Trip at a Glance
Pricing
DESCRIPTION – Dead River Rafting – The Forks, Maine
Dead River trips begin with anticipation (the energy is palpable before a big water release on the Dead!) and a hearty breakfast in our base lodge (included with rafting and lodging packages) before each rafter gears up into comfortable river gear and listens to safety instruction from the day’s trip leader.
The Dead River has eight special high volume dam releases each season that produce big whitewater action over 16 miles. The river bed drops steadily during the entire run and produces long, consistent action that builds throughout the day in Class III-V rapids such as “Humpty Dumpty”, “Elephant Rock” and “Spruce Ledges”. Each rapid includes long wave trains and sudden drops into deep holes.
The Dead continues to build through dozens of rapids and culminates in the LONGEST RAPID IN THE NORTHEAST, Class IV-V “Poplar Hill Falls”. “Poplar” on its own is one mile of whitewater with huge standing waves and deep, turbulent holes. When you combine “Poplar” with the rest of this action packed trip, you have the finest raft trip in the Northeast!
After rafting on the Dead River, most of our guests stay over for a second night in The Forks and enjoy relaxing time in our pool, take a walk into Maine’s highest waterfall – Moxie Falls, or join the Nightfall Paintball game that begins ever day after rafting.
Rafting Includes: Pre-trip safety instruction, licensed guide, PFD and helmet, transportation to and from river, cookout (steak, chicken, fish or vegetarian option), photo and video presentation.
Raft Capacity/Private Raft: Our rafts hold 8-9 paddlers (8 is ideal). Groups of 7-9 will have a private raft. Groups with fewer than 7 may we joined by other parties.
Schedule: The Dead River will have eight high water dam releases in 2024: May 4, 11, 18, 26, June 8, September 1, 14, October 5
Go For It Rafts
Our 13 foot, 6 person Go For It rafts are the shortest allowed by the state of Maine. These rafts give the Dead River a whole new look – waves and holes like “FBI Hole” and “Hayden’s Landing” swallow these smaller boats making for some of the wildest rides of the season. This trip is geared toward veteran rafters and a minimum of 4 people is required to run a Go For It trip.
Trip dates: Available on Dead River May 18, 26, June 8, September 1 and October 5. Please call to book Go For It Raft trips 1-800-553-7238.
Price: Add $25 pp to trip price
Minimum Age: 14
Call to reserve this trip! 800.553.RAFT (7238)
Lodging & Rafting Packages
Premium Accommodations (scroll to see all options)
River Cottage
The River Cottage sits right on the Kennebec River. Loads of space with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and living room. The River Cottage is great for large groups of friends or family who want to hang out and enjoy each other’s company but also have just a short walk across the street for breakfast before the trip and the pub after rafting. Sleeps 6-12. Air conditioned.
Snow Cottage
The Snow Cottage was designed with flexibility and convenience in mind for rafters. It is complete with kitchenette, full bath, Satellite TV, bedroom and living room. The cottage also gives you privacy as it is set away from other accommodations. Air conditioned.
Queen Jacuzzi Suites
Our eight Queen suites are beautiful! Each includes two queen beds, wet bar, mini fridge, two person whirlpool jacuzzi tub and deck. Each room is unique and comfortable. Air conditioned.
Standard Accommodations (scroll to see all options)
Moose Crossing
Larger unit within The Lodge sleeps 4-8 people. Rooms have the feel of Maine’s wilderness with natural wood interiors and a view of the Kennebec River. Adjacent to the outdoor heated swimming pool. Air conditioned.
Spring Cottage
Open floor plan well-suited for groups of 4-6 friends or family. Two double beds, 2 sets of bunk beds. Conveniently located adjacent to the outdoor heated swimming pool. Air conditioned!
Bear’s Den
Unit within The Lodge for 4-8 people. Natural wood interiors and a view of the Kennebec River. Adjacent to the outdoor heated swimming pool. Air conditioned!
The Lodge
The Lodge has six private guest rooms. Five Guest Rooms have two double beds, private bath and front deck. One room has a double bed and a set of bunks. Adjacent to the swimming pool. Air conditioned.
Complete Your Maine Crab Apple Experience
Why Choose Crab Apple For Maine White Water Rafting?
“Great PUB, people and product.
We have been lucky enough to stay with Crab Apple several times now and I always impressed with how tight this organization runs. There are several great resorts in the Forks, that all have their own character, but I feel like Crab Apple has a great blend. Being a family owned business, it is great meeting the founders and parents (Sharon and Chuck) but then the kids and even Grandkids are working in all aspects of the business as well. Overall, this place is great for any group that you decide to head up North with.
“BEST EXPERIENCE EVER!
My husband and I would give Crab Apple ten stars if you could! We had the best day on the river. The staff were all incredibly friendly, knowledgable, and kind. They went all went out of their way to make this the best experience for us and everyone else on the river today. The breakfast and cookout after were great. We loved taking a short (20 min) bus ride to the entry point and then being able to hop out of our boat, straight into the jacuzzi at the lodge. No wet bus ride! Do not think twice about where to raft – go with Crab Apple.
Super Charged after Rafting
Yesterday was such an amazing experience. It’s hard to find one activity to do with your grown children that encompasses various interests and ability levels as this did. Everyone walked away feeling successful and super-charged.
Dead River Map
Click a pin to explore more about a particular part of the river.
