Maine’s 6 Best Rivers for Unforgettable Paddling Adventures

There are few places I'd rather be than on the water, especially when the air temperatures start to rise in the spring.

I grew up sailing on Sebago Lake. I went to summer camp along the shore of Spring Point in South Portland. If a friend had a pool, I was in it from sunup to sundown. And I’ve spent the last 14+ years trying to convince my wife to live on a boat in the Caribbean (one of these days, it’ll work).

Considering my love of all things water, it should come as no surprise that I also have a deep appreciation for the state's incredible river system. I'm so fascinated by it that I wanted to take a closer look at these unique and awe-inspiring natural wonders.

Maine's River System is One of the Most Impressive in the United States

The state is covered with rivers flowing every which way, originating here in Maine, New Hampshire, and even Canada. According to Maine, An Encyclopedia, the state has 73 rivers that are longer than 20 miles. That's quite a number, considering the size of the state.

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According to worldatlas.com, Maine also has one of the largest river systems in the United States. In fact, the 10 largest Maine rivers are all 75 miles or longer.

Of course, this means there are thousands of miles of river just waiting for all kinds of outdoor activities- including one of Maine’s most popular: paddling.

Whether it's kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, or simply floating on a tube (yeah, we count that in the same category), paddling is an essential Maine activity. I mean, who doesn't own, or know someone who owns, at least one item that uses a paddle? They're as common as trucks and mosquitoes.

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There are all sorts of wonderful places to paddle in this state, but I thought it would be fun to highlight a select few rivers that have earned a stellar reputation.

The Best Maine Rivers to Enjoy Paddling & Whitewater

Below is a list of six true superstars of Maine. They can be found across the state, from the far northern reaches down to York County — and each has its own incredible character and beauty.

How many of these rivers have you experienced?

6 of the Best Maine Rivers for Paddling and Tubing

Maine is an outdoor playground filled with wondrous locations and natural attractions. This includes its river system, which is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. Here’s a look at six of the best Maine rivers for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing.

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka