I recently visited Maine and Northern Outdoors (NO) as a student participating in an Outdoor Recreation class through Keene State College. We stayed at Eagle Cove in the guest houses and was impressed with the quality of the accommodations. The food was provided by NO and was top-notch. It being winter, I was not able to enjoy the rafting trips, but I can attest that the Adventure Bound campus was high quality. Above all, I feel that the service was above and beyond. From Kevin, who manages the restaurant to the adventure programs director Nick. I was most impressed with the attitude and intelligence of the president of NO, Russell. He was able to display genuine enthusiasm for the offerings of NO while also understanding the needs of business and the environment coexisting. I would highly recommend NO for anyone looking to experience adventure in a remote location with the benefits of full services.

Jason A
Keene, NH

Rating: 5 *****

Keene State College Outdoor Recreation Course

Friday the 13th brings good winter news for Maine's snowmobile season! We received about 5" of snow yesterday and it looks like more is coming tonight.  The lodge, bar, and restaurant will be open from noon to close (12am or 1am depending on who's rocking) Saturday / Sunday/ Monday of this MLK holiday weekend. Come watch the Pats on Saturday night and enjoy tasty handcrafts KRB Ales and pub fare.

We're exploring riding options and think that theres should be riding around Coburn Mountain, Parlin Pond, and north to Jackson. We'll post a full trail report when we have more info, but this is the scopp for now.  We're offering a 50% discount on lodging the next couple of weekends. It's a slow start to the season, but it's a start! Stay tuned.... from The Forks.

Maine Snowmobiling
Snowmobile Trail Conditions Report
Follow our Facebook talk on winter conditions here.

Great food and hospitality, had a wonderful time.

Randall M
Philippi, WV

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Whitetail Deer Hunting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was a glorious weekend to spend in the Maine woods. All new terrain to explore. An easy woods walk, the seven miles being adequate for producing an appetite for delicious dining.

Having hiked the hut in the Whites, I was surprised with the amenities you have designed and created for the foot traveler in the Maine woods. Thoreau would have been delighted with the accommodations. Dinner was tasty and fresh. A warm and cleansing shower, hearty breakfast all fine memories. A special surprise was the hiker who packed his fiddle and played surprising melodies by an open fire before a peaceful sleep.

We were met in the morning by our smiling guide Sandi. A beautiful sunny Sunday with great warm waters and lively powerful waves and current.

When I look at my face, I recall Satan's Hole in detail. It is quite a variety of purple hues.

Thanks so much for creating a place for delightful memories.

Marilynn Vander S


south portland, ME

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Hike & Raft Adventure

We have treated ourselves to many a weekend in northern New England- but nothing compares to this. Such a sweet deal, great atmosphere, delicious food and drink- this mini vaca was a 10 in our books!

Dave, our rafting guide, was a cool as the water was- and that's cool! We will def be back for either snowmobiling or another rafting trip- but the Level 5 rapids next time!! Thanks for making such a wonderful memory! We will def be back!! :)

Stina & Brian
Attleboro, MA

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Adventure Getaway

My husband and I live in Georgia and visited Maine for the first time this past weekend to attend our son's wedding. His new wife grew up in Maine and their dream was for an adventurous weekend with family and friends in a beautiful setting. Northern Outdoors exceeded my expectations.

The cabins were perfectly appointed and comfortable with beautiful views from every window. The wedding venue was gorgeous, overlooking the lake. We hosted the Welcome Party on Fri. night and everything was professionally done and presented so nicely AND the food was delicious. The reception dinner with lobster was fabulous. Northern Outdoors met every wish my son and daughter in law had of their perfect wedding. Many of the guests commented it was the best wedding they had ever attended.

Thanks for memories to last forever. Sincerely, Peggy

Peggy
Roswell, GA

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Adventure Weddings

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