Northern Outdoors is your homebase for snowmobiling in the winter, whitewater rafting in the summer, ATVing in the fall, and hiking all year long. Come on up to The Forks, Maine for good times in trail side cabins and in the lodge, over fresh craft beer from our Kennebec River Brewery. Explore our cabin rentals, choose an outdoor adventure, and say hello to your new favorite vacation spot!
Northern Outdoors has two prime locations for adventuring in Maine. With whitewater rafting on Maine's class IV and V rivers, miles of ATV trails, world-class trout and salmon fishing, waterfall hikes, and private cabins, you'll never run out of outdoor adventures to choose from. At the end of the day, refuel at the brewpub and kick back by a campfire.
Northern Outdoors has two prime locations for adventuring in Maine. With whitewater rafting on Maine's class IV and V rivers, miles of ATV trails, world-class trout and salmon fishing, waterfall hikes, and private cabins, you'll never run out of outdoor adventures to choose from. At the end of the day, refuel at the brewpub and kick back by a campfire.
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From fishing and hunting, to pioneering whitewater rafting in Maine, to carving out some of Maine's best snowmobile trails- Northern Outdoors has been pivotal to the story of outdoor recreation in Western Maine. Meet the Hockmeyers, who started it all, and the team that has been created from their early dreams.
To book activities or lodging in The Forks and Penobscot River rafting click Book Now below the location. Book Penobscot area lodging by calling us at 207-663-4466. To check availability, select a day from the availability calendar. For information regarding our cancellation policy, snow conditions guarantee, and more, please visit reservation information.
Every whitewater rafting trip has a photographer at the major rapids to capture the action of your day, as well as full group photos near the end of the day! Penobscot River trips also have video clips from each of your big hits. The photos and video clips can be seen at the end of each trip and can also be purchased online.
Northern Outdoors has two locations: our four-season Adventure Resort in The Forks, Maine and the Katahdin Adventure Basecamp just north of Millinocket, Maine for summer adventures. Two beautiful Maine locations for all of your outdoor adventures, from the rivers to the trails!
Trying to figure out where to stay in Maine can be hard- so let's start with what activities you're looking to do! Northern Outdoors' "flagship" resort is located in The Forks, Maine- your spot for ATV trails and rentals, fishing trips, whitewater rafting the Kennebec and Dead Rivers, snowmobiling Maine's scenic trails, and grabbing a craft beer at the Kennebec River Pub & Brewery.
Trying to figure out where to stay in Maine can be hard- so let's start with what activities you're looking to do! Northern Outdoors' "flagship" resort is located in The Forks, Maine- your spot for ATV trails and rentals, fishing trips, whitewater rafting the Kennebec and Dead Rivers, snowmobiling Maine's scenic trails, and grabbing a craft beer at the Kennebec River Pub & Brewery.
From cabins to condos, hotel-style rooms to cozy cabins for two - Northern Outdoors has a variety of accommodations for any group size and budget. Rest as close to the outdoors as you can at our Kennebec River Campground (complete with sounds of the nearby river). Or enjoy the woods of Maine from the comforts of a bed in one of our Cozy Cabins, Northwoods Cabins, or Logdominiums - most with kitchen options for a truly secluded respite.
Reviews (21)
Edbert Cheng
Jan 19, 2022
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My friends and I stayed at the cabins this past chilly weekend, and our car got stranded on one of the trails. Luckily, the folks at Northern Outdoors were able to come fetch us on the trail and get us back to the cabins safely. We super appreciate the attentive detail and customer service at N.O., and the cabins were well equipped and well-designed. We highly recommend the stay in this part of Maine and hope to visit again under better circumstances!
Kristina C.
Oct 18, 2021
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I went with a group of friends for a quiet no tech retreat with all the comforts of indoor plumbing and a kitchen. We stayed in the crying loon cabin and it was excellent and SO affordable split amongst a large group. My trip had everything I didn't know I needed and more. We're ready to book a trip every season!
Jill Berryman
Aug 30, 2021
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Danny Paul
Aug 29, 2021
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Went white water rafting on the Kennebec. Cabin was great, lodge was a lot of fun; Really good food! Cam was our guide for the rafting and was awesome! Super friendly, knowledgeable, and really made it a blast! Unforgettable experience! Took off one star because the company was not understanding of a last minute change in plans.
