As you’re driving from Portland to Rockland or Camden, Maine, you’re going to have lots of opportunities to make fun little stops along the way. The Doubling Point Lighthouse is not too far off Highway 1 after you go through Bath. This is a beautiful little lighthouse on the Kennebec River and doesn’t take long to make a stop at. While it might not be as famous or iconic as other well-known Maine lighthouses, the Doubling Point Light is special and makes for a fun diversion on your drive.
DOUBLING POINT LIGHTHOUSE IS CLOSED UNTIL 2026 for walkway reconstruction.
Have you been here to Doubling Point before? My favorite time to visit is during the winter when there is ice moving along the Kennebec River, but it’s just as beautiful in the summertime. We’ve got the full scoop on what you can expect visiting the Doubling Point Lighthouse, as well as tips for finding other fun things to do in the Bath area. And did you know the Squirrel Point Lighthouse is nearby too? So much to do and see! If you have any questions about exploring this area, please leave a comment or send us a note. We are always happy to share more and help you plan a wonderful visit to Maine.
Highlights of Visiting Doubling Point Lighthouse
What I most enjoy about the Doubling Point Lighthouse is its unique setting and overall vibe. Located on the Kennebec River, not out on an island or remote point, it’s easily accessible and is just a beautiful example of lighthouse history. The drive to this part of Arrowsic is easy, even with the last stretch being on a dirt road. It’s pretty and when you arrive you can see how special it is.
Normally, the Doubling Point Lighthouse is open for Maine Open Lighthouse Day and then the rest of the year just the exterior, meaning the boardwalk and decking, is open to the public. The walkway out to the light collapsed during visitation on Maine Lighthouse Day in 2023 and 11 people were injured, and the boardwalk closed to the public then. With fundraising efforts over two years, the Friends of Doubling Point were able to raise the funds to completely restore and rebuild the boardwalk out to the light station. Construction began in September 2025 and then 2026 should see the lighthouse reopened for public enjoyment.
Something I really loved about our visits here are how cool it is to be on the Kennebec River in the winter. Walking through a snowy field and then out onto the icy river is just such a unique thing to do and it’s an unusual lighthouse experience. Standing out at the Doubling Point Lighthouse and watching the ice flow back and sometime gently crash into the base below you is just fun and beautiful.
Tips for Visiting the Doubling Point Lighthouse
When you visit the Doubling Point Lighthouse, you’ll notice that its construction is very similar to the Marshall Point Lighthouse (the Forrest Gump lighthouse). It’s not very tall and it’s located at the end of a boardwalk. This makes it a fun and interesting visit. Enjoy the short walk out to the light station and before you get too close, line up the photos you want to capture. The long walk out onto the Kennebec River gives a perspective you don’t often get with lighthouses, and if you’re a photography geet you’ll love the angles and how the light changes the setting.
When the grounds around the Doubling Point Lighthouse are fully open, this is a great place to have a picnic. I’m all about picnicking and lighthouses, so this is one of my top picks for it. In general on a sunny day it’s dry and peaceful, but if it’s been raining or if it’s mud season, this is NOT a great picnic spot (sorry). Besides photography and picnicking there isn’t a ton to do here, so this can be a short visit added to a little day trip to Georgetown and Five Islands for bird watching and such, or it’s a fun side trip while you’re driving Highway 1 up through MidCoast Maine.
Being Prepared for a Day at Doubling Point
If you’re visiting the Doubling Point Lighthouse in the summer, bring your camera and picnic supplies. There is a nice area to hang out on land near the lighthouse walkway, but then the area around the park space is private property, so it’s not a place to go exploring. If you’re visiting in the winter, dress extra warmly because the wind can pick up off the Kennebec River and it gets cold, hence the ice flowing in the river. During the winter months it doesn’t get too muddy, but once the thaw starts and the spring rains begin, expect the walk from the parking area to the Doubling Point Lighthouse to be a little muddy.
Parking at Doubling Point Lighthouse
The drive to the Doubling Point Lighthouse is a bit windy and the road does switch to unpaved before you arrive. Once here, there are designated parking areas, and there’s usually plenty of it (except on Maine Open Lighthouse Day). Be respectful of the local residents who live both in the neighborhood and here at Doubling Point.
Doubling Point Light Operating Information
To complete your planning, here is all the information for your visit.
- Operating Dates/Season: CURRENTLY CLOSED (construction), generally open for visiting year round from sunrise to sunset; tower opens on Maine Open Lighthouse Day in September
- Driving address: 140 Doubling Point Rd, Arrowsic, ME 04530
Things to Do in MidCoast Maine
There are plenty of things to do in Rockland, Camden, near the Samoset Resort, or wherever you’re staying in MidCoast Maine. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, arts and culture experiences, or family-friendly maritime stuff, there are tons of great options for things to do. Here are ten interesting things to do in the area:
- Camden Hills State Park – Located just a short drive from the Samoset Resort, the Camden Hills State Park offers miles of hiking trails, breathtaking views of Penobscot Bay, and opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting.
- Take a Sail on a Schooner – Camden is known as the “sailing capital of the world,” and for good reason. Several schooner companies offer scenic sails out of Camden Harbor, giving visitors the chance to experience the beauty of Penobscot Bay from the water.
- Explore the Farnsworth Art Museum – Located in nearby Rockland, the Farnsworth Art Museum is home to an impressive collection of American art, including works by Andrew Wyeth, Winslow Homer, and Georgia O’Keeffe.
- Visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum – Located in Rockland, the Maine Lighthouse Museum is dedicated to the history of lighthouses and their keepers in Maine. The museum features exhibits, artifacts, and even a working Fresnel lens.
- Go Whale or Puffin Watching – Going out of Camden or Port Clyde, several companies offer whale watching tours, giving visitors the chance to see humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as dolphins and porpoises, in their natural habitat. I love Monhegan Boat Line from Port Clyde.
- Visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens – Located about 45 minutes from the Samoset Resort, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens features over 300 acres of gardens, woodland trails, and waterfalls. The gardens are open year-round and offer special events and activities throughout the year.
- Visit a Lighthouse – There are so many lighthouses in Maine, and you’re spoiled for choice here in MidCoast Maine. From the Rockland Breakwater Light to Marshal Point, Pemequid or the Squirrel Point Light, you can visit so many different, truly unique lighthouses.
- Visit the Owls Head Transportation Museum – Located just a few miles from the Samoset Resort, the Owls Head Transportation Museum is home to an impressive collection of antique cars, planes, motorcycles, and other vehicles. The museum also hosts several special events throughout the year.
Where to Stay in MidCoast Maine
Of course we love getting to stay places like the Samoset Resort or 250 Main Hotel, but there are lots more options. Depending on how far out you are able to book your visit to MidCoast Maine you may become limited in finding both the right type of accommodations AND something within your budget. Here are some good picks for places to consider in the Rockland / general MidCoast area:
- The Ledges
- 250 Main Hotel
- Craignair Inn by the Sea
- Rockland Harbor Hotel
- Drift Oceanside Inn
- Strawberry Hill Seaside Inn
- Camden Harbor Inn
- Camden Maine Stay Inn
Each of these recommendations is good for couples or families. Inquire with each if you’re traveling with a pet or have specific hotel needs. Below you’ll find a map with additional options for finding a stay in MidCoast Maine.
Here are some of our recommendations:
I hope you’ll consider making the short drive to the Doubling Point Lighthouse. Visiting this part of Maine is really special in any season. If you have any additional questions or need some recommendations for something else, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re happy to share more and help YOU have a wonderful trip as you explore Maine!
