General Overview
The Kennebec River Huge Water rafting trip only runs 4 times per year! Every year Harris Station Dam schedules 4 “turbine tests” where they release their maximum flows. This turns the rapids we normally run on our Kennebec River trip into the BIGGEST rapids in New England! If you enjoyed our normal Kennebec River trips but wanted more action, this is the trip for you. Since this is a special trip – we serve a special lunch. All paddlers are rewarded with a Maine Lobster Bake lunch at the conclusion of the river trip.
Check In
Your river trip will be run out of our Forks Fun Resort in The Forks, ME – also known as the “Whitewater Capital of Maine”. Check-in for your Kennebec Huge Water Rafting Trip starts at 8:30am. After check-in, we outfit you with your river gear: life jackets and helmets are provided, while wet suits and splash jackets are available to rent at a small cost. Lastly, before we take you to the river, all rafters must participate in the Trip Leader’s safety speech.
Your Kennebec River High Water Experience
Your epic journey down the Kennebec River starts at Harris Station Dam. Maine’s largest hydroelectric station will be releasing the maximum amount of water that can go through its turbines – 8,400 CFS. Before you hit the river, you will learn your guide’s commands and practice paddling. Then it’s off to conquer Maine’s biggest whitewater rapids!
If you have been on one of our normal Kennebec Rapids, this trip will seem a bit different. The river is moving faster and the rapids are twice as big in some places. The first Class IV rapid that you will charge into is Big Mama. At this level, Big Mama produces a 12 foot tall wave! When you are coming through the Alley Way, you will be faced with huge waves crashing off of the narrow gorge walls.
You will be able to catch your breath in the flatwaters of Cathedral Eddy. Here your guide will prepare you for the biggest rapid of the day – Magic Falls. In this next set of rapids, you will be charging into a massive wave called Maytag. At 15 feet tall, this is the biggest Whitewater feature in all of New England. Paddle hard and listen to your guide because you are in for quite the ride!
Once you’ve conquered New England’s biggest whitewater rapids, you’ll get to enjoy a 6 mile float through the heart of Maine’s wilderness. Your guide will provide you with a snack. While you float, be on the lookout for Bald Eagles and other Maine wildlife. Don’t forget to hop in the river and go for a swim – It’s plenty deep in most places and the water is warm!
Post-Trip
The trip ends with a 3 minute bus ride back to the Forks Fun Resort. There will be fresh Maine Lobster waiting for you at the base – (you earned it)! Grab some drinks from the Boatman’s Bar & Grill and watch the photo/video presentation to see how you and your crew looked while conquering Maine’s biggest rapids. This concludes your Huge Water adventure! This is one of the most popular trips of the season, so book early!
