1988 Emerlin Pictorial View of the Rapids of the Penobscot River, Maine

Ideal for lovers of Maine and whitewater rafting, this is Marc Emerlin's 1988 pictorial view of the west branch of the Penobscot River, from the Ripogenus Dam to Nevers Corner, just past Pockwockamus Falls. It highlights the difficulty of the rapids encountered on this stretch of river, including several waterfalls.

A Closer Look

Situated in northern Maine around Baxter State Park and Mt. Katahdin (at center towards bottom), the Penobscot is known as the most challenging river for white water rafting in Maine, and for good reason, as can be seen here. Multiple portions of the West Branch of the river reach Class IV and Class V levels of difficulty, the highest classifications.

Oriented roughly towards the northwest, the view is interspersed with explanations of Native American placenames and the history of the logging industry in the area. Extensive notes about difficult portions of the river are provided, including tips on staying afloat. Humorous illustrations and comments delighting in the hazardous nature of the river's waters appear throughout. This work is clearly a labor of love created by someone familiar with rafting on the river.

Publication History and Census

This view was drawn by Marc Emerlin of 'Aquagasm' in 1988. No information on the artist or company are available, and the view has no known presence in institutional holdings nor known history on the market.