Millers River Rafting
When the spring thaw turns New England rivers into a torrent, the Millers River in western Massachusetts comes into its own. Class III and IV rapids peak at the Funnel where the large diagonal waves and holes demand total concentration and all-out paddling from everyone aboard the rafts. At high flows the Millers is a non-stop roller coaster. At medium and lower levels, it’s a moderate raft trip with a big burst of excitement at the Funnel. Rafting on the Millers River is ideal for those seeking a great springtime raft trip for all rafters ages 12 and up.
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Typical Day
We raft an eight-mile section of class III-IV whitewater on the Millers River. The entire trip, including lunch and transportation, takes about 5-6 hours, depending on conditions. Zoar Outdoor reserves the right to move a trip to another section of the river or a different river depending on water levels. Allow extra time at the end of your day to accommodate the possibility of a later day.
Please be on time, since we must work within the schedule of water release. You will be required to read and sign a release of liability at this time.
All guests will be required to wear a Zoar Outdoor issued PFD (Personal Flotation Device) and helmet. You will also be provided with a paddle. This trip comes with a riverside picnic-style lunch.
Looking to do multiple activities during your visit? Try one of our single day Adventure Packages, or call the office to custom build your own multi-day experience.
What to Bring
Expect everything you bring with you on the raft to get wet!
- Wetsuits, splash jackets, and neoprene river booties are provided for the Millers River Trip at no extra charge. We ask you to not wear cotton, as it will keep you cold and wet throughout the trip.
- In cooler weather, wool and synthetic materials such as polypropylene, nylon, and fleece, are suggested to wear under the wetsuits for cooler air and water temperatures.
- You are required to wear sneakers or other shoes that can be secured to your feet if you prefer to not wear the river booties provided. No flip-flops or Crocs!
- Extra money for souvenirs, snacks, gratuities, etc.
- Bring any required medications such as EpiPen, inhalers, diabetic medications.
Before the trip, please leave any and all valuables including money as well as your dry clothes and towels for after the trip in your locked vehicle. Keep your car keys with you during registration, as we will collect those and put them in a lock box before gearing up, then return them to you when you get off the boats.
Participation Requirements
Adventurers on the Millers River Trip:
- Must be 12 years old or older.
- Must sign their own waiver, and if under 18 also have a legal guardian sign for them.
For all of our whitewater trips, guests must be able/willing to do the following:
- Must wear our helmet and our personal flotation device (PFD)*.
- Respond to and follow verbal or visual instruction.
- Independently roll face up in water while wearing a PFD
- Demonstrate dynamic sitting position with head above water (sitting upright), and float with feet up in water.
- Be able to navigate with minimal assistance on rocky, uneven ground and descend staircases with no railings.
*Our helmets fit a maximum head circumference of 62cm (24.4 inches). Our PFDs fit a maximum chest size of 56 inches.
Specifically for the Millers River trip, guests should be able to:
- Paddle in the rapids, but with frequent rests.
- Remain calm, lay flat, and orient their body so their feet are aiming downstream if they find themselves unexpectedly in the water.
On the Millers River trip, longer unexpected swims in rocky class III/IV rapids are possible, and guests need to be prepared to self-rescue by swimming aggressively to shore or other rafts, and/or be prepared to receive a throw rope from shore.
Don't forget to read your confirmation letter (there is a lot of useful information in there!). Please also take the time to fill out your online guest details (available through your confirmation) as fully as possible, as this helps us provide correctly sized wetsuits and booties for everyone.
Call our office if you have any additional questions. We're always happy to help!