Deerfield River Fife Brook Section Trip Information
This scenic rafting trip features gentle to moderate whitewater and is ideal for families, friends, groups, and youth organizations. With approximately 2.5 hours on the river and a hearty meal included afterward, it’s a well-rounded escapade that’s fun, accessible, and memorable. Meals are served warm and dry at Crab Apple’s riverside base camp.
The trip combines playful rapids, exciting moments, and calm stretches that allow guests to relax, take in the natural beauty of the Berkshires, and learn about the area from knowledgeable guides. Highlights include a mix of splashy rapids and one standout Class 3 rapid called “Zoar Gap” that delivers the most excitement of the day. Along the way, guides add to the fun with interactive rafting techniques and optional water play, keeping the experience lively for all ages.
After the river, guests return to Crab Apple to enjoy a satisfying meal overlooking the Deerfield River and a photo presentation that brings the day’s fun full circle.
This year, trips run from early May through early October. April trips may be available upon request, though April rafting is typically offered on the nearby Millers River for a similar experience.
Spring Rates (May 2–June 12)
Weekdays:
- Adults: $80
- Children (under 16): $75
Weekends:
- Adults: $90
- Children (under 16): $75
Summer Rates (June 13–October 4)
Weekdays
- Adults: $114
- Children (under 16): $94
Weekends:
- Adults: $125
- Children (under 16): $100
Group Rates
Groups receive one free trip for every 12 rafters booked, with special rates available for youth organizations.
Trip Includes
- Professional guide and safety instruction
- Personal flotation device and helmet (wetsuits provided in spring)
- Transportation to and from the river
- Post-trip meal (chicken, fish, or vegetarian, plus salads, dessert, and drinks)
- Photo presentation of your day
Raft Capacity
Rafts typically hold 6–7 paddlers, with select rafts accommodating up to 8, which works well for family groups. Groups of 6 to 8 are guaranteed a private raft, while smaller groups may be paired with other guests.
Check-in
Trip start times vary. Please check your email confirmation and plan to check in 30 minutes before your trip time.
- Life jacket and helmet fitting: All guests must wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and helmet provided by Crab Apple.
- Transportation to the river put-in: Includes a safety briefing and paddling instruction.
Rafting
- Raft through Class I–II whitewater
- Run Zoar Gap Rapid (Class III)
- Continue rafting through Class I–II whitewater
- Take-out and transportation back to Crab Apple
- Hearty meal: Ordered individually before the trip (choice of chicken, fish, or vegetarian, with homemade salads, dessert, and drinks)
- Slide presentation of your trip
What to bring
- Bathing suit or shorts
- Footwear – sneakers or sandals with secure toe and ankle straps (flip flops not allowed)
- Sunscreen
- Towel
- Change of clothes and shoes for after trip
- If you wish to bring a water bottle, please have a way to attach the bottle to the raft (small carabiner is best)
Items for Spring and Fall, and cool or rainy days
- *Avoid cotton clothing – it cools the body when wet!
- For feet: wool or fleece socks. Very important in spring!
- For torso and legs: performance apparel (Under Armour/Dri Fit), wool, fleece, capilene, polypropylene
- Outer layer: wind jacket and pants are great for shedding water and can be worn over a wetsuit or fleece
Wetsuits
Clean, comfortable wetsuits and wetsuit boots will always be available for rent. Fleece and synthetics are extra warm under wetsuits and wetsuit boots. Wind jackets and pants can be worn over wetsuits to shed water and add warmth.
$$$
Crab Apple houses a fun store where you may purchase photos of your trip, and a fine selection of apparel and souvenirs. A snack bar is also available with snacks, soda, beer, and wine.
Medications / Physical Limitations
Always bring medications that you may need on the river, ie. asthma inhaler, bee sting kit, etc.
Pregnant women, persons with a heart condition and anyone with a medical problem that could be affected by the heat, cold, exertion, excitement, etc. of a raft trip may not raft. We reserve the right to refuse anyone the opportunity to participate in any of our adventures because of a medical, physical or size limitation that we feel might expose them to extreme risk. Life jackets fit a chest size of 58 inches. Contact our office with questions concerning these policies.
Local Accommodations
Motels & Hotels
- Giovanni’s Red Rose Motel: Charlemont, MA, 413-625-2666
- Hampton Inn & Suites: Save 15% – Ask for the Special Hampton Rate for Crab Apple Guests, Greenfield, MA, 413-773-0057
- Hotel Downstreet: North Adams, MA, 413-663-6500
Upscale Accommodations
- Mt. Snow Ski Resort: West Dover, VT, 800-498-0479
- Country Inn at Jiminy Peak: Hancock, MA, 800-882-8859
- Deerfield Inn: South Deerfield, MA, 413-774-5587
Campgrounds
- Country Aire Campground: Charlemont, MA, 413-625-2996
- Mohawk Park Campground: Charlemont, MA, 413-339-4470
- Foolhardy Hill Campground: Charlemont, MA, 413-849-9496
- Savoy State Park: Savoy, MA, 413-663-8469
- Barton Cove: Turners Falls, MA, 413-863-9300
Searching Availability…
Trip at a Glance
Distance
7 Miles
Minimum Age
8 Years Old
Difficulty
Class I-III
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