Maine Is Home to One of the Most Thrilling Rivers in the U.S.

One of Maine’s most iconic rivers is gaining national recognition.

The folks over at the popular travel website Oyster took a closer look at America’s rivers. The site put together a list of seven of the best whitewater rivers in the country.

This must have been a difficult article to create, considering the country is loaded with gorgeous and prominent rivers that feature incredible whitewater. However, Oyster narrowed it down to just seven, with one located right here in Maine. Say hello to one of the best whitewater rivers in America: the Kennebec.

What Makes the Kennebec River So Unique?

Stretching from Moosehead Lake to Merrymeeting Bay and eventually the Gulf of Maine, the Kennebec is one of the longest rivers in the Pine Tree State. The river spans a respectable 170 miles and features hydroelectric power stations and picturesque scenery. It also flows through several Maine cities, including Waterville, Skowhegan, and the state capital, Augusta.

The Kennebec is a weekend warrior’s dream. The river offers incredible canoeing and first-class fishing, but it’s best known for its thrilling and challenging sections of whitewater. Hordes of Mainers and tourists head to the Kennebec every summer to take on the rapids and enjoy the fun river culture. The numerous classes of rapids also give adventurers of all skill levels the opportunity to tackle the river and have a heck of a lot of fun doing it.

Why is the Kennebec River Getting National Attention?

Here’s a little from Oyster on why it selected the Kennebec River for its prestigious list:

Expect steep rock walls and four- to six-foot waves in some areas along your voyage. Controlled by a dam, the river also has high water releases that usually occur on weekends. And while it may be only 12 miles of whitewater fun, that’s enough for an unforgettable experience.

Short, but sweet, that’s for sure. Though, 12 miles still seems like a heck of a lot of whitewater to me.

READ MORE: Maine’s Acadia National Park Ranks 7th in the Nation with Over 4 Million Visits

Congrats to the Kennebec on this wonderful honor. Though, I doubt it comes as much of a surprise to many of you, especially those who have been fortunate enough to spend time on this legendary body of water. It’s the perfect encapsulation of how life should be.