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). You’ll 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 England’s 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 England’s 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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