Whitewater Rafting on the Kennebec River

Summer is a great time for spending time with your friends and family. The weather’s perfect, there’s plenty to do, and it stay’s light out until 9 o’clock. You can hike, barbecue, or hang out on the beach. However, if you are looking for a unique way to spend a few days with your friends, try whitewater rafting. More specifically, try whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River in Maine. The Kennebec River offers a wide variety of aspects and you can bet on having a leisurely stroll one minute, and face a class 4 rapid the next. Here are a few places that will show you a great time with expertise and class.

The first place you need to check out is Northern Outdoors. Northern Outdoors is celebrating their 30th year of being the leader of the Kennebec River excursions. They’ll take you on a journey down a 12-mile stretch of the river filled with excitement. They have 1-day packages starting at $69 dollars. This includes a noontime grill out complete with chicken, veggies, and burgers. Not to mention the slide show and video that they show when you return to their bas camp where you have access to their restaurant, game room and swimming pool. If you’re worried about the safety, don’t worry. They have state-of-the-art self bailing rafts, as well as free use of life-jackets, helmets and paddles. They do have age requirements. The minimum is 8 years old for the less intense lower gorge, and 10 for the harder upper gorge. Their season runs from May until October, so call them at 1-800-765-RAFT to make reservations, or visit them at www.northernoutdoors.com.

Another place that offers great adventures on the Kennebec River is North County Rivers. Not only do they offer Kennebec packages, they also can take you down the nearby Dead and Penobscot Rivers. They offer personalized trips and they employ the best guides and the highest level of safety. Their prices range from $66 to $106 for Kennebec trips, but for another $40 (per group) you can add on a great feast that everybody can enjoy. They usually start in April and run until October. They guarantee class 4 and class 5 rapids that will definitely get the heart pumping. If you are planning a multiple day trip and want to spend a few extra days around the base camp, North County Rivers has a number of lodging options to choose from. They can hook you up with a quaint cabin, or send you down the road to a marvelous bed and breakfast. Gateway cabins run around $110 dollars a night while the Colony House Bed and Breakfast can bit a bit pricier at around $150 a night. They do require a 50% deposit per person with the balance due 45 days before departure. Make sure you call them at 1-800-348-8871, or visit them at www.ncrivers.com.

Take some time this summer to go on an adventure that will be great for the whole family. You will definitely have the experience of a lifetime on the Kennebec River.