Most people discover The Forks the same way. Someone tells them about the rafting. They look it up, find themselves staring at a map of central Maine, and realize they’re not entirely sure where they’re going — only that they want to get there.
The Forks sits in Somerset County, about two and a half hours north of Portland and 1.5 hour from Bangor, where Route 201 follows the Kennebec River deep into the Maine woods. It’s the place where the Kennebec and Dead Rivers converge — two of the best whitewater rivers in the Northeast — and it has been drawing people into the Maine wilderness for decades for exactly that reason.
But the rafting is just the beginning. The Kennebec River Valley is one of the most beautiful and least visited corners of New England, and there’s more to do here than most people realize before they arrive.
This guide covers everything — what to do, what to see, where to eat, and what to know before you make the drive.
Where Is The Forks, Maine?
The Forks is a small unincorporated community in Somerset County in western Maine. The nearest larger towns are Bingham to the south and Jackman to the north, both on Route 201 — also known as the Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway, which follows an ancient Abenaki trading route through the region.
The area often referred to as “The Forks” includes several small communities along the upper Kennebec River Valley: The Forks Plantation, West Forks, Caratunk, and the surrounding wilderness. Adventure Bound is based in Caratunk, right on the Kennebec, about two miles south of the center of The Forks.
The drive up Route 201 is worth treating as part of the trip. The road follows the river through wooded hills and farmland, past old mill towns. Keep your eyes open for moose — this stretch of Maine is one of the best places in the state to spot them, particularly in the early morning and at dusk.
The Old Canada Road Scenic Byway doesn’t just get you to The Forks. It reminds you that you’ve left everything else behind.
Whitewater Rafting: The Kennebec and the Dead
The defining feature of The Forks is its rivers. The Kennebec and the Dead converge here, and together they make this one of the premier whitewater destinations in the eastern United States.
The Kennebec River
The Kennebec is the anchor. Fed by Harris Station Dam upstream, the river runs a guaranteed daily release of 5,000 cubic feet per second from May 1 through mid-October, giving it consistent, reliable whitewater all season. That predictability is part of what makes the Kennebec so appealing for groups — there are no low-water disappointments.
The most famous section is the Kennebec Gorge, a dramatic canyon where the river drops through a series of class III and IV rapids. Magic Falls is the centerpiece — a powerful, technical rapid that has surprised more than a few first-timers who thought they knew what they were getting into.
Adventure Bound runs guided Kennebec day trips from May through early October. Full details at adv-bound.com/kennebec-river-maine-whitewater-rafting.
The Dead River
The Dead River offers something different — longer, faster, and more technical than the Kennebec, with the longest continuous stretch of whitewater in the East. Because the Dead is dam-controlled and releases are limited and scheduled, trips on the Dead are less frequent running 8 times a year. Minimum age is 14, and it’s recommended for those with some prior rafting experience.
Dead River trip details: adv-bound.com/dead-river-maine-whitewater-rafting.
High Water Rafting
4 times a season Harris Dam station runs a turbine test, releasing a ratable 8,000 cfs given the river an extra run splashy river. This is when the famous Maytag rapid comes out. If you’ve seen a video of a raft flipping on the Kennebec, it was probably at Maytag. But don’t worry, rafts and also run Magic Rapid instead of Maytag. Still we recommend 12 year of age for rafting High Water.
More to Do in the Kennebec River Valley
Rafting brings most people to The Forks. The rest of the valley keeps them here longer than they planned.
Moxie Falls
Moxie Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in New England and one of Maine’s best-kept secrets. At roughly 90 feet, it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the state — and the hike to reach it is less than a mile each way through classic Maine forest.
The trailhead is off Lake Moxie Road, about 10 minutes from Caratunk. Bring good shoes and the viewing platforms and boardwalk could be slippery on rainy days. Stay on the trail and do not climb down to the base of the waterfall. It’s an easy half-day trip and an ideal complement to a rafting day — go in the morning before your trip, or wind down there afterward.
Adventure Bound offers guided hikes to Moxie Falls as part of multi-day programs. Details at adv-bound.com/maine-hiking-opportunities.
Canoeing
For those who want the river at a slower pace, guided canoe trips offer a completely different experience of the Kennebec Valley. The lower Kennebec is calm flatwater with a stop at the Appalachian Trail crossing for a hike and a swim under a small waterfall — an ideal half day for groups of all abilities.
For a longer adventure, the Attean Pond trip combines a full day of paddling across a pristine backcountry pond with a hike up Sally Mountain, where the views extend across miles of unbroken Maine wilderness. It’s the kind of trip that reminds you why people come here in the first place.
Canoe trip details at adv-bound.com/maine-canoe-trips.
Rock Climbing at Moxie Pond
Adventure Bound’s guided outdoor rock climbing trip is one of the most unique experiences in the region. The day begins with a drive to Moxie Pond, a half-mile paddle across the cove, and then a full day on a remote climbing face — beginner instruction in knot tying, belaying, and rappelling included. Maximum group size is 12, which keeps it intimate. The views from the top are worth the climb.
Rock climbing trip details at adv-bound.com/maine-rock-climbing.
Float Trips on the Kennebec
Not every day on the river needs to involve a rapid. Adventure Bound’s guided float trips offer a half-day on the calmer upper Kennebec — paddling kayaks and stand-up paddleboards through peaceful stretches of river. It’s a great introduction to the river for first-timers or a quieter option for those who want the scenery without the whitewater.
Float trip details at adv-bound.com/float-trip.
