* When Does The Rafting Season Begin & End? The season runs from April - October, seven days a week. To select
a river(s) and trip date(s) check out our "Maine Rivers",
"Trips and Pricing", and "Lodging Packages"
pages.
* When Are Water Levels Highest? Highest water is usually
in the Spring (April, May & June). But there are exceptions
based on dam release schedules.
* Will There Be Enough Water for My Trip? Yes. All our rivers
are DAM CONTROLLED. We obtain release schedules for each of our
rivers approximately 6 months in advance. This is how you can be
sure you'll have the best whitewater when you reserve space in advance
for any trip. In addition, we run the best whitewater rivers in
New England. They're all Class IV rivers, with some rapids rated
as high as Class V+ - HOLD ON!!!
* How Cold is the Water? Water temperatures are 40-50 F
in April/May, 50-60 F in June, and then they warm to above 70 F
in July & August. Depending on the weather, they can stay warm
well into September. They start to drop again in October.
* Will I Need a Wetsuit? Wetsuits are required in early
Spring & Fall. If you don't have your own equipment, we rent
full wetsuit, booties, gloves and paddling jacket for $20 US per
person. All sizes from extra small to super extra large are available.
* What Should I Wear for Rafting? A swimsuit (or shorts),
sneakers (or river sandals), a brimmed hat, sunglasses (straps especially
for prescription glasses), contacts are O.K., wind breaker, synthetic's
lowers and uppers (i.e., Polypropylene™ & Capilene™),
a sweater (wool or synthetic). It's wise to bring more clothing
than you think you'll need at any time of the year. In
the Spring and Fall, DO NOT wear cotton or cotton blend clothing! Also, consider gloves, a warm hat, and wool socks. And, don't forget a
towel and a change of clothes for the end of the day!
* Do I Need to Have Whitewater Experience to Raft? No. Experience
is not necessary. However, minimum ages do apply for each river
(beginning at 10 years). No maximum age limit currently exists. Having
normal health is advised. And even non-swimmers are welcome (we use
awesome floatation vests). Further, there will be 6-8 guests per self
bailing raft, and your guide will be with you at all times.
Just bring a desire to have fun!
* What About Other Equipment? "No Worries". we provide everything; all paddling-related
equipment, self-bailing rafts, Certified Maine Guides, a river lunch,
all transportation, a photographer, a videographer, and the "Thrill
of a Lifetime".
* How Much Does it Cost to Raft? That depends on the river
trip you choose, the time of year, and the size/type of your group.
Check out Kennebec River, Dead River, and Penobscot River pages for rates that do not include camping or lodging. For inclusive
rafting and camping or lodging packages, check out our Lodging
Packages page.
* Do You Have Weekday Discounts? Yes. For the Kennebec it's
$68 - $78 per person for adults. For the Penobscot it's $78 per person.
* Do You Offer Group Discounts for Rafting? Yes. 1 Person rafts FREE per 16 - pay for 15 and the 16th is FREE .
For ALL groups, we ask that reservations and deposits be handled
by the trip organizer exclusively - one payment for the original
deposit and one payment for the final balance. Other discounts apply
to youth groups (i.e., church groups, boy scouts, girl scouts, etc.).
Contact North Country Rivers for details.
* Do You Offer Family Discounts? Yes. For each Child 16
and under - Kennebec River trips are $58 - Spring Season; $68 all other dates. Penobscot River trips
are $68 per person for youth. Dead River trips are $78 per person for youth. Some exclusions apply.
* How Should I Pay? Payments for trips are to be made via major credit card, personal check, or money order.
* Where Can I Stay During My Trip? North Country Rivers offers
MANY cost-effective packages that incorporate staying in campgrounds,
cabins, Inns, or B & B's along with the total price. If you
aren't familiar with the area, have a large group, or simply don't
want to bother with finding accommodations this is the way to go! Check out our Lodging Packages page for more information. Look down the page to the links to various
lodging options based on the river you want to raft.
* Where and When Do We Meet? There are different meeting
locations and times based on the river and the season. Kennebec & Dead River Trips meet at 9:00 A.M. at North Country
Rivers base on Route 201 in Bingham, Maine. However, meeting times for the following Dead River trips June 17; July 28; Aug 11&12; Sept 15 is 8:00 am .
Penobscot River Whitewater Trips meet near the entrance to Baxter State Park at the Big Moose
Inn & Campground at 9:00 A.M. We ask that you arrive promptly
the morning of your trip.
NOTE: We STRONGLY recommend checking in 15-30 minutes EARLY. Trips do not wait for late arrivals - and late arrivals do not receive refunds or credits for future trips.
* How Long Are River Trips? This varies. But generally "river
miles" average between 12 and 16 miles. This translates
to approximately 4-6 hours on the river.
* Additional:
- You may want to bring extra cash for T-shirts, hats, pictures
of your trip, a video of your trip, food and beverage, and, or
course, your Guide's gratuity!
- You will need to READ and SIGN a liability release form. You can download one below:
You will need Adobe's FREE Acrobat
Reader plugin program (version 5.0, or higher). Most browsers already
incorporate this plugin so you shouldn't have a problem. However,
if you have problems downloading the forms don't give up! The FREE
plugin can be easily downloaded by clicking the "Adobe"
logo above. This will bring you to Adobe's "text-based"
search page. Simply find the correct plugin for you (by computer
type and operating system), click on the link, and it will install
itself!
FINAL NOTE: Alcohol and ALL controlled substances are strictly prohibited
from our trips. We reserve the right to refuse a customer that
we judge to be under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled
substance
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