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

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

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

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

We spent two days at your resort to celebrate my daughter's 16th birthday. What a blast! Your staff was friendly, helpful, and all had a great sense of humor. The food was yummy, the cabin was clean, comfortable and larger than we thought it would be. This trip was one of our best family vacations. Trevor, our waiter/bartender and river guide was wonderful. He made the trip even more special.

The "McSchazzbournes" will be back!

Laurie Mc
Kennebunk, ME

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Family Rafting

Thank you so much Russell to you, Debbie, MJ and your entire staff for putting the cherry on our sundae. From our pick up at Grand Falls to our drop off at the Poplar trail head, all of my participants were happy campers. The float trip was just wonderful as was the food.

I do have to say however that the resort was a little busier than we expected. In the future, I'll most likely look into the Lakeside Resort property to make out transition back into reality a little easier.

Looking forward to adding this trip in my offerings. Hope to see you and the staff again soon.

Best Regards,

Ken J
Owner/Operator - Adventure Trip Guides

Ken J
Bridgewater, MA

Rating: 4 ****

Maine Hut-to-hut hiking

It was the first time I've ever planned a trip like this for my family. I can tell you this....we WILL be back next year and with additional family and friends. We had a blast! Zack was a terrific guide and made the trip even more enjoyable! In fact we all hope that he will be available next year to take us on our next guided tour! Five Stars from the Nickerson Family! We haven't stopped talking about our trip yet!

Thank a bunch and see you next year!
Christie, Vanessa, Arianna, Katelyn & Jessie!

Christie N
Plainville, MA

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Family Whitewater Rafting

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

Our trip to the 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 *****

Maine Family Rafting Trip

Great place - this is our second trip this summer. We came back a second time with two of our kids, because the first time was so good. We've already told friends about your place...

Our guide was James - he is really good at what he does. Hilarious, engaging, committed to people having a great time.

Your staff overall is fantastic - they coordinate so many details to create an end-to-end fun day. Lunch on the river is elaborate, and such a nice part of the day. Couldn't ask for more.

One area for improvement - we were part of the overflow group. Felt a little like second class citizens, mostly at the end of the day for the media show. Seems like Northern Outdoors doesn't have a solid second setup for these presentations. The guides struggled for maybe a half an hour to find equipment that worked. Was a bit of a buzz kill - because when it is done well, the slide show is a fun end to the day. Its a good day to laugh about the adventures, and connect with new friends. And, the guides seemed bummed - they put a lot into making the images and the video, to make the day fun ( and maybe have photo sales targets?)

So - a relatively minor, but important point. Easily fixable by an organization so committed to details - as yours is!

Thanks for such a fun time!

amy
newton, ma

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Family Rafting

A couple girlfriends and I enjoyed a girls get away recently with Northern. Everything was terrific (even if it did rain!). Everyone was very professional. Meghanne was our waitress at night and one of the raft guides during the day! Victor was our guide and was awesome, making our trip truly enjoyable. The water was very warm and the lunch was delicious. Amazing they could set up and break down that quickly.

We will definitely be back next year with more girls - and maybe we'll let the guys come too this time!

Johnna D
Lancaster, MA

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Whitewater Rafting

We had a fantastic 3 days with Northern Outdoors! From the lodge staff, to the waitstaff, to the guides, and even bus drivers, we thank you all for being so nice and helpful. This was our first time with Northern Outdoors, and we were very pleased to have chosen such a professional company.

We stayed in the tent cabins, which were clean and the site fit our needs. The buffet breakfast was superb, and the waitstaff very pleasant. We took the float trip our first day there, and enjoyed a nice relaxing afternoon on the river.

Our second day was the Kennebec white water rafting trip, and we thoroughly enjoyed having Brent as our guide. He spoke to everyone individually to get to know them and to make sure we all felt comfortable. During the trip, he gave clear and informative directions. As an experienced guide, if anyone hadn't quite gotten wet enough during any part of the trip down river, he knew exactly when to turn the raft the other way...so everyone got an equal share in the drenching! (LOL) We also had the opportunity to have a nice conversation with Sandi, another guide, as she was cooking lunch. It was wonderful how personable everyone was, and how well organized the trip, lunch, and all aspects of this experience were.

Thank you to everyone for making this such a memorable experience. We're looking to do it again next year, and to bring along some friends who have never been white water rafting before.

Don & Armanda L
Windham, ME

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Family Whitewater Rafting