Wildlife Watching and Moose Sightings
The upper Kennebec Valley is one of the best places in Maine to see moose in the wild. Dawn and dusk along Route 201 and the back roads around The Forks and toward Jackman are your best windows. Bring binoculars, go slowly, and don’t be surprised if traffic stops for a few minutes while a moose decides what to do with itself in the middle of the road. Be mindful of logging truck on the 201 and dirt roads, they have the right of way.
The region is also rich in birdlife — eagles, osprey, loons, and herons are all common along the river. In the fall, the foliage here rivals anything in Vermont, and the combination of river, forest, and mountain is hard to match anywhere in New England.
Where to Stay Near The Forks
Lodging options in the Kennebec River Valley range from full-service adventure resorts to lakeside cabins and campgrounds. Most visitors base themselves in or near The Forks or Caratunk.
Adventure Bound — Caratunk
Adventure Bound’s 40-acre property on the Kennebec is the base of operations for most of what’s described in this guide. Overnight guests have access to cabin tent camping and campsites right on the river, with full use of all property amenities: heated pool, hot tub, climbing wall, disc golf, volleyball, basketball, arcade, and canoes at the waterfront.
Meals are available on-site — Adventure Bound can handle breakfast, lunch, and dinner for groups, or guests can use the campfire cooking facilities. For overnight multi-day programs, everything is included and taken care of. This is a youth focus facility with no alcohol or smoking allowed.
Lodging details at adv-bound.com/camping-and-lodging.
Northern Outdoors
A few miles north on Route 201, Northern Outdoors offers cabin rentals and is open year-round. A good option for families or couples looking for a quieter base with a brewery and restaurant near The Forks.
Where to Eat Near The Forks
Dining options in The Forks area are casual and honest — this isn’t a fine dining destination, and it doesn’t need to be. After a day on the river, a cold drink and a good meal is exactly what’s called for.
Kennebec River Pub & Brewery — The Forks
The most well-known dining option in the area, the Kennebec River Pub & Brewery brews its own ales and lagers on-site and serves a full pub menu — burgers, sandwiches, nachos, and hearty comfort food. It’s on Maine’s Beer Trail, making it the northernmost stop on that particular route. A natural end-of-day gathering spot for groups coming off the river.
Marshall’s — The Forks
Classic American comfort food at a modest price, right on Route 201. A reliable local option for a quick meal without the resort atmosphere.
Spring Creek Bar-B-Q — Monson
About 45 minutes south near Monson, Spring Creek is worth the drive if you have time — fall-off-the-bone ribs, smoked meats, and homemade sides that people drive out of their way for.
Adventure Bound also handles meals for groups staying on property — riverside BBQ lunch, campfire cooking, and full dining options for overnight programs. For groups planning a multi-day trip, eating on-site is often the easiest and most satisfying option.
When to Visit The Forks, Maine
The Forks is a year-round destination — snowmobiling is huge here in winter — but for river adventures, the season runs May through early October.
- May and June: The Dead River runs on scheduled release dates in spring, and the Kennebec is in full swing. Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and the Maine landscape at its greenest.
- July and August: Peak summer season. Warmest water and air temperatures, ideal for families and first-timers. Summer weekends book up quickly.
- September and October: Fall foliage in the Kennebec River Valley is spectacular. Cooler days, smaller crowds, and some of the most beautiful river scenery of the year. An ideal time for school orientation groups and scout troops.
Fall on the Kennebec is its own reward. The foliage, the river, and the quiet of mid-September make for a completely different experience than summer.
Getting to The Forks
The Forks is approximately 2.5 hours north of Portland and 1.5 hours northwest of Bangor via Route 201. From Boston, plan on about 4 hours depending on traffic.
Route 201 — the Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway — is the main route through the region. The drive itself is part of the experience: the road follows the Kennebec River north from Skowhegan through Bingham, Caratunk, The Forks, and eventually to Jackman near the Canadian border.
There is no public transportation to The Forks. A car is required. Gas up before you leave Skowhegan or Bingham — options become limited as you head north. But Berry’s General Store in the West Forks is a must see. Also, check out the amazing Thai food truck. Brandon and Jill Berry’s are the third generation to run Berry’s while, Brandon’s brother Gordon and sister in-law Oi’ll run Thaiger 2 Go.
Planning Your Trip to the Kennebec River Valley
Whether you’re coming for a single day of rafting, a multi-day group adventure, or a week in the Maine wilderness, the Kennebec River Valley rewards the drive.
Adventure Bound has been running trips on the Kennebec for decades and knows this river, this region, and what it takes to put together a genuinely great experience for groups of all kinds — school trips, scout troops, summer camps, families, and youth organizations from across New England.
The season runs May through early October. Spring and summer weekends book early. If you’re planning a fall orientation trip or scout weekend, the time to reach out is summer.
Start planning at adv-bound.com, or reach out directly to talk through your group’s options.
Explore more from Adventure Bound:
Kennebec River Rafting — adv-bound.com/kennebec-river-maine-whitewater-rafting
Dead River Rafting — adv-bound.com/dead-river-maine-whitewater-rafting
Moxie Falls Hiking — adv-bound.com/maine-hiking-opportunities
Canoe Trips — adv-bound.com/maine-canoe-trips
Rock Climbing — adv-bound.com/maine-rock-climbing
Camping & Lodging — adv-bound.com/camping-and-lodging
Request a Quote — adv-bound.com/request-a-quote
Adventure Bound | 1094 US Route 201, Caratunk, ME 04925 | adv-bound.com | 207-672-4300
