Whitewater Rafting

Wherever there’s guaranteed water flow, whitewater rafting is big business.

Maine is whitewater central with a dozen or more companies offering trips. Massachusetts and Vermont also have some whitewater rafting.

Different companies have different standards, goals and pricing structures. Some go for maximum safety and comfort. Others push the envelope for a little more adventure. You can choose a smaller raft, which increases the thrill -- and the price. Some companies offer self-guided trips in inflatable kayaks on the easier Class II sections of the rivers. Many of these companies have overnight accommodations and shore barbecues..

Ask questions before you book your trip.

Maine (Dead, Kennebec and Penobscot Rivers)

Adventure Bound (1-888-606-7238).

Aqua Adventures Rafting (1-866-723-8872)

Crab Apple Whitewater (1-800-553-7238)

Magic Falls Rafting Company (1-800-207-7238)

Maine Whitewater (1- 800-345-6246)

Moxie Outdoor Adventures (1-800-866-6943)

New England Outdoor Center (1-800-766-7238)

Northern Outdoors (1-800-765-7238)

North Country Rivers (1-800-348-8871)

North American Outdoor Adventure (1-800-727-4379)

Professional River Runners (1-800-325-3911)

Three Rivers Whitewater (1-877-846-7238)

Windfall Outdoor Center (1-800-683-2009)

Wilderness Expeditions (1-800-825-9453)

Massachusetts (Deerfield River)

Crab Apple Whitewater (1-800-553-7238)

Moxie Outdoor Adventures (1-800-866-6943)

North American Outdoor Adventure (1-800-727-4379)

Zoar Outdoor (1-800-532-7483)

New Hampshire (Androscoggin River)

(Note: The Class II/III Androscoggin isn't as wild or as long as some rafting trips, making it a perfect introduction to whitewater for the young or the timid. Packages can include multiple runs in the same day.)

Northwoods Rafting (603-449-2628)

Saco Bound Outfitters (603-447-2177)

Vermont (West River)

(Note: The “intermediate” (Class II and III) rapids of the West River aren’t as serious as they are elsewhere in New England, but the scenery is lush.)

Crab Apple Whitewater (1-800-553-7238)

New York (Hudson, Black, Salmon, Moose and Sacandaga Rivers)

Adriondack River Outfitters (1-800-525-7238) 

Adventure Sports Rafting Company (1-800- 441-7238)

Hudson River Rafting Company (1-800-888-7238)

Pocono Whitewater Adventures (1-800-944-8392) 

Whitewater Challengers (1-800-443-7238)

Whitewater Rafting New York (1-877-963-7238) 

Wild Waters Outdoor Center (1-800-867-2335)