Richard Funk
Aug 20, 2021
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Would have been 5 stars but there was no phone in room no cell service( they did mention that on website) and Hot tube is right in the middle of the outside eating. Other then that the room was clean and the staff very friendly. 201 motor sports rentals are awesome. Got to see a moose on the trail. Had a really good time.
Jennifer Culpovich
Aug 19, 2021
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This was our second time visiting. Five years ago it was not as crowded, had better food service and overall was a better experience. I understand why with staffing shortages but just be prepared to wait. If you can sit back and enjoy your beer you'll be ok. Suggestions:
If the Bingo hall was opened up with comfortable seating and a few tvs, a second pool was for adults or no volleyball and there was a small bar with lakeside seating, this place could spread out and be more diverse.
However our rafting trip was awesome and Gracie was the best river guide.
If the Bingo hall was opened up with comfortable seating and a few tvs, a second pool was for adults or no volleyball and there was a small bar with lakeside seating, this place could spread out and be more diverse.
However our rafting trip was awesome and Gracie was the best river guide.
Arvind S. Dotiyal
Jul 27, 2021
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We did Penobscot River rafting with Northern Outdoors. Our group enjoyed it a lot. The river has grade 5 rapids and there is a 10 foot fall along the river that is very unique. The service from Northern Outdoors were great, the lunch and coffee was tasty and hot. Our raft guide Eileen did a great job instructing us and making sure we all are having fun. Despite being a rainy day they did a great job in making sure everyone is having a great time and adventure during the trip.
One advice I can give is to have good instructions about when the trip starts in the morning and when is the reporting
One advice I can give is to have good instructions about when the trip starts in the morning and when is the reporting
Onyx Shoen
Jul 03, 2021
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Stayed two nights, the lodging was great and the rafting even better. The guides all knew what they were doing, and our guide John was great all around as well. The food at the restaurant was alright, the fries were great though. Our server Ben was awesome, he served us dinner both nights and both times he was a great waiter and all around host. Would also recommend the nachos and steak breakfast.
Robert Harry
Jun 15, 2021
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Recently spent a night and took my daughter on a rafting trip with some other family. Very nice place, great food and beer, with a very friendly wait staff for both breakfast and dinner. The rafting guides were fantastic and the river side lunch was amazing. The post rafting slideshow was hilarious and had the entire group, from every boat, laughing hysterically. Our guide Carson was absolutely the best and would recommend anyone to ask for her!
Steve C.
Feb 08, 2020
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P. T.
Oct 03, 2019
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Stayed for couple of nights in one of their cozy cabins. Nice, clean, and comfortable. Fall colors, although not peak time, were as usual gorgeous. People were super nice. We took a river rafting trip in Kennebec river and it was a gorgeous day. Our guide, John and the other guides and photographers were great. Will be back.
Catherinee C.
Aug 07, 2019
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We spent 3 nights and went ATV have our own machines. Stayed in upstairs room not one of the cabins.
Pros- clean rooms, food good, large hot tub- enjoyed , easy access to trails.
Cons- no refrigerator in upstair rooms, they also do not have ICE available, very commercial- not a warm and fuzzy atmosphere people are friendly and helpful,
Hot tub talk was that the whitewater rafting was lots of fun, good cookout and plenty of food.
Pros- clean rooms, food good, large hot tub- enjoyed , easy access to trails.
Cons- no refrigerator in upstair rooms, they also do not have ICE available, very commercial- not a warm and fuzzy atmosphere people are friendly and helpful,
Hot tub talk was that the whitewater rafting was lots of fun, good cookout and plenty of food.
Julie F.
Jun 10, 2019
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Booked a camping and rafting trip through these guys over the phone. Great customer service. The lodge was beautiful and rustic, really felt like old northern Maine. There was free WiFi in the lodge, an arcade with video games, a small work out room, a popular hot tub, and a pool as well. The campground is across the street from the lodge, right on the river. We stayed in a site where we pitched our own tent, there was a large picnic table, a fire ring, as well as trash and recycling bins. The camp map they gave us showed a portapotty right near our site which was convenient. The shower house was
Callie H.
