Doubletop Mountain from Kidney Pond
Map of Doubletop Mountain Out and Back from Kidney Pond, Baxter State Park
Elevation Profile of Doubletop Mountain Out and Back from Kidney Pond, Baxter State Park
Overview. This was our warm-up hike for Mt. Katahdin, and it was perfection! This hike breaks down into three sections - an easy walk through the forest, a steady climb, and a steeper scramble to reach the top.
The peaks provide outstanding views of the surrounding mountains and lakes with plenty of space to sit and enjoy lunch. While Katahdin is the big draw to the park, this hike would make for a great day as a standalone hike.
Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 9.28 miles
Elevation Gain | 2,648 feet
Overall Difficulty | Strenuous with Class 2 Scrambling
GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 45.894125, -69.048603
South Peak | 45.933236, -69.061475
North Peak | 45.936003, -69.061136
Kidney/Daicey Pond Section Map
Baxter State Park Map
Parking. Limited parking is available at the Kidney Pond Trailhead. Baxter State Park staff monitors capacity from the gate and will post as full when capacity is reached. Alternate paths are available to reach the peaks.
Trail navigation. The trail is well marked (blue blazes) and easily navigated. From the Kidney Pond Parking Lot, locate the Doubletop Trailhead nearest the road on which you drove in. Take the trail out through the woods, passing a pond along the route. Continue through the forest on relatively flat ground before beginning a steady climb near mile 2. The ascent is steady for two more miles before reaching a steep section where some class 2 scrambles are required to reach the top. Once out of the trees, take your pick to reach the south or north peak and enjoy the views. Cliffs are present, so take care near the edges. Retrace your steps back to the parking lot to return to your vehicle.
HIKER NOTE - Cabins at Kidney Pond. There are a number of cabins that can be reserved at Kidney Pond (must book well in advance). This is a gorgeous location, and a great spot to hike Sentinel, Oji, Coe, The Brothers, and the many ponds in this section of the park.
CAUTION - Class 2 Scramble. The scramble to the top is challenging in sections - particularly when wet. Take extra care to maintain at least three points of contact.
CAUTION - Cliffside. Take care not to get too close to the edges of cliffs at the summit. Careless steps can be costly here.
CAUTION - Be Bear Aware. Black bear are plentiful in the region. Know Before You Go => US Forest Service Black Bear Safety Tips
CAUTION - Moose. There were plenty of moose droppings lining the trail. Be aware and never approach moose. Leave a wide berth and turn back if needed.
Bork Signing In at Kidney Pond Doubletop Mountain Trailhead, Baxter State Park
Red Belly Crossing a Footbridge Above the Muck, Baxter State Park
Target Spotted, Doubletop Mountain from the Pond, Baxter State Park
One of Several Mushroom Species Trailside, Doubletop Mountain Trail, Baxter State Park
Stream Crossing, Doubletop Mountain Trail, Baxter State Park
Ponding on Doubletop Trail, Baxter State Park
Moose Scat on Doubletop Trail, Baxter State Park
Southwestern Views Near the Peak, Doubletop Mountain, Baxter State Park
In the Alpine Zone, Doubletop Mountain, Baxter State Park
Lunch Time on South Peak, Doubletop Mountain, Baxter State Park
Looking East to Katahdin at South Peak, Doubletop Mountain, Baxter State Park
North Peak and the Saddle, Doubletop Mountain, Baxter State Park
Oji, Coe, South Brother, North Brother, and Katahdin from North Peak, Doubletop Mountain, Baxter State Park