The Doubleheads | 6/27/25

It's admittedly challenging to write a blog post when everything goes completely according to plan, but future me would be upset if I scratched up my records!

Every year, my friends and I spend a weekend in Madison, where I get to pick a hike. In the past, we'd done Roberts & Mountain Pond, but this year I wanted to do something a little zestier. So, since I've finally decided to put effort into my 52 With a View, Diane, her brother Kevin, and I headed out for the Doubleheads on a sunny Sunday.

I was thankful to have paid attention to the elevation when choosing the orientation of our loop, and it took us up New Path and down Old Path. Starting from the parking lot, at the base of the Doublehead Ski Trail, we had to make a brief uphill road walk to the start of New Path. While starting flat, the trail immediately began to gain 0.6 from the parking lot and didn't stop until the very top. Though the trail was enjoyable for an ascent, the loose rocks and erosion along the corridor would have been a pain on the descent. Many spots felt like they needed rock steps to keep the trail in place, so I found some comfort in the fact that this is a less popular route up the Doubleheads.

Diane ascending New Path

As we came to the top of New Path's relentless steepness, we were immediately greeted with a flattening over the ridge and a trail sign. As we proceeded to South Doublehead, I was blown away by what I could see. Directly ahead, I picked out North Moat's Red Ridge, Cathedral, and White Horse Ledges, and of course, Attitash. Before we headed North, I also wanted to make a trip to the other viewpoint, and I am so glad we did! As I peered east, undercast atop Mountain Pond was a wonder. While I recalled pointing out the Doubleheads to the group last year, getting to look back down on the same pond was even cooler!

Looking over to Conway & Jackson

Mountain Pond just ahead, Eastman & the Baldfaces at looker's left out of frame

South Doublehead easily won best views of the day, but the ledge on the way to the mostly viewless North peak was worth checking out as well. Though the cabin was locked when we arrived, the privy had been well used, as the downwind smell of it was rather notable. We stopped upwind of that for a quick snack, then hiked down Old Path.

Doublehead Cabin

Old Path had been recently cared for, evident by the cut trees, and had a mostly decent footpath. Old Path soon turns into the Doublehead Ski Trail, which is less enjoyable in the summer but plenty wide and has me very excited to return this winter!

The Doubleheads were, without a doubt, one of my quicker hikes of late, but we got a lot of bang for our buck! I probably wouldn't do New Path again, but I'm looking forward to returning to these lovely peaks.

Stats:

4.25 miles

1,643 gain