Kennebec
Location: Western Maine (about 125 miles north of Portland; about 215 miles north of Boston).
Length of trip: 12.5 miles in four to five hours.
Season: May through mid-October. Daily dam releases control the water flow.
Weather: Daytime temperatures in spring average in the 60s and 70s (F). Youll find warmer days in summer (mid-80s), cooler in autumn (50s and 60s). Be prepared for blackflies in June.
Lodging: Cabins, cottages, B&Bs, and motels in Bingham, Caratunk, and Jackman.
Boats: Kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.
Rapids: Class III, IV, and V. Clear, cool water, averaging 65° in summer.
Special features:
- One of New Englands most challenging and popular white-water runs, with lots of big roller-coaster waves.
- Most popular white-water river in Maine.
- Pine trees cloak the high rock walls and rim of spectacular Kennebec Gorge.
- Swimming in side streams and lower part of river.
- Fine hiking on the Appalachian Trail, which crosses the Kennebec.
- Wildflowers in spring and autumn.
- In autumn blazing New England colors set against a backdrop of green pines.
- Moose, black bears, white-tailed deer, river otters, ospreys, bald eagles.
- Wilderness solitude.
- Suitable for river runners of all levels, seniors in good physical condition, families, and the physically challenged who are comfortable in and around the water.
Nearby excursions:
- Appalachian Trail.
- 90-foot Moxie Falls, New Englands highest waterfall.
- Moosehead Lake.
For a list of outfitters:
- Maine Publicity Bureau, Post Office Box 2300, Hallowell, Maine 04347-2300; +1 207 623 0363 or 800 533 9595, fax +1 207 623 0388. Ask for the guidebook Maine Invites You, which includes a list of outfitters. Try to book at least six weeks in advance for weekdays, more for weekends.
For more information:
- Raft Maine Association, P.O. Box 3, Bethel, Maine 04217; 800 723 8633.
- Upper Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 691, Bingham, Maine 04920; +1 207 672 4100.
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