Take on the Penobscot River’s breathtaking Ripogenous Gorge with this thrilling two-day whitewater rafting trip. Experience challenging rapids, scenic cliffs, and cozy overnight camping for an unforgettable adventure.
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Difficulty
expert
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be in excellent physical shape, comfortable with high-intensity paddling and extended outdoor activity.
Wildlife
History
The Penobscot River was historically vital for Native American tribes and played a major role during the 19th-century logging era in Maine.
Conservation
Efforts by local organizations help maintain the river’s health, focusing on habitat preservation and minimizing recreational impact.
North Country Rivers
Take on the Penobscot River’s breathtaking Ripogenous Gorge with this thrilling two-day whitewater rafting trip. Experience challenging rapids, scenic cliffs, and cozy overnight camping for an unforgettable adventure.
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 quick-dry clothing
Avoid cotton and opt for synthetic layers to stay comfortable after getting wet on the rapids.
Bring waterproof protection for valuables
Use dry bags or waterproof cases to keep your gear safe and dry during intense river sections.
Listen closely to the safety briefing
Pay attention to your guide’s instructions about navigating rapids and emergency procedures to ensure safety.
Prepare for changing river conditions
River flow can vary; pack extra layers and be ready for cooler water temperatures especially early or late in the season.
Personal flotation device (PFD)
A mandatory safety device that ensures buoyancy in swift river currents.
Quick-dry base layers
Lightweight and moisture-wicking, these keep you comfortable even when splashed or wet.
summer
Waterproof dry bag
Essential for keeping electronics, clothes, and gear protected from water.
Neoprene river shoes
Provide grip and protection on slippery rocks while offering warmth in cold water.
spring|summer|fall