Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Rapid ME Class IV+

Surprise

American Whitewater 45.8681, -69.9836

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Gauge Conditions

Runnable: ? – ? CFS

Approximate - nearest available gauge. Use as general reference only.

Photo

Surprise
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater

Description

Probably the most visually intimidating drop on the river. As the river splits around a large island take the narrower right hand channel to the slack water just above a sharp horizon line. Take out on river right to scout or carry around. Just above the drop the two river channels meet once more then plunge over a slanted rock slab. The left side of the slide is a vertical wall that may be undercut. At the bottom of the slide the channel constricts to just about 20’ into a huge exploding boil. At higher levels a rather large keeper hole forms. The usual route is to start at the converging river channels above then run through the center of the slide down into the boil with a left lean as you hit the bottom of the slide. The rock slab on river right gradually angles down to the river bed forcing the water to push to the left creating the exploding boil at the bottom of the slide. Just below the boil there is a shallow spot followed by a large recovery pool.

Location

Interactive river map Loads as you approach this section.
Type
Rapid
Difficulty
Class IV+
Mile Marker
0.8 mi
Directions
View Full Run
Canada Falls Lake to Pittston Farm
Penobscot, S. Branch
III-V 3.8 mi

Current Conditions

5-Day Forecast

Whitewater data from
American Whitewater