Come to Maine for Rafting, Sailing and Spa Experiences

Maine, the most sparsely state east of the Mississippi, entices both outdoor sporting enthusiasts and ocean loving landlubbers to sample this unspoiled rustic paradise. Here vacationers can raft, sail and sunbathe in relative solitude along the state's over 5,500 miles of rocky coastline and 32,000 miles of rustic freshwater rivers and streams.

RIDING THE RAPIDS
Adventure travelers seeking a natural adrenaline rush can venture over to the Kennebec River, a 12-mile stretch of river considered to be the most popular whitewater destination in the east. This is no kiddie ride as the minimum suggested age is 12 to ride the upper Kennebec's rushing Class II to Class V rapids. To protect the environmental quality of these rivers, the State of Maine limits the number of rafters to under a thousand per day.

Area activities to enjoy post-rafting include: paintball, kayaking, biking, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, moose and bird watching, float plane, ATV and pontoon boat tours, and skydiving. Also, die hard whitewater rafters wanting another day or two of rough water action can check out the Penobscot and Dead Rivers.

While campsites, and cabin tents are available for those who enjoy the experience of roughing it, area outfitters offer a range of accommodations including B&B's, log cabins, guest houses, inns, and motels. Also, RV hookups are available. Many outfitters have a restaurant on site and one of the the outfitters even brews their own beer.

While the daily dam releases guarantees whitewater action from May through October even during the driest of summers, the last week in August and the first three weeks in September can be particularly delightful. The summer tourists have left, the kids are back in school, the black flies have left for the season and the fall foliage is starting to emerge. A whitewater trip on the Kennebec River will average $80 to $130 with with the lower prices offered during this off season.