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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Awesome rafting on the Penobscot. Took the family and our two teens (17/19) and each took a friend along. The white water was so much fun. We had rafted on the Kenebec last year; This year was even better! Our guide Jayson was incredible--he was also our guide on the Kenebec. Lunch was great--Northern Outdoors is a top-notch oufit.

We'll make it an annual event!

Wendy W
Marblehead, MA

Rating: 5 *****

Penobscot River Whitewater 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

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

Dave, our guide, did a great job and gave us a wonderful ride down the river. The food was good and plentiful. The various beers were excellent!

The lakeside cabin had good showers and more than enough room for the four of us. I do wonder if what happens if all the beds occupied. When the people were all awake, the common area would have to be very friendly if all were inside.

The WiFi connection at the brew pub was iffy. Sometimes it just went away. I averaged about a 15 minute connection, which let me check e-mail once a day. My younger son couldn't download his weather charts - too big. (meteorology student that eats, sleeps and breathes weather.) The older boy needed to download some large updates and couldn't. He did manage to do some coding that didn't need internet. He couldn't test them, tho' because he needs an internet connection to test the app on an iPad.

Then again, we're on vacation! I was really kind of glad that my husband wasn't constantly interrupted by e-mail downloads on his Droid.

NANCY M
ST. LOUIS, MO

Rating: 5 *****

Northern Outdoors Lodge
Kennebec River Whitewater Rafting