extended overnight treks on Maine hut to hut hiking trips.  It means eating well at local restaurants and sipping some KRB BlueBerry Ale after a long day working or playing.

Come fall, the leaves are nothing short of stunning, and long scenic drives are only one way to see them.  Kennebec River rafting or Dead River rafting allow for viewing vistas that most folks never glimpse.  An autumn hike to Moxie falls is something not soon forgotten!

Winter brings its own wonder, with frozen lakes and rivers, moose and rabbit tracks in the snow, and great trails for snowmobiling, whether day trips or over night multi-day excusions.

There's no season here that doesn't delight.  The Forks may be small, but being here is a mighty big time!

Whitewater in New England runs fast and wild - the perfect place to test outdoor gear of all kinds.  Olympus Cameras brought its new waterproof Stylus Tough Digital Camera to Maine to abuse it in all sorts of conditions.  Northern Outdoors' video boater, Nick Atwood, rigged his whitewater kayak with half a dozen cameras and put them through their paces on the Kennebec River.  Best known for as a prime run for Maine whitewater rafting, the Kennebec gave the Stylus and Nick a glorious ride, as the video proves!

Among other adventures the Stylus Tough Camera had in Maine were snowboarding at Sugarloaf, mountain biking in Carrabassett Valley, lobster fishing off Portland Head, skateboarding and bowling (though inexplicably not candlepin bowling!) and a wild ride in a washing machine at the local laundrymat.  That's a tough camera getting put through its paces in a state known for rugged adventure.  From hut to hut hiking trips to Maine whitewater rafting, Maine is a great place to come out and play, and we're thinking the Stylus Tough is a great camera to bring along!

On June 18, 2010 Maine Trail Finder was launched!  Maine Trail Finder is a free, interactive mapping site designed to help residents and visitors find trails for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking in the Maine.  Folks looking to add other kinds of exploration to Maine whitewater rafting vacations will find great options here.

Those interested in non-motorized trail use can search trails by category, difficulty and location as well as using an interactive map base.   Maine Trail Finder has detailed trail description pages that let users view the trail(s), get essential information, submit trip comments and photos, find nearby geocaches, and a whole lot more.

The first 15 trails listed are in Greater Franklin County just to the West of Northern Outdoors in The Forks, Maine. New trails will be added each week through the summer in an ever-expanding network - rather like the trails themselves! If you are new to geocaching, check out the geocaching classes and field hikes offered by Northern Outdoors every summer.

Maine whitewater rafting and a new Harley Davidson motorcycle - two great ideas for summer fun - and they have come together this June!  We get lots of visitors on motorcycles, people exploring backroads on New England vacations, who either plan to stop in for lunch, come for a week or just happen upon us on their journeys.  Often they come back year after year, because the roads around here are perfect for motorcycling - rollng, scenic, long and uncrowded.  Throw in a great meal at the pub, awesome rustic lodging, and an evening in the hot tub after a day in the saddle and we're a favorite among bikers!

We appreciate the adventurous spirit displayed by these bikers and so we're thrilled that our friends at LA Harley Davidson in Lewiston, ME are having the Wet N Wild Summer sales event: Buy any new or pre-owned Harley Davidson in stock, LA Harley is going to send you and a guest on an overnight whitewater rafting trip courtesy of Northern Outdoors.    How's that for making our motorcycling friends happy?

Father's Day (June 21, 2010) is the day Dad gets to play.  For a lot of dads that just means they get out of mowing the lawn for a week.  We vote for something more - like playing in the Maine woods for the weekend.  Spending time with friends and family kicking back in a great cabin - rocking some Kennebec River Rafting and lots of fresh beer and good eats at the onsite Kennebec River Pub & Brewery. 

And remember when you bring Dad for a weekend of Maine whitewater rafting at Northern Outdoors, dad rafts for free.  Yep!  You read it right, pay for your own full price trip and dad rides the rapds on us!  (The only thing better than playing for the weekend is playing for less.)  So go ahead and make this a Father's Day not soon forgotten.