Adventure Starts on the Penobscot River
Andy Gagne Photography
Experience Maine’s Legendary Penobscot River!
This is more than just whitewater- it’s a shared adventure in the heart of Maine’s wild landscape. With over 11 named rapids, from gentle waves to heart-pounding drops, the Penobscot offers something unforgettable at every turn. Paddle through the breathtaking Ripogenus Gorge, catch incredible scenes of Katahdin- Maine's highest mountain, and maybe even spot a moose or bald eagle along the way.
Whether it’s your first time on the river or your tenth, rafting with NEOC is the kind of day you’ll talk about for years. Adventure begins here!
UPPER PENOBSCOT RIVER
CLASS II - V
Penobscot Classic
Our Penobscot Full River trip boasts a reputation of exhilarating rapids and breathtaking scenery! In the morning, we put in at Mckay Station to begin the upper river. The upper river is an exciting and raucous waterway that possesses a stretch which drops 70 feet per mile through a narrow, granite-walled canyon into Class V whitewater. After a riverside cookout lunch, the trip moves to Nesowadnehunk Falls – a 12-foot waterfall - and then rafts a little over 6 miles of class I-IV rapids. We'll explore river-wide waterfalls, surf and play on a natural waterslide. The full river trip is a great way to spend a day.
- Check In – 8:00 am
- High Intensity (Class IV/V)
- Class I-V Rapids
- Ages 14+
- Full Day, Full River Trip
- Trips Offered Seven Days a Week
- Cookout Lunch
- Starting at $119/pp
Add Private Raft - see below
Double Trouble
Ready to level up your adventure? Our Double Trouble adventure is one of our most exciting river trips, offering two runs through the iconic Penobscot River Gorge, home to some of the most thrilling whitewater east of the Mississippi. You'll paddle Class V rapids twice in one unforgettable day, guided by experienced river enthusiasts. After the excitement, kick back with a hearty riverside BBQ lunch prepared by your guides. Trips run Thursdays all summer and every Sunday.
*Prefer a single run? Penobscot single-run rafting trips are available seven days a week.
- Check In – 8:00 am
- Higher Intensity (Class IV/V)
- Ages 14+
- 3/4 Day - Two Runs of the Upper-Class V Section
- Trips offered Sundays only in the early season, and Thursdays + Sundays in July and August
- Cookout Lunch
- Starting at $149/pp
Add Private Raft - see below
LOWER PENOBSCOT RIVER
CLASS II - IV
Looking for a fun, approachable way to experience whitewater?
Our Lower Penobscot River trips offer a gentler ride with just the right amount of splash and scenery- perfect for first-time rafters and families with kids. Paddle in the shadow of Katahdin, and share moments that will stay with you long after the day ends.
Lower River Experience
The Lower River Experience is our mild to wild trip on the Penobscot River for introducing guests to the fun and beauty of an afternoon on the river. Our adventure begins with a riverside cookout lunch, then we will put-in above Nesowadnehunk Falls to raft over 6 miles of the notorious
Penobscot river. We'll explore river-wide waterfalls, surf rapids, and play on a natural waterslide.
Along the way we have the opportunity to view Maine wildlife.
With multiple routes through these rapids, our trip on the lower river has something for everyone, from mild to wild!
- Check In – 11:00 am
- Medium Intensity (class III/IV)
- Ages 10+ to Raft the Falls, 9yrs old gets in after the Falls
- Half Day Trip - 4-5 hours. May vary depending on daily river conditions. Our professional trip leaders always prioritize safety and guest enjoyment!
- Trips Offered Seven Days a Week
- Cookout Lunch
- Starting at $114/pp
Add Private Raft - see below
Family Float Trip
The Family Float is our mildest trip and serves as an introduction to the beauty and wilderness of the Penobscot River, as well as a playful excursion for the whole family.
The trip starts with a riverside lunch and then guests will board a raft downstream of Nesowadnehunk Falls. You will float through a Class I rapid and then stop at a natural water slide to play for a while. Enjoy beautiful views of Katahdin and wildlife sightings while we float through a section of flat water. The trip will finish at Abol Store with an ice cream treat before heading back to the Penobscot Outdoor Center.
- Check In – 11:00 am
- No Intensity (class 1)
- Ages 5yrs and Up
- Half Day Trip
- Trips Offered Seven Days a Week
- Cookout Lunch & Ice cream
- Starting at $114/pp
Private Raft Upgrade
Add on to your Penobscot Classic, Double Trouble, or Lower River Experience Rafting Trip (minimum 4). Want your own boat for your crew but don't have 7 or 8 people to go? The private upgrade will allow our guides to give you the most customized trip for your adventure. Enjoy quality time with your family, or enjoy the freedom of being able to tell all the jokes you want - or the freedom for individual group needs - Such as religious prayer, Spiritual practices, Sobriety groups, and Bro goals. Whatever your specialized group needs we can help facilitate with a Private Raft. Please call our office to book!
- Add to any Penobscot River Classic, Double Trouble, or Lower River Experience.
+$60pp - 4 People
+$40pp - 5 People
+$20pp - 6 People
FAQ
What's Included in Every Raft Trip?
- An awesome bus ride up and down the Golden Road
- Hot and delicious river lunch)
- The best Guides who live, eat, and breathe the Penobscot River
- Post-trip photo & video presentation (can purchase images on-site or online)
What's Not Included?
- Taxes and River Access Fees
- Gratuity for Guides, Bus Drivers, Video Boater/Photographer
- The sweet NEOC branded gear you get to wear all day long
Additional Information:
- Organize a group of 11 mid-week or a group of 16 on a weekend, you go FREE!
- Private Raft: Available - Please call 207-723-5438 to book.
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Learn more about the Penobscot River!
Exclusive Discounts for College Students & Everyday Heroes
Military - First Responder - Teachers
We’re proud to honor those who serve our communities and country. Military Personnel, First Responders, and Teachers can enjoy 20% off whitewater rafting adventures with code:
THANKYOU
It’s our way of saying thanks for all you do- see you on the river!
*Must have a Military ID, Teacher ID, or First Responder ID to present at trip check-in.
Questions? Contact our office!
College Students
College life can be demanding, but we believe in balancing the books with some adventure. Use code:
PADDLE
to save 20% on whitewater rafting and escape the grind. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab your friends, disconnect, and experience the thrill of the river. Take the plunge- your next adventure is waiting!
*Must have a valid college ID to present at trip check-in.
Questions? Contact our office!
Photo & Video Opportunities
Share the best of the best with family and friends! At NEOC, you can purchase photos and video of your whitewater adventure. Our digital photos are high resolution JPEG images. For more information call us at 1-800-766-7238, or
- One Photo: $20.00 USD
- Up to Two Photos: $30.00 USD
- Entire Album: $50.00 USD
- Video: $35.00 USD
- Entire Photo Album & Video Combo: $75.00 USD
- Prices do not include tax