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

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

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

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

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

I booked our trip as a birthday present for my best friend. We could not have asked for a better weekend! The campsite was great, the people at the lodge were great, and the adventure blew our minds! Our guide, Scotty, was great! All the guides were so much fun. We had never been rafting before and after just one trip down the Kennebec we are planning to raft all three rivers, every summer from now until who knows when. I have been recommending this to anyone I come in contact with and will continue to do so :)

Cora P
Greenland, NH

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Getaway Weekend

Lots of fun--great weather--great guide--great river. Loved the hike into the eco-hut, the wonderful meals there, the quiet atmosphere, then the hike to the put-in spot. It seemed like a week away instead of 36 hours.

Sheridan C
Phippsburg, ME

Rating: 5 *****

Dead River Hike & Raft Adventure

...why not make it a little more interesting?

Hurricane Irene. We knew it was coming, we were prepared. After the 4th day with no power, cooking on the camp stove in the kitchen, I decided it was time to bring the boys to The Forks and at least have some *fun* while living "rough."

Good call.

We arrived and I realized I had forgotten to print our tickets to Water Country on our way home. Epic fail. Brandi to the rescue! She printed them out for me from an email I forwarded from the lodge, and she delivered them to our campsite. Too awesome.

Campfires and s'mores abounded in front of our cabin tent that evening as the kids and their dad excitedly discussed what the next day's adventures would bring. Good times.

We headed up to the lodge, paperwork in hand... only to find that our 9 year-old and I would have to sit out the rapids. **FAIL** Please, please, PLEASE... spare kids the disappoinment and make *very* clear the age restrictions on the website. We would have waited until next year, true, but then you'd only be getting a glowing review instead of one tainted by grumpiness. I was *very* unhappy, as I love rafting, and we still paid full price for my trip even though I missed the fun.

OK, enough grumpy - Zach could *not* have been a cooler guide. He was fantastic with the kids, very capable with the raft, laid back, great sense of humor, but very confident and in control.

Rachel P
Foxboro, MA

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River White Water Rafting

My husband and I just returned from a fabulous experience with Northern Outdoors! We came expecting a great rafting trip and we got that plus so much more.
Our rafting trip on 9.11.11 with high water from the previous days' Turbine Release was out of this world. Beautiful day, fast, warm water and an experienced guide (Greg) made for an unforgettable time. We also enjoyed the Video put together by Zach and the photo slideshow expertly narrated with hilarious comments (Brian narrated, I think).

We loved the atmosphere in the lodge and the Beer...yum! You must try the Sampler! Who knew you could like both a smokey Porter AND a sweet blueberry Ale?

Greg recommended we take a "hike" (really an easy walk in the woods on a nicely groomed path) to Moxie Falls. The views were gorgeous!
Oh and did we mention the hot tub? Clean, clear and hot! No sketchy "foam" on top.
Schedule your trip with Northern Outdoors...NOW...you will not be disappointed!

Betzi & Andy
Essex Jct, VT

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Turbine Test Release
Kennebec RIver Pub & Brewery

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

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

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

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