After two days of exciting outdoor adventures in the West Forks area as part of the Penobscot Paddle and Chowder Society’s annual three-day event called Fall Supper Weekend, one day remained. A continuation of whitewater paddling and mountain hiking trips were planned.

West Forks is home to some of the most exceptional whitewater in New England, so it was a given that exhilarating paddling would be part of the agenda. Two whitewater trips on the Kennebec River were scheduled.

The first, a Class III whitewater trip down the Kennebec Gorge, began early in the morning a few miles north of West Forks at Harris Dam at the outlet of Indian Pond. Chowderheads with the PPCS carried their boats down the long, steep stairs to the put-in immediately below the dam and launched in a low water release called “fish flow.” Paddling the fish flow has become a popular club outing that allows participants to descend the intimidating gorge at a more benign level than the much higher normal rafting release.

Boaters enjoyed a technical paddle through iconic rapids named Taster, Rock Garden, Big Mama, Alley Way, Z-Turn and Magic Falls. One mishap that resulted in a short swim in the Alley Way was quickly remedied. At the bottom of Magic Falls, the crew halted to await the increased rafting release and members of the second club trip.

Back at Harris Dam, another group of Chowderheads in kayaks and inflatables were beginning to embark on the rafting release, a feisty 5,000 cubic feet per second. A solid Class IV trip, paddlers navigated through or around such famous river features as Disappearing Wave, Big Mama Wave, Good-bye Hole, Whitewasher Hole, Big Kahuna Wave and Magic Falls Hole. Everyone had a successful descent.

An expansive ledge on Number Five Mountain in Northwest Somerset provides superb views. (Courtesy of Ron Chase)

At the end of the gorge, they joined the fish flow group. Exciting big volume, Class III whitewater ensued to Carry Brook, the first takeout below the gorge. Some paddlers carried their boats up the steep stairs to waiting vehicles, while others continued paddling easier whitewater for 9 miles to West Forks.

While whitewater adventures were taking place on the Kennebec River, my son, Adam, coordinated a mountain hike on Number Five Mountain. Located in a remote area west of the Forks, the 3,186-foot peak seemed like a good opportunity to jumpstart my fall hiking game, so I joined the group.

Getting to Number Five is a challenge. We drove north on Route 201 from West Forks for about 12 miles to Hardscrabble Road on the left. From there, we followed the sometimes rough dirt road for about 17 miles to an obscure right turn where a sign points to the trailhead. The remainder of the drive is on a narrow road in poor condition and a high clearance vehicle is advisable.

We began hiking gradually on an overgrown, old logging road. After a short distance, the trail turned right and we entered a sparse mixed-hardwood and conifer forest.

The trail meandered steadily upward with occasional steep ledges. While stopping for a break, we were surprised when a young family with three children passed us. We hadn’t expected to meet other hikers, let alone children, on the remote, isolated mountain.

After leveling off and passing through a damp area with some well-placed log walkways, the path angled precipitously upward. Shortly beyond, we emerged onto an expansive ledge with excellent views south.

The winds were gusting and storm clouds forming as we ascended abrupt, extended ledges past the closed fire tower to the summit. Views north of Attean and Sally Mountains and virtually the entire, famed Moose River Bow Trip were phenomenal. Frigid wind chills and fears of a rainstorm forced a hasty retreat.

During our hurried descent, we were astonished to encounter a mountain biker pushing his bike up the trail. I’ve watched videos of mountain bikers performing incredible feats, but descending the narrow, ledge-filled trail seemed foolhardy. He seemed confident and no related accidents were subsequently reported in the news, so I assume he made it safely down.

Storm clouds are forming as hikers enjoy views from the summit of Number Five Mountain in Northwest Somerset. (Courtesy of Ron Chase)

We finished the hike just before the rain began, thereby completing the last of the Fall Supper Weekend outings. Since many outstanding trips were experienced during the three-day event, we’ll probably return to West Forks again next year.

Read about many more exceptional mountain hikes and whitewater trips in my book “Maine Al Fresco: The Fifty Finest Outdoor Adventures in Maine.”

The author of “The Great Mars Hill Bank Robbery” and “Mountains for Mortals – New England,” Ron Chase resides in Topsham. His latest book, “Maine Al Fresco: The Fifty Finest Outdoor Adventures in Maine” is available at North Country Press and through online retailers. Visit his website at ronchaseoutdoors.com or he can be reached at [email protected].