Mar 15, 2019
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September 2015. Had a fun birthday surprise here recently for my boyfriend. Was an absolute blast! Camping over night was great, food was good, and the resort was totally awesome. A pool and hot tub right near the resort was great to have. Drove up Friday and spent the night Friday and Saturday with another couple and friend. Way middle of nowhere but worth the trip. Rafting was awesome! Full day of rafting on the kennebec with a riverside food made right on sight. This wasn't just your average camping food. There was chicken, salmon, steak, cookies, stir fry, and the best trail mix ever that
Donna B.
Apr 02, 2018
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About 6 months ago, on a backpacking trip from Stratton to Caratunk, I got out of the woods early and stopped here for a bite to eat. Everything about the place was awesome! A dude bought me a beer. I taught the bartender how to make a Dirty Martini. The food was delicious and the place was hopping with a great vibe. I even gave some thru-hikers a ride to and from the post office.
I was only stopping by on my way to meet with friends in Quebec City for the second half of my vacation, and am I glad I stopped here for a few hours. Truly, Northern Outdoors was a highlight of my summer. Great folks
I was only stopping by on my way to meet with friends in Quebec City for the second half of my vacation, and am I glad I stopped here for a few hours. Truly, Northern Outdoors was a highlight of my summer. Great folks
Brecken D.
Aug 15, 2017
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What an amazing outdoor center. My wife and our two boys, ages 12 and 10, had a great trip down the Kennebec River and a wonderful meal at the brewery, the lodge's restaurant. We plan on coming and staying here for a longer stay next time. Beautiful lodge with lots of amenities including pool, hot tub, great dining, etc.
David R.
Aug 05, 2017
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We camped here last weekend and had a blast! Huge hot tub and swimming pool with a volleyball net was so fun. The remarkable thing that occurred though was that I left my jacket with wallet inside in a bathroom on the campground. We called when we got back to Boston and they went out, found it and then mailed it back to us. I had about $200 in the wallet and it was ALL there! THANK YOU NORTHERN OUTDOORS!!!
Tanner P.
Aug 01, 2016
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Tom G.
Jul 16, 2016
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Went there for breakfast , what a mistake that was I know they were busy but it took a little while for food to come out, but on the other hand maybe it should have never came out to us. Asked for over medium eggs and I could've used a straw to drink them! Got bit by mosquito and it was very warm. Time for a new cook!!
Gregory P.
Mar 04, 2014
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The best resort for rafting the Kennebec & Dead Rivers. Been here 6 or 7 times over the last 12 years and we all enjoy. Great cabins, although a little pricey. Resort feels like a Maine resort should.
Make sure to wear a wetsuit if the temperature is below 75 degrees. You'll wish you did.
Some of the lodging connected to the main resort is starting to show its age, but there are lots of stand-alone cabins that are in great shape. The ones high on the hill are the newest.
Make sure to visit nearby Moxie Falls. Easy to drive to, and only a 1.2 mile round-trip easy walk to the falls
Make sure to wear a wetsuit if the temperature is below 75 degrees. You'll wish you did.
Some of the lodging connected to the main resort is starting to show its age, but there are lots of stand-alone cabins that are in great shape. The ones high on the hill are the newest.
Make sure to visit nearby Moxie Falls. Easy to drive to, and only a 1.2 mile round-trip easy walk to the falls
Annette A.
Jun 20, 2012
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I'm pretty sure that Northern Outdoors evaluates their applicants on the basis of friendliness and good humor. Everyone I spoke to, from the restaurant servers (at the awesome restaurant) to our raft guide (in our awesome raft) were incredibly friendly or had a joke or two ready to go. This put us in a good mood as soon as we stepped in the door.
The drive up to The Forks is incredibly easy and quite beautiful, making this a great escape option from Boston. Our group chose to stay at the cabins on the lake, which is separate from the main property, but much more secluded and peaceful. Our
The drive up to The Forks is incredibly easy and quite beautiful, making this a great escape option from Boston. Our group chose to stay at the cabins on the lake, which is separate from the main property, but much more secluded and peaceful. Our
