Maine rivals any New England summer destination. From thrilling whitewater rafting trips and scenic mountain hikes to hidden waterfalls, coastal art towns, outdoor concerts, shopping, and more, there’s truly something for everyone.

Guests at Crab Apple Whitewater often ask what else they should explore during their Maine vacation after rafting the Kennebec or Dead River. Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a couples getaway, or looking for adrenaline-filled adventures, this guide covers the top summer activities in Maine, plus insider tips to make planning easier.

Whitewater Rafting on the Kennebec or Dead River

If you’re looking for the ultimate Maine outdoor adventure, whitewater rafting should be at the top of your list. Located in The Forks, Maine, the Kennebec River and Dead River offer exciting Class III-IV rapids, stunning scenery, and unforgettable guided experiences.

Daily dam releases create reliable whitewater conditions all summer long, making this one of the most popular  New England adventures.

Why You Should Go

  • Experience some of the best whitewater rafting in the Northeast
  • Perfect mix of adrenaline and scenic wilderness
  • Guided trips make it beginner-friendly
  • Great for families, bachelor/bachelorette groups, thrill-seekers, and anyone who just loves fun

Best For

  • Adventure travelers
  • Families with older kids
  • Bachelor & bachelorette parties
  • Corporate and group outings

Trip Logistics

  • Location: The Forks, Maine
  • Trip Length: Full-day adventure
  • Typical Schedule: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Rapids: Class III-IV
  • Included: Professional guides, safety gear, riverside cookout lunch
  • On-Site Amenities: Lodging, restaurant, pub, paintball, camping

Pro Tips

  • Bring water shoes or secure sandals
  • Synthetic quick-dry clothing works best
  • Book weekends early (summer trips fill quickly)
  • Morning temperatures can be cool, even in July

Local Food Pairing

After your trip, relax with dinner and drinks at the Crab Apple restaurant and pub. It’s the perfect place to swap rafting stories and unwind after a day on the river.

CTA: Book Your Whitewater Rafting Trip

Hiking Maine’s Mountains & Scenic Trails

moose in the woods

Maine may not have Rocky Mountain elevations, but it delivers incredible hiking experiences with rugged peaks, remote forests, waterfalls, and panoramic views.

From family-friendly walks to challenging summit climbs, Maine hiking offers options for every ability level.

Top Hiking Ideas

Trail Logistics

Katahdin

  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Distance: 8 – 12+ miles depending on route
  • Time needed: 8 – 12 hours
  • Best for: Experienced hikers

Borestone Mountain

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: ~3.5 miles round trip
  • Time needed: 2 – 3 hours
  • Family-friendly: Yes, especially for active families

Why You Should Go

  • Incredible mountain and lake views
  • Less crowded than many Western hiking destinations
  • Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities

Pro Tips

  • Start early for popular hikes like Katahdin
  • Carry bug spray (Maine black flies and mosquitoes are active in summer)
  • Weather changes quickly in the mountains, so pack layers

Nearby Dining Pairing

  • After hiking, grab a hearty meal back in The Forks or stop at a local lodge near Moosehead Lake for classic Maine comfort food.

Take a Maine Art Road Trip

The Maine coast has inspired artists for generations. Charming fishing villages, dramatic shorelines, and historic downtowns make Maine a dream destination for art lovers.

You’ll find everything from contemporary galleries and sculpture gardens to world-class museums and small-town artist studios.

Featured Stops

Why You Should Go

  • Unique blend of coastal culture and creativity
  • Great rainy-day activity
  • Easy to pair with scenic drives and seafood stops

Best For

  • Couples getaways
  • Road trips
  • Relaxed vacation days between outdoor adventures

Logistics

Colby College Museum of Art

  • Location: Waterville, Maine
  • Drive from The Forks: Approximately 1.5 hours
  • Admission: Typically free
  • Time needed: 1 – 2 hours

Pro Tips

  • Plan extra time for coastal stops and photography
  • Many galleries are seasonal, so check hours in advance
  • Midweek visits are often less crowded

Local Food Pairing

No Maine art road trip is complete without stopping for a fresh lobster roll along the coast. Pair your gallery visits with waterfront dining in towns like Rockland or Camden.

