Penobscot River, Maine
| Price |
 What's this? |
| Class of Rapids |
Ripogenus Gorge: III-V; Big Eddy: III-IV |
| Trip Miles |
10 to 14 miles; Ripogenus Gorge: 2 miles; Big Eddy: 8 to 12 miles |
| Trip Duration |
1 to 2 days |
| Season |
May-early October |
| Raft Type |
Paddle Raft |
| River Sections |
Ripogenus Gorge, Big Eddy |
| Nearby Towns |
Millinocket (ME) |
| Driving Times |
Portland (ME): 3.5 hours, Quebec City (Canada): 4 hours |
| Recommended For |
Scenery, Wildlife |
Most exciting whitewater in the East? You decide. A 12-mile run begins with Class V rapids in the Ripogenus Gorge and then lets up a little as you flow through the alternating flatwater and whitewater in the 12-mile Big Eddy section. The river here parallels Baxter State Park, with views of Mount Katahdin. Classic Maine. Keep your eyes peeled for moose, bald eagles, and ospreys. Outfitters often run the Big Eddy section first, and then shuttle back to the top of Rip Gorge after lunch; beginners and intermediates can raft just the lower section if they don’t feel up to the Rip’s Class V froth.
* Trip price reflects the average cost per day for a guided rafting adventure on a given river (
= $50-$100/day;
= $100-$250/day;
= $250 or more/day) and accounts for half-day, full-day, or multiday rafting excursions. Lodging, dining, and transportation costs (airfare, car rental/shuttle, equipment rentals, etc.) have not been factored into account. Please note that the trip price classification is intended to be an approximate guideline, as the range of prices on a given river can vary based on amenities, services, and customized add-ons offered through individual outfitters.
