Kennebec, Maine, US

2) Lower Kennebec: Carry Brook to the Forks

Usual Difficulty	II-III (for normal flows)
Length	7.8 Miles
Avg. Gradient	17 fpm
Max Gradient	30 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
Kennebec River at The Forks, Maine
usgs-01042500	2400 - 20000 cfs	II-III	01h09m	3300 cfs (rc= 0.1 )

River Description

Often run as a continuation of the upper Gorge run of the Kennebec especially for larger water craft such as rafts. The put in is down a long steep staircase to the waters edge at Carry Brook. The river from this point down is generally class II and quickwater. The biggest rapid (Big Black Brook Rapid) comes shortly after the put in. Each rapid thereafter is easier to negotiate. Take out just before the bridge at the Forks on either the right or left banks. The river right takeout by the Ball field is easier.

Technical info

Put in elevation........706'
Take out elevation......574'
Total drop..............132'
Average drop/mile.......17'
Distance................7.8 miles 
River width average.....50'
River geology...........Slate ledge 
River water quality.....Good, clarity good.
Scenery.................Excellent, isolated wilderness river  
Wildlife................Deer, moose, osprey, eagles.