The Forks, Maine is a small plantation in Somerset County in central western Maine. The full-time population of The Forks is fewer than 50 people! Recreational Activities Despite its limited population, The Forks is a well-known and popular destination for adventure seekers. Tens of thousands of people travel to The Forks each summer for whitewater rafting and kayaking on the world-class rapids of the Kennebec River. Rafters are joined in the warm months by folks fishing the Kennebec and other small streams in the area. Other outdoor enthusiasts seek out hiking in the area — an easy walk to Mo ..read more

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 months. How Does the Kennebec River Flow? The Kennebec River lies completely within the state of Maine. It rises in Moosehead Lake in central western Maine and its East and West Outlets join at Indian Pond, from which it flo ..read more

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 a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Known for its outdoor adventures and scenic landscapes The Forks has become a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Natural Beauty and Outdoor Adventures The Forks is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting a myria ..read more

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 use cardinal numbers, 1-6. The information below will help explain where rapid classifications come from and what they mean.  The international scale of river difficulty is an American system used to rate the difficulty of navig ..read more

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 rafting outfitter, ask lots of questions. Find out how long the outfit has been in business and also how long the current owner has run the business. Ask about Government oversight and regulations regarding the outfitter. Ask ab ..read more

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 items that will make your day extra fun and safe.  What to wear whitewater rafting …   Of course, plan on getting wet on your whitewater rafting trip and dress accordingly.  Synthetic fabrics are much better than cotton garments as they quickly adapt through wet/dry periods as oppos ..read more

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 often raft on the weekends to enjoy the river and catch up with their fellow rafting guides.   Paula grew up in Minnesota and learned to ski with the famous Buck Hill Ski Club, which has turned out many US Team Alpine Skiers including Lindsey Vaughn. A ..read more

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 give your buddies a chance to reconnect and swap stories about old times.   The best bachelor parties combine the 1-2 punch of physical activity with post-activity drinks and laughter. Bachelor party weekends with a day of whitewate ..read more

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 rivers. Outfitters choose minimum ages based on length of time spent on the river during a trip, difficulty of rapids, level of necessary participation by rafters, and fun.   In general, you will not see many outfitters allowing children under 5 to join ..read more

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 less than one mile long, wide and mostly flat. The trail winds through mixed forest over mostly dirt with some gravel surfacing. The only slightly steep section comes on the approach to the Falls more than a half mile into the hike. Visitors will find a series of wooden stairs a ..read more