Maine’s upper Kennebec and Lower Dead rivers offer some of the best whitewater canoeing in the Northeast — class II–III rapids through pristine wilderness, led by a 25-time National Canoe Poling Champion and Registered Maine Guide.
The Moosehead Lake region is home to two of Maine’s finest whitewater runs — the upper Kennebec River and the Lower Dead River. Both flow through beautiful, largely undeveloped wilderness, and both offer the kind of technical, exhilarating paddling that draws canoeists back year after year.
Our itinerary for whitewater trips depends on water levels and paddler skill. We’ll talk through your goals beforehand and design the day — or days — around what your group needs. Whether you’re looking for a pure adrenaline experience or a family-friendly introduction to moving water, we’ll find the right run.
All trips are guided by Chip Cochrane, Registered Maine Guide and 25-time National Canoe Poling Champion, with more than 50 years of experience on these rivers.
All trips depart from our base camp in Greenville, Maine. Contact us to discuss dates and which option is right for your group.
From a single day on the water to a multi-day skills immersion — choose what fits your group.
Intermediate · Class II–III · 1 Day · $500/person · $300/person for 2
The East Outlet of the Kennebec flows out of Moosehead Lake and offers three miles of nearly continuous class II–III rapids — one of the best whitewater canoe and kayak runs in Maine. This is the river we use for most of our instructional clinics, but it’s equally suited for experienced paddlers who just want a great day on challenging water. Beautiful stretches of classic Maine river with the kind of technical variety that rewards skill and punishes inattention. Water levels and paddler skill determine the exact itinerary.
Intermediate to Advanced · Class II–III · 1 Day · $500/person · $300/person for 2 Limited Dates
The Lower Dead River is a 16-mile adventure in exciting, nearly non-stop class II–III whitewater flowing through a pristine wilderness landscape. Canoeable only on certain scheduled release weekends when the dam is opened, this is one of the most exhilarating single-day runs available in the Northeast. If you’re looking for a full day of continuous action through beautiful country, the Dead River is it. Dates are limited — contact us well in advance to check availability.
Families & Beginners · Class I–II · 1 Day · $500/person · $300/person for 2
For those looking for a less intense introduction to river paddling, the West Outlet of the Kennebec alternates between small ponds and shallow but engaging rapids. Rich in opportunities for wildlife viewing and fishing, this is a perfect first whitewater experience for families with younger children or anyone who wants to ease into moving water at a comfortable pace. Overnight trips from this put-in camp on one of several small islands in Indian Pond — home to moose, bald eagles, and smallmouth bass.
All Levels · 3 Days · $1,250/person all-inclusive · 4-person minimum
The most immersive way to build your whitewater and wilderness skills short of a full expedition. Stay at Grand Falls Hut (Maine Huts & Trails) or a large heated wall tent, and spend three days learning and practicing the full range of skills that define Allagash Canoe Trips’ approach to the outdoors. The workshop includes canoe poling instruction and a cruise on Spencer Stream, whitewater paddling on the Dead River, open fire cooking and reflector oven baking, and campsite preparation. All meals and lodging are included. Available spring or fall — contact us for dates that work for your group.
All whitewater trips are custom. Water levels and paddler skill determine the exact itinerary. Contact us as far in advance as possible — the Lower Dead River in particular runs only on scheduled release dates.
“Starting with paddling, working on the right strokes for different situations, and continuing to coach those of us who needed it all along the trip — also stopping and guiding us through the faster sections to make sure we all got through safely and had fun doing it really helped make all of us better and more confident paddlers. For those who wanted to try, poling was a whole other experience to be explored.”
— Jim, Troop 76
If you’re new to whitewater, start with the West Outlet of the Kennebec or the East Outlet day clinic — both give you a genuine taste of moving water without committing to back-to-back days of class III rapids.
If you have some experience and want to push your skills, the Lower Dead River is the most continuous and demanding single-day run we offer.
If you want the full immersion — skills, cooking, camping, and river time — the Northwoods Skills Workshop is the right choice.
Not sure? Call us and we’ll help you figure it out.
All whitewater trips are custom and run on your schedule. Give us a call or send a message to discuss dates and which run is right for your group.
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