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Maine Society

Paddling in Maine

Find the best kayaking, canoeing, and whitewater rafting routes in Maine — from gentle flatwater to Class V rapids.

All Paddling Routes

10 rivers and waterways across Maine

Kennebec River Gorge HIKE Featured

Kennebec River Gorge

The Forks, moosehead

Maine's premier big-water whitewater run with Class IV-V dam-release rapids through a dramatic gorge below Harris Station Dam in The Forks.

expert moosehead
Rivers Whitewater Rafting
Saco River HIKE Featured

Saco River

Fryeburg, western-mountains

New England's most popular flatwater paddle with 40+ white sand beaches along a gentle, winding river through the foothills of western Maine.

easy western-mountains
Rivers Flatwater Sandbars
West Branch Penobscot River HIKE Featured

West Branch Penobscot River

Millinocket, aroostook-katahdin

World-class Class IV-V whitewater through Ripogenus Gorge and the legendary Cribwork rapids, with Mount Katahdin towering above Maine's wildest river.

expert aroostook-katahdin
Rivers Whitewater Rafting
Aroostook River HIKE

Aroostook River

Ashland, aroostook-katahdin

A 60-mile gentle paddle through northern Maine's vast farmland and forest with prolific bald eagle and osprey nesting, far from crowds in Aroostook County.

easy aroostook-katahdin
Rivers Flatwater Eagles
Crooked River HIKE

Crooked River

Casco, greater-portland

A gentle, winding flatwater paddle through scenic farmland and forest in the Sebago Lake watershed, perfect for beginners and families near Greater Portland.

easy greater-portland
Rivers Flatwater Wildlife
Dead River HIKE

Dead River

Eustis, western-mountains

A 16-mile dam-release whitewater run with Class III-IV rapids through the wild Flagstaff region, one of Maine's most scenic and exciting river trips.

hard western-mountains
Rivers Whitewater Rafting
Moose River HIKE

Moose River

Jackman, moosehead

A gentle flatwater paddle through prime moose country near Jackman, where dawn paddles offer near-guaranteed moose sightings in one of Maine's wildest settings.

easy moosehead
Rivers Flatwater Moose Watching
Rapid River HIKE

Rapid River

Upton, western-mountains

Maine's most legendary wild brook trout stream, flowing from Richardson Lake to Lake Umbagog through pristine wilderness with fly-fishing-only, catch-and-release regulations.

moderate western-mountains
Rivers fly Fishing Brook Trout
Sheepscot River HIKE

Sheepscot River

Wiscasset, midcoast

A Midcoast gem flowing from Class I-II freshwater rapids through tidal estuary to the sea, famous for its dramatic spring alewife migration at Head Tide.

easy midcoast
Rivers Tidal Estuary Alewife run
St. Croix River HIKE

St. Croix River

Calais, downeast

A 100-mile international border paddle between Maine and New Brunswick through remote Downeast wilderness, with Class I-II rapids, excellent fishing, and guaranteed solitude.

moderate downeast
Rivers Border Paddle Multi day

Ways to Paddle in Maine

Whitewater Rafting

Class III-V rapids on the Kennebec, Penobscot, and Dead rivers with commercial outfitters.

Flatwater Canoeing

Gentle canoe and kayak routes through farmland, forest, and salt marsh.

Sea Kayaking

Coastal paddling along islands, harbors, and Maine's bold rocky shoreline.

Fly Fishing

Wild brook trout and landlocked salmon in cold-water rivers statewide.

Maine Paddling Facts

5,000+ Rivers & Streams
32,000 mi Paddleable Miles
6,000+ Lakes & Ponds
Class V Highest Rapids