Best Kayaking in Maine

Trying to find the best kayaking in Maine? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Maine, Somerset County

01 :28 hrs
3.7 mi
64.01318 ft
V

Kennebec River is a popular river for constant rapids. Dependent upon the daily water releases from Harris Dam, this section of the Kennebec River features large whitewater sections such as, Big Momma and Magic Falls. There is a small parking area by each starting and ending locations with stairs leading to the water's edge. This river route is also known to have holes that can flip rafts, so be sure to study the entire course before going. Check water levels of the river and release times from the dam ahead of time.

2

Maine, Hancock County

04 :28 hrs
10.7 mi
20.656525 ft
III

The Machias River is one of Maine's most scenic rivers and it offers some excellent paddling trips of varying distances and difficulties. The river runs through mostly wilderness terrain with excellent scenery and wildlife viewing opportunity. This trip begins on the river just downstream from 5th Machias Lake. The river between the put-in and take-out on 4th Machias Lake consists of some quickwater with multiple class II-III rapids and ledge drops that will need to be scouted. The water calms almost completely as it nears 4th Machias Lake where there is miles of shoreline to explore.

3

Maine, Washington County

04 :49 hrs
11.5 mi
30.386848 ft
III

This paddling trip starts just downstream from the dam on West Grand Lake and follows Grand Lake Stream to Big Lake. The flow of the river is dam-controlled and can be run during medium and high water. There are some class II-III rapids along the way that can either be run or portaged on the left depending on water levels. The take-out is on Big Lake which offers miles of additional wooded shoreline for exploration.

4

Maine, Somerset County

05 :29 hrs
13.8 mi
120.04825 ft
IV

At high water levels, this long river route provides a good amount of whitewater paddling with popular sections called, Hayden's Landing, Elephant Rock, and the Mine Field. To get to the put-in, one will need to drive along a small dirt road for several miles before reaching a small parking area at the river's edge. Beginning just downriver from Grand Falls, this route takes one through isolated woodland. Large rocks and holes can appear on the river depending on water levels. The level is mostly dependent upon releases, so be sure to check the website of American Whitewater for when they occur.

5

Maine, Washington County

08 :28 hrs
20.1 mi
29.11864 ft
II

The St. Croix River is located in northeastern Maine and forms much of the Canadian/United States border between Maine and New Brunswick. The river offers some excellent paddling trips that vary in distance and difficulty. This section starts at a public access on Loon Lake and covers 20 miles of waterway that travels through undeveloped forest terrain. The majority of this run is flatwater but there are a few small sections of class I-II rapids. There is also a portage around Kellyland Dam on the right.

6

Maine, Aroostook County

08 :01 hrs
19 mi
26.519104 ft
II

The Fish River is a tributary of the St. John River that offers some scenic paddling on a remote river, connecting multiple lakes along its course. This section starts on Eagle Lake and follows the shoreline and river to the north to the confluence with the St. John River and town of Fort Kent. This segment of river is the most challenging with some class I-II rapids and drops, some of which should be carefully scouted or possible portaged depending on conditions. The put-in and take-out are both public access sites with ramps and parking.

7

Maine, Hancock County

03 :59 hrs
9.5 mi
16.354532 ft
III

When the water is sufficient, the West Branch of Union River offers some great scenery and some thrilling class II-III rapids for running. The river has multiple class III (IV) drops that should be scouted and can be portaged if needed. There are also sections of river that consists of relaxing quickwater. The trip ends on Graham Lake, a large body of water that provides additional paddling opportunity.

8

Maine, Washington County

04 :40 hrs
11.2 mi
27.849915 ft
II

The St. Croix River is located in northeastern Maine and forms much of the Canadian/United State border between Maine and New Brunswick. The river offers some excellent paddling trips that vary in distance and difficulty. This section starts at a public access just after Little Falls and covers over 10 miles to a take-out on Loon Lake. This section travels through undeveloped wooded terrain and consists of a mix of class I-II rapids as well as lots of flatwater and lakes.

9

Maine, Piscataquis County

05 :39 hrs
13.5 mi
21.106842 ft
II

The Munsungan Stream is a scenic stream that travels through rugged wilderness providing excellent paddling and wildlife viewing opportunity. The trip begins on Chase Lake and consists of mostly flatwater/quickwater with a few sections of class I-II rapids that may need to be scouted depending on conditions. The take-out is at an old broken bridge and camping area.

10

Maine, Washington County

03 :20 hrs
8 mi
23.46563 ft
III

The Narraguagus is a coastal stream that runs through eastern Maine offering great scenery and a few exciting rapids along the way. The tidal stream drops more than any other stream of the Penobscot and has lots of access making it a great choice for paddlers. This section starts at Beddington Lake were the water is calm but there will be some exciting class I-III rapids further downstream to enjoy. Rock Dam Rips is a class III rapid during the second half of the trip that can be run but should be scouted from the left bank first.

See more adventures..

Explore complete list