Visit Moxie Falls: New England’s Tallest Waterfall

Located just outside The Forks, Moxie Falls is one of Maine’s hidden gems and an easy add-on to your rafting vacation.

Featuring a dramatic 90-foot drop, Moxie Falls is considered the tallest waterfall in New England and offers one of the most rewarding short hikes in the state.

Trail Logistics

  • Distance: Approximately 2 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Time needed: 45 – 90 minutes
  • Cost: Free
  • Family-friendly: Yes

Why You Should Go

  • Spectacular waterfall views
  • Accessible for most fitness levels
  • Great swimming spots above and below the falls
  • Excellent photo opportunities

Pro Tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes (trail sections can be muddy)
  • Bring swimsuits and towels
  • Visit in the late afternoon after rafting for fewer crowds

Local Dining Pairing

Many visitors return to Crab Apple Whitewater afterward for dinner, drinks, and relaxing by the fire after a day outdoors.

Catch a Summer Event at Bangor Waterfront

If your ideal summer evening includes live music outdoors, Bangor’s Waterfront concert venue is worth the drive.

From rock legends and country stars to festivals and family-friendly performances, Bangor hosts some of Maine’s biggest summer entertainment events.

Why You Should Go

  • Beautiful outdoor venue on the Penobscot River
  • Excellent lineup of national touring artists
  • Family-friendly summer atmosphere

Featured Events

Logistics

  • Location: Bangor, Maine
  • Drive from The Forks: Approximately 2 hours
  • Best time to visit: June – September
  • Tickets: Pricing varies by artist and event

Pro Tips

  • Bring a light sweatshirt for cooler evenings
  • Book accommodations early during major concert weekends
  • Arrive early for parking and riverfront views

Local Food & Drink Pairing

Before the show, explore Bangor’s local breweries or family-friendly restaurants downtown for dinner and drinks.

What To Pack for a Maine Summer Vacation

Maine weather can change quickly, especially inland and in the mountains. Here are a few essentials you’ll be glad you brought:

Outdoor Essentials

  • Bug spray
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Sunglasses
  • Quick-dry clothing

For Rafting

  • Water shoes or sandals with straps
  • Bathing suit
  • Towel
  • Dry change of clothes

For Hiking

  • Hiking boots or trail shoes
  • Rain jacket
  • Extra layers
  • Daypack

For Coastal Evenings & Concerts

  • Sweatshirt or fleece
  • Light jacket
  • Blanket or camp chairs for outdoor events

Honorable Mentions: More Amazing Things To Do in Maine

While Acadia National Park and coastal lighthouse tours get most of the attention, inland Maine offers incredible experiences with fewer crowds and easier access to nature.

Here are a few additional adventures worth adding to your itinerary:

  • Moose-watching tours
  • ATV trail riding
  • Scenic floatplane rides
  • Fishing on Moosehead Lake
  • Paddleboarding and kayaking
  • Greenville lake cruises
  • Covered bridge road trips
  • Camping under the stars
  • Wildlife photography tours
  • Fall foliage scenic drives (if you extend your trip into September)
  • Shopping (so many outlets)

Why Inland Maine Deserves a Spot on Your Summer Bucket List

The Maine coast will always be iconic, but inland destinations like The Forks offer a completely different experience—fewer crowds, bigger adventures, and easy access to rivers, mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Whether you spend your vacation rafting the Kennebec River, hiking Katahdin, swimming beneath Moxie Falls, or relaxing after a summer concert, Maine delivers unforgettable summer memories for every type of traveler.
And while you’re here, don’t miss the chance to experience a whitewater rafting trip with Crab Apple Whitewater. Book your trip today. We can’t wait to see you in The Forks this summer!