Maine is a fantastic place to visit in the summer. With lots of outdoor adventures at every level, there is something for everyone. Maine offers white water rafting, waterfalls, hiking, art and everything else you could ever want to do outside. Crab Apple Whitewater guests often ask what else there is to do during their Maine vacation after a thrilling run down the Kennebec or Dead River. In this blog, we thought we would tackle five popular Maine outdoor activities.
1.Whitewater Rafting
The most popular outdoor adventure in Maine is whitewater rafting. If you want to head inland and crave thrashing waves, whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River or Dead River is where it’s at. Located in The Forks, daily dam releases provide big class 3-4 whitewater all summer long. Warm water, spectacular scenery, and great guides await the whitewater adventurer. Crab Apple Whitewater also offers paintball, lodging and there’s a bar and restaurant on site. There are even some trips that families with younger kids (and those less adventurous) can choose from. An average day starts at 8:30 am and your whitewater adventure will be completed around 3:30 pm. A delicious cookout lunch is always included with every adventure!
2. Hiking
While Maine’s highest peaks may not rival the Rockies, mountain lovers will find some gems. Climb to the top of a fire tower, take the Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit challenge, tackle Maine’s 4K+ footers in the Maine High Peaks region, or hike a rare mature forest at Borestone Mountain. And of course, scale the highest mountain in Maine: Katahdin. Since it’s the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, you can witness thru-hikers reaching the end of a 2,000-mile trek if you time it right.
3. Take an art road trip.
The Maine coast has beckoned artists for a long time, and it’s not uncommon to find art studios and lobster traps in the same coastal villages. Whether you want to explore the Maine Art Museum or visit some of the amazing galleries, the Maine coast has plenty to offer. Inland, Colby College has an exceptional collection of Art and Sculpture at their Museum in Waterville.
4. See New England’s tallest waterfall
Moxie Falls is the tallest waterfall in New England. Located in The Forks, Maine, it’s a perfect walk after a Kennebec River rafting trip. Featuring a sheer 90ft drop, as well as multiple smaller falls above and below it, Moxie is truly amazing. Many Crab Apple Whitewater guests take this one-mile walk in the late afternoon and everyone is impressed with this hidden beauty. Be sure to bring a bathing suit and go for a swim with your family well above or below the falls.
5. Catch a summer concert at Bangor’s Waterfront
Listen to everyone from The Steve Miller Band to Train to country music stars. Plus, check out the annual American Folk Festival, which draws close to 100,000 people over the course of three days in August. Family-friendly and located outside, the Bangor Waterfront is an awesome place to see your family’s favorite artist.
As you can see, Maine has an outdoor adventure for all ages, ability levels and desires. The above activities are just the beginning of what the state has to offer. Bring your family to Maine this summer and enjoy it all, and be sure to raft the Kennebec River or the Dead River. We can’t wait to see you at Crab Apple Whitewater!