Dead River High Water Rafting Trip Information
Dead River adventures begin with anticipation. You can feel the energy on release days. Guests start the morning with a hearty breakfast in our base lodge (included with rafting and lodging packages) before gearing up and receiving a detailed safety briefing from the trip leader.
The Dead River features eight high-volume dam releases each season, creating 16 miles of powerful, continuous whitewater. The river drops steadily, delivering long wave trains, sudden drops, and relentless action through famous Class III–V rapids like Humpty Dumpty, Elephant Rock, and Spruce Ledges.
The trip builds toward its grand finale: Poplar Hill Falls, the longest rapid in the Northeast. This one-mile Class IV–V rapid is packed with massive standing waves and deep, turbulent holes. Combined with the rest of the run, it creates what many consider the finest rafting trip in New England.
After rafting, many guests stay an additional night to relax by the pool or hike to nearby Moxie Falls, Maine’s highest waterfall.
Rafting Only: $135 pp + $12 pp state and river access fees
Group Rate: One free trip per 16 rafters
Includes: Safety instruction, licensed guide, Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and helmet, transportation, riverside cookout, photo and video presentation
Raft Capacity: 8–9 paddlers (private raft for groups of 7–9)
2026 Release Dates: May 9, 16, 24, 30; June 6; Sept 6, 19; Oct 3
Rafting + 1 night lodging: $202–$217
Rafting + 2 nights lodging: $269–$299
High Adventure Package (Dead and Kennebec): $361–$441
Check-in
- Meeting time: 8:30 AM
- Gear fitting and safety briefing
- Shuttle to put-in
Rafting
- 16 miles of Class III–V whitewater
Return to Crab Apple base
- Facilities: Hot showers and changing areas available
- Post-Trip Meal: Cookout with steak, chicken, fish, or vegetarian options
- Slide Show and Video: Highlights of your rafting venture
- Departure: Approximately 4:00–5:00 PM
Our 13-foot Go For It Rafts are the shortest allowed by the State of Maine, delivering an even more intense ride. These smaller rafts are swallowed by waves and holes like FBI Hole and Hayden’s Landing, making this trip ideal for experienced rafters.
- Available Dates: May 16, 24; June 6; Sept 6; Oct 3
- Price: +$25 pp
- Minimum Age: 14
- Minimum Group Size: 4
- Call to Reserve: 800-553-7238
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.
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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.
Accommodations at Crab Apple
Crab Apple offers a comfortable, hassle-free stay in our suites, lodge, cabins, and campsites. We also have an outdoor pool and fire pit to enjoy in the complex.
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Trip at a Glance
Distance
16 Miles
Minimum Age
14 Years Old
Difficulty
Class III-V
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