Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to reach The Forks from Boston. Nearly all trips take less than a day,
with an average cost of around $80 to $90 per adult. Water levels are
guaranteed - all rivers used by rafting companies are controlled by major
dams.
DID YOU KNOW?
The highest rapid rating is Class
V, found in places on the Dead River and at the
Cribworks on the Penobscot. Magic Falls is a Class IV
“hole” on the Kennebec.
With guides licensed by the state, all trips on Maine rivers, while excit-
ing, are comparatively safe. All paddlers are given a safety lecture and
shown how to paddle as a team before putting in. Instructions include
what to do if you are tossed out of the boat.
These trips are on big water and should not be considered lightly.
Most outfitters provide life jackets, paddles, rafts, and transportation to
the put-in point. Wet suits may be rented, although in high summer they
are not needed. Most operators also offer a hearty lunch cooked either
riverside or back at their base camp.
Check to see if your outfitter offers still photos or video of your wild ride.
Some even put on a slide presentation or video show and take orders be-
fore your departure.
When to Go & What to Bring
The rafting companies will hate to read this, but I say forget about going
in the spring. Early on it is just too cold and, even with wet or dry suits, it
is far from an idyllic experience. By early June these rivers are swarming
with ravenous black flies that will chew rings around any flesh left bare
by your wet suit.
Go in late July or early August, when the days are warm and sunny and
when half the fun is jumping off the raft in the quiet water sections to
float along with the river. Reserve early as this is the most popular time
and outfitters have set allocations on how many people they can take
each day. (It's usually easier to get reservations during the week.)
Autumn too can be spectacular. Most people don't think of leaf peeping
from a raft, but it really doesn't get any better. The water is warm and
sunlight just right.
Make sure you have packed the following:
