Kennebec River Turbine Test

Four special releases each year on the BIGGEST white water in Maine. HIGH water, HUGE waves, and TONS OF FUN… don’t miss rafting the Kennebec River Turbine Test 8,000+ CFS release dates based out of our adventure resort in The Forks, Maine with restaurant, brewery, cabin rentals, and camping.

Kennebec River High Water Rafting: Maine’s Biggest Whitewater Experience

During a turbine test, Brookfield Power tests their generating turbines by releasing the maximum amount of water possible from Harris Station Dam. Kennebec Turbine Test rafting trips enjoy 8,000+ cubic feet per second (cfs) water flows, which is nearly DOUBLE the Kennebec River’s normal whitewater rafting release volume. They let us know these dates ahead of time so we can let YOU know! If you love whitewater action, you will want to be on one of these special Turbine Test release trips–only 4 per season!

Your Day Rafting Kennebec River High Water

Morning Check in

Whitewater rafting trips on the Kennebec River gather at The Forks Adventure Resort at 7:45am for a safety orientation, paddling instructions, and to gear up before the short ride to Harris Station Dam.

Your River Trip

Upon arrival at the Dam, your Registered Maine Whitewater Guide will lead you and your crew into the granite walls of the upper Kennebec River gorge. This aggressive, high-adventure whitewater rafting trip races through the beautiful Upper Kennebec Gorge with non-stop action and huge waves. The Kennebec broadens after a brief stop for a snack, into the fast-moving lower section surrounded by forests and wildlife. Enjoy incredible scenery, exciting rapids and plenty of opportunities to float in the water and see wildlife such as eagles and osprey diving for fish!

Post River Trip – Including Lunch

Northern Outdoors’ rafting trip takeout is only a few miles up the road from our resort. After a short ride to The Forks Adventure Resort, you’ll enjoy a classic grilled lunch and microbrew at the Kennebec River Pub & Brewery including steak, salmon, chicken, or veggie burger grilled over a hardwood fire, accompanied by stir-fried rice, salad, dessert, and beverages. After lunch the guides put on a slideshow of photos and video of you conquering the whitewater — grab a craft beer, kick back, and get ready to laugh!

Kennebec River Turbine Test Trip Details

Difficulty

Class III-IV rapids

Registered Maine Guide Badge

Distance

12 miles

Location

The Forks Adventure Resort
The Forks, Maine

Meeting Time

7:45 AM

Trip Duration

4-6 hours

Lunch

Full day trip with gourmet grilled lunch included.

Season

4 Releases Per Year

Trip Pricing

$149+ Per Person

Age Limits

14 Minimum Age

What to Wear

Water-friendly clothing & shoes

Wetsuit Rental

Available after morning meeting

Full Suit $20
Farmer John $10
Top Half or Paddle Jacket $5
Booties $5

2025 Kennebec River Turbine Test Releases

June 14th 8000 CFS $149 Book Now
July 7th 8000 CFS $149 Book Now
Sept 6th 8000 CFS $149 Book Now
Sept 20th 8000 CFS $149 Book Now
Rafting trip prices do not include taxes and $5 pp state river fee. Prices subject to change at any time.

Availability Calendar

Prices do not include taxes and fees


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COLOR KEY:  AVAILABLE | LIMITED AVAILABILITY | VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITYSORRY, UNAVAILABLE

Where To Stay

Kennebec River rafting trips are located at Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort in The Forks, with an on-site brewpub, swimming pool, hot tub, and a wide selection of cabins and camping.

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