Canoeing the Kennebec
Half Day Trip: 8 people Minimum
Our half-day canoe trip on the Lower Kennebec River offers an incredible opportunity to explore Maine’s natural beauty. Paddle through calm waters as the Kennebec widens into Wyman Lake, surrounded by serene landscapes and chances to spot wildlife like eagles and loons. Along the way, enjoy a stop at the Appalachian Trail for a short hike and a refreshing swim at a nearby waterfall.
Perfect for beginners and groups building their canoeing skills, this trip balances challenge and relaxation, making it a great choice for youth groups, families, or anyone eager to connect with the outdoors.
Trip Details: Canoe Lower Kennebec River
Arrival
12:30PM
Departure
4pm
location
Caratunk, ME
meals
lunch
season
may-sept
Overview
Lower Kennebec River
This half-day afternoon paddle starts at 12:30pm. Meet you guide at Adventure Bound to plan for the day and pack a picnic lunch. We’ll transport you to the Kennebec boat launch at Crusher Pool, a scenic swimming hole to enjoy your lunch. The adventure on the river begins with a beautiful afternoon float, creating a perfect blend of nature, exploration, and outdoor excitement. Enjoy the beauty of the Kennebec river, as we make a stop for a short hike up Pierce Stream along the Appalachian Trail, culminating in a refreshing swim at a waterfall—a unique Appalachian Trail crossing. We’ll continue on the Kennebec back to Adventure Bound, just about a mile from the AT crossing. Your trip ends just past Adventure Bound at the Caratunk boat launch where we’ll transport you back to the activity center.
What's Included
- Professional Registered Maine Recreation Guide
- All equipment including Canoes
- Other equipment: paddle, life jacket, helmet and wet suits
- Snack and Picnic Lunch
- All transportation to and from the river
- Full use of our Adventure Center facilities including pool and hot tub
Itinerary
- Check in at Adventure Center
- Turn in waiver forms for all participants
- Meet your Trip Leader
- Pack Picnic Lunch
- Pack personal day bag
- Load the buses and drive about 10 mins to Crusher Pool & boat launch
- Enjoy a picnic lunch and swim
- Guide will give paddling instruction
- Practice paddling your paddling in Crusher Pool
- Follow your guides down the river!
- Stop at Pierce stream, where the Appalachian trail crosses the Kennebec river.
- Enjoy a hike up the trail to a waterfall swim spot!
- Continue floating on the river to Caratunk
- The trip will end at the Caratunk boat launch.
- Short bus ride back to AB as needed.
- Return to our Adventure Center, just a 2 minute bus ride from takeout
- Change into dry clothing
- Depart at you leisure
- Enjoy the Adventure Center amenities; pool, hot tub, showers, WiFi, walking trails, disc golf
- Visit our gift shop for a souvenir
Essential Information
We have two lodging options at our Adventure Center. First is traditional tent camping in large field spaces big enough for any size group, each with a fire ring and picnic table.
Or enjoy our bunkhouse style cabin tents, each is large enough for up to 10 people. Just bring a sleeping bag and pillow and you’re all set up! The main buildings offer 4 bathrooms (2 men’s, 2 women’s) with toilets and hot showers.
Once you arrive at Adventure Bound we take care of the transportation for all scheduled activities. Our location has a large parking lot with plenty of space for busses and large groups.
Lunch is included on your rafting trip. Weather depending, we offer a riverside BBQ with fire grilled teriyaki chicken or veggie burger, river rice, pasta salad, cookies, lemonade and granola bars for a snack. In cold or raining weather we’ll cook you lunch back a the Adventure Center, after you change in to warm dry cloths.
*We can accommodate most allergies or dietary needs, and are happy to do so. Because of our remote location the trip leader must inform us of allergies in advance of your arrival.
We can accommodate most allergies or dietary needs, and are happy to do so. Because of our remote location the trip leader must inform us of allergies in advance of your arrival.
Please inform your Adventure Bound guide of any medications, allergies or medical conditions. Bring all medications with you on the trip. Your guide will be happy to put medications in their dry bag.
All Adventure Bound guests and participants must fill out a liability waiver form prior to any activity. These forms can be done in advance online or hard copies may be brought with you.
A parent or guardian must fill out and sign the waiver for anyone under 18 years old. Your group leader is responsible for all waivers.
Maine Canoe Trips
Our trip down the Kennebec is a great introduction to canoe and perfect for groups with a variety of experience levels. If you’re interested in a full day or multi-day canoe trips check out a few options below and contact us for planning.