Penobscot
(nicknamed the Penob by river runners)
Location: North-central Maine (about 160 miles northeast of Portland; about 260 miles northeast of Boston).
Length of trip: 12 miles in one day.
Season: Mid-May to mid-September. Daily dam releases control the water flow.
Weather: Summer temperatures range from the mid-60s to the mid-80s (F). Be prepared for blackflies in June.
Lodging: Wooded campsites in Baxter State Park, as well as wooded campgrounds, furnished lakefront cabins, B&Bs, motels, and inns in Greenville and Millinocket.
Boats: Kayaks, paddle rafts.
Rapids: Class IV and V, as well as a 12-foot falls. Clear, cool water averages 65¡F in summer.
Special features:
- Considered the most challenging white water in the East. At Ripogenus Gorge the Penob drops 70 feet per mile over Class V rapids and through the white-water maze called the Cribwork.
- Spectacular river scenery, with views of Mount Katahdin and other high peaks.
- Wildflowers in spring.
- Swimming.
- Autumn colors blaze against a backdrop of evergreens.
- Excellent fishing for landlocked salmon.
- Moose, black bears, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, ospreys.
- Wilderness solitude.
- Suitable for families and intermediate to experienced rafters.
Nearby excursions:
- Baxter State Park.
- Appalachian Trail.
- Moosehead Lake.
- Allagash Wilderness Waterway.
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 more information:
- Raft Maine Association, P.O. Box 3, Bethel, Maine 04217; 800 723 8633.
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