Take on New England’s most continuous whitewater with North Country Rivers’ Dead River Rafting trip. Featuring relentless class 4 rapids and dramatic northern Maine scenery, this is a must-do for serious paddlers.
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition with stamina for sustained paddling and quick responsiveness to rapid dynamics.
Wildlife
History
The Dead River region played a significant role in Maine’s logging era, where rivers served as transportation routes for timber.
Conservation
North Country Rivers follows strict Leave No Trace practices and partners with local efforts to protect the river’s pristine environment.
North Country Rivers
Take on New England’s most continuous whitewater with North Country Rivers’ Dead River Rafting trip. Featuring relentless class 4 rapids and dramatic northern Maine scenery, this is a must-do for serious paddlers.
North Country Rivers is a whitewater rafting outfitter and lodging provider based in Bingham, Maine. The company operates rafting trips on the Kennebec and Penobscot rivers, offering options that range from family-friendly floats to multi-day Class IV–V whitewater adventures. Lodging includes tent camping at the on-site campground, daily and weekly cabin rentals, premium bunkhouses, and riverfront monthly Bigelow cabin rentals along the Kennebec River.
Day trips include the Kennebec Lower River Trip, which provides gentler sections suitable for younger guests alongside Class 3–4 rapids and optional funyak inflatable kayaks. The Kennebec Ultimate Trip offers longer runs through the Kennebec Gorge with an option for a two-day trip including camping and meals in Bingham. Penobscot options feature the Penobscot Full River Trip through Ripogenous Gorge in Baxter State Park and the multi-day Penobscot River Ultimate Trip that covers the Upper Gorge and Cribworks with overnight camping and meals.
The campground features wooded and riverside tent sites, private showers, a game room, and a lively lodge with a restaurant and summer entertainment. Bigelow and Flagstaff cabins are fully furnished and ADA-compliant, accommodating small to large groups. North Country Rivers combines river access, on-site lodging, and a range of trip formats, making it a practical choice for families and whitewater enthusiasts visiting central Maine.
Cabin options support varied group sizes: Bigelow cabins sleep 2–8 for monthly or weekly rentals; Kennebec cabins fit 6–16 for daily stays; Flagstaff cabins offer 2,300 sq ft, ADA-compliant space for 8–36; premium bunkhouses sleep 6–8 with riverfront amenities.
Tours Offered
10
Range of rafting and lodging experiences
Location
Bingham, ME
On the Kennebec River
ADA Access
ADA-compliant
Bigelow & Flagstaff cabins accessible
Lodging & Camping
Cabins, tent camping
Campground, bunkhouses, rentals
Choose single-day runs, multi-day expeditions, or cabin and campsite stays. Check availability for rafting trips, cabin rentals, and campground sites.
Wear a wetsuit or appropriate layering
The water stays cold year-round, so thermal protection is key to staying comfortable throughout the trip.
Secure all loose gear
Strong currents and drops mean unstrapped items can easily be lost; opt for dry bags and attachments.
Arrive early for safety briefing
North Country Rivers provides essential pre-trip safety and technique guidance—don’t miss it.
Prepare for physical exertion
Class 4 rapids require strong paddling and teamwork; being in good shape will greatly enhance the experience.
Helmet
Protects your head during high-impact rapids common on this class 4 river.
PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
Safety is paramount—always wear a coast guard-approved life jacket.
Neoprene wetsuit or dry suit
Keeps you warm in cold water and reduces risk of hypothermia.
spring|fall
Quick-drying footwear
Secure shoes with good traction prevent slipping on wet, rocky surfaces.