Hiking Doubletop Mountain in Baxter State Park: What to Pack, Trail Descriptions, and Insider Tips
Name: Doubletop Mountain
Location: Baxter State Park
Distance: Varies, read below
Elevation gain: 2,648ft
Difficulty: Moderate, challenging
Pets: Not allowed
Doubletop Mountain is one of my favorite quiet hiking trails in Baxter State Park—and for good reason! A fantastic alternative to hiking Katahdin—this trail provides hikers with stunning views of The Brothers, Katahdin, OJI, and Nesowadnehunk Stream. Hikers have three trail options—both of which provide a challenging climb.
In this blog post, I will share everything you need to know before hiking Doubletop Mountain in Baxter State Park—including how to access the trailhead, parking information, trail descriptions, the best time to visit, as well as several insider tips.
Preparing to Hike Doubletop Mountain
Check the weather forecast to ensure safe conditions
Research trail information and conditions
Pack all the hiking essentials, such as water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit
Wear season-appropriate footwear and clothing
Click here to learn more about what to pack for a Maine hike
Directions and Parking Information for Doubletop Mountain
There are two trailheads for Doubletop Mountain—one begins at Kidney Pond Campground and the other begins at the Nesowadnehunk Field Campground. Driving directions for each trailhead are located below.
Kidney Pond Trailhead
The quickest way to access Kidney Pond is through the Baxter State Park Togue Pond Gatehouse and driving West on the Park Tote Road for about 10 miles (which takes about 40 minutes). You’ll see a large brown sign for Kidney Pond on your left. Follow signs for the Kidney Pond day use area—that’s where you’ll park to hike Doubletop Mountain.
All vehicles entering the park are required to stop and check-in with the ranger at the gatehouse. They will ask if you are visiting for the day or staying in the park. Be prepared to provide them with a form of I.D (license, passport, etc.). They will give you a map of the park and a copy of the park rules and regulations.
Nesowadnehunk Field Trailhead
To access the Nesowadnehunk Field trailhead, enter Baxter State Park through the Togue Pond Gatehouse and drive West on the Park Tote Road for 17 miles (about 1 hour), following signs for Nesowadnehunk Field day use parking area.
Doubletop Mountain Trails
There are three trail options for hiking Doubletop Mountain. Click here to view the trail map.
Nesowadnehunk Field > Summit > Nesowadnehunk Field (3.2 miles, moderate)
Baxter State Park rangers typically recommend this hiking route. After parking at the Nesowadnehunk Field day use parking area, hikers will sign into the trail and cross over the Nesowadnehunk Stream via a bridge. The first mile of trail is relatively flat and shaded, as the trail casually winds through the woods. At mile one, you will have to cross the stream again by rock hopping. After the stream crossing, the trail turns becomes a steep ascent until mile two when you hit the shoulder of the mountain and the trail becomes more gradual. At the 3-mile mark, the trail briefly becomes steep for 0.1 miles before arriving at North Peak. The actual summit is located on the South Peak, which is only 0.1 miles from the North Peak.
Kidney Pond Campground > Doubletop Summit > Kidney Pond Campground (4.8 miles, challenging)
Starting at the Kidney Pond day use parking lot, hikers will walk 1 mile on mostly flat terrain, passing by Draper Pond, Rocky Pond, and Deer Pond. Following the Doubletop Trail, hikers will then begin a gradual ascent up the South side of the mountain. About 1.8 miles in, hikers will cross Nesowadnehunk Stream, and shortly after that, the hike becomes a steep ascent until mile 3, when you leave the valley and get a quick break before entering the alpine zone. At mile 5, hikers will reach the South Peak, which has an elevation of 3,488’. Ambitious hikers can also bag North Peak by hiking an additional 0.1 miles.
Nesowadnehunk Field > Doubletop Summit > Kidney Pond Campground (7 miles, challenging)
Please note that this option requires two cars—and you can start at either campground. Either way, you will need to park one car at Kidney Pond Campground and another at Nesowadnehunk Field Campground. *Read other two trail descriptions for trail information.
The Summit of Doubletop Mountain
The summit of Doubletop Mountain is comprised of rock and sheer cliffs—so be sure to watch your step on a foggy day. South and North Peaks provide amazing views of Baxter State Park—including Mount OJI, The Brothers, Nesowadnehunk Stream, and, of course, the beloved Katahdin.
Insider Tips for Hiking Doubletop Mountain
There was a LOT of moose scat on the trail—especially on the North shoulder of the mountain—so if you’re lucky, you might be able to spot a moose while hiking.
The best time to hike: June-August, because you can cool off at the nearby Ledge Falls and Slide Dam after your hike.
On your way home, be sure to stop by Knife Edge Brewing in Millinocket for some delicious pizza and beer.
There is no cell phone service in Baxter State Park, therefore it is recommended that you bring some kind of satellite communication device, in case of an emergency. I personally love my mini Garmin InReach.
Leave no Trace
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.
Interested in more Maine hiking information and tips? You can find them all here.
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With love,
My Maine
