Group of eight rafts down the Kennebec River

Navigating the Thrills: A Guide to Kennebec River Whitewater Rafting Adventures

Kennebec River Rapids Classes Located near The Forks, Maine, the 170-mile-long Kennebec River offers Class 2, 3, 4, and sometimes Class 5 rapids. Several commercial rafting companies offer guided Kennebec River whitewater rafting trips from May through September. For private rafters and kayakers, the Kennebec River is considered a whitewater rafting mecca during the summer … Continued


The Forks, Maine: A Hidden Gem for Relaxation or Thrills

Nestled in the heart of Maine, The Forks stands as a testament to the untamed beauty of nature. Situated at the confluence of the Kennebec and Dead Rivers, The Forks has a population of only about 30 year-round residents. Large in size but low in population, The Forks offers a perfect escape for those seeking … Continued


White water rapids in Maine

Understanding Rapid Classifications / Whitewater Rafting Scale of Difficulty

Whitewater rafting guests often ask for help in interpreting whitewater difficulty ratings of 1 to 6  that they see in brochures, on commercial rafting company websites, and online when researching a future whitewater rafting trip. Sometimes the rapid classifications will be shown with Roman  Numerals (I-VI), but for the purposes of this article, we will … Continued


group of rafters going downhill as the back of the raft lifts in the air

Is Whitewater Rafting Safe?

Outdoor recreation and adventure tourism activities are more popular than ever. People of all ages are getting outdoors and trying new activities that involve some risk. Follow some recommendations below to help ensure your rafting trip is as safe and enjoyable as possible.  Choose a Licensed and Professional Rafting Outfitter  When researching and choosing a … Continued


Family of 5 rafting on the Dead River

What to Wear, What to Bring Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting is one of the most fun and exhilarating outdoor activities you can do with friends and family. Planning ahead will help guarantee a great day on the river. Make sure to check the weather the morning of your trip and make any necessary adjustments to your gear bag. Here is a list of … Continued


Where do Rafting Guides go in the Off-Season? The Olympics!

Every trip the Crab Apple Whitewater rafting guides hear the same question from guests in the  raft: “What do you do in the rafting off-season?” Full-season raft guides are often university students, local teachers, or work in the ski industry. Part-time river guides who were once full-timers and are now working a regular 9-5 job … Continued


Bachelor party posing with their oars before rafting down a river.

Whitewater Rafting Bachelor Party

Not sure what to do for your buddy’s bachelor party? The best bachelor parties are adventurous, adrenaline-filled, bonding experiences. What activities meet these requirements? Whitewater rafting! If you’re organizing a bachelor party and are struggling to find the perfect activity, why not look into rafting trips? Even on a limited budget, a weekend away will … Continued


Family of 4 with guide in a raft on the Kennebec River

Minimum Age for Commercial Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting is a great family activity, but is there a minimum age requirement? There are no set rules on age for each rapid classification, so do we decide what is appropriate for children? In general, for commercial rafting trips, we defer to the equipment outfitter’s required ages and trust their experience on their favorite … Continued


Visiting Moxie Falls, The Forks, Maine

When visiting The Forks, Maine area for whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River, make sure to take some time to visit Moxie Falls, Maine’s highest single drop waterfall. Parking and the trailhead for Moxie Falls are easily found about two miles up Moxie Road from the turn-off at Route 201. The Moxie Falls trail is … Continued


tour guide paddling in the back as parents and two kids sit on the raft smiling

How Much Should I Tip My Whitewater River Guide?

What Makes a Good Whitewater River Guide? Whitewater rafting trips are often enhanced by great river guides. River guides are often quite adept at handling the rapids on their rivers, but the great ones add so much more. When running the rapids, the skill of a top notch guide determines whether you have a thrilling … Continued


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