Dead River (Kennebec River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dead River |
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Dead River showing East Kennebago Mountain
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| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Maine 1,145 feet (350 m) |
| River mouth | Kennebec River 570 feet (170 m) 45°20′0″N 69°58′11″W / 45.33333°N 69.96972°W |
| Length | 43 miles (69 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Dead River is a cool river in central Maine, United States. It's about 43 miles (69 km) long. This river starts at Flagstaff Lake. Here, two smaller rivers, the South Branch Dead River and North Branch Dead River, join together. The Dead River then flows east until it meets the Kennebec River in a place called The Forks, Maine.
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The Dead River: A Maine Adventure
A River's Role in History
The Dead River played a part in the American Revolution way back in 1775. A leader named Benedict Arnold led over 1000 soldiers on a very tough journey through Maine. They were trying to invade Canada.
They traveled up the Kennebec River in special boats called bateaux. To avoid fast rapids, they carried their boats and supplies for about 12 miles. This tough journey was called a portage. They then continued up the North Branch of the Dead River. They went through a series of ponds and then crossed into the area of Quebec's Chaudière River.
From Logs to Lights: The River's Work
The area around the Dead River is known for its logging industry. In 1950, Flagstaff Lake was created by building a dam. This dam helps control the flow of the Dead River into the Kennebec River.
In the past, cut trees were floated down the river to mills. This was called a "river drive." Today, trucks carry most of the timber. However, the water released from the dam still helps make electricity for homes and businesses.
Fun on the Water: Recreation
The beautiful Bigelow Mountain Range stands tall over Flagstaff Lake. This makes the Dead River region a favorite spot for people who love the outdoors.
Whitewater Rafting Excitement
The Dead River is very popular for whitewater rafting and boating. The water releases from Flagstaff Lake are controlled. This means the river can have different levels of water, from calm to very exciting.
The difficulty of the rapids ranges from easy (Class 2) to very challenging (Class 4+). The rafting trip is about 15 miles long. It takes at least 5 hours of paddling. There are no easy roads along the way, so you must be ready for a long adventure!
The river has special whitewater release days each year. These include big water flows in the spring and fall, and slightly smaller flows in the summer.
Canoeing the Northern Forest Trail
The Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) is a very long marked route for canoeing. It stretches about 740 miles (1,190 km) from New York to Fort Kent, Maine.
Part of this trail follows the Dead River. Canoers travel about 35 miles down the Dead River. This section of the trail offers a great way to explore the river's beauty by canoe.
