Walking Trails on Martha's Vineyard
By Vera Thornton
Whether you’re a serious hiker or a casual stroller, you’ll definitely want to bring your sneakers and go for a trail walk while you’re on the Vineyard. The island is lucky to have several conservation organizations that have preserved acres and acres of open space with over 50 marked public trails, open to everyone all year-round. There’s a great pocket-size book called Walking Trails of Martha’s Vineyard by William Flender that’s a useful tool for walkers. Here are some of my favorites:
Edgartown
Sheriff’s Meadow Sanctuary
This is a 17-acre preserve that offers a short easy walk, and it’s practically in downtown Edgartown. It’s a grassy meadow with lovely vistas of Nantucket Sound and Eel Pond, where two swans can regularly be spotted. The large freshwater pond is Old Ice House Pond, with a variety of wildlife, including kingfishers, comorants, otters, and muskrats.
Directions: Take Main Street in Edgartown to Pease’s Point Way to Planting Field Way - it’s .2 miles on the right. Dogs are welcomed on leashes. A Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation property.
Caroline Tuthill Wildlife Preserve
A tranquil walk through pine woods and marshes beside Sengekontacket Pond. A couple of moderate hills, views of the pond, and a granite bench for resting about half way through the trail. This is a self-guided nature walk. The numbers in the brochure provided at the trailhead correspond to numbered markers along the trail. Dogs are welcomed on leashes.
Directions: From downtown Edgartown, travel 0.5 miles on the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road. Parking area on the side of the road. A Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation property.
Chilmark
Waskosim’s Rock
The rock is a huge boulder created by glacier movement eons ago, with a fissure down the middle created by a lightning bolt. People say the rock looks like a breaching whale, see what you think. It sits on one of the highest peaks on the island, where you have a dramatic view of Vineyard Sound. This 185 acre property was set to be developed into a multitude of houses when it was acquired by the M.V. Land Bank in 1990. Instead, it’s a vast area of unspoiled rolling hills and valleys. What a conservation success story!
Directions: To get there from down-island follow North Road past the West Tisbury-Chilmark town line. It’s on the left before the intersection with Tea Lane. A Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank property.
Great Rock Bight
Another big rock! But do you know what a “bight” is? It’s another word for “bay,” and that’s where this boulder sits. A short, steep trail through difficult terrain leads down to a gorgeous 1300 foot stretch of sandy beach on Vineyard Sound with views of the Aquinnah cliffs. Hiking and swimming at the same place – what could be better? There is also a handicapped-accessible, wide and shady level walking trail through tall trees and grassy fields, and restroom facilities. Note that in the summer pets are not allowed on the beach between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Directions: Travel 3.8 miles on North Road after its intersection with State Road in West Tisbury; turn right at land bank logo and follow signs to trailhead. It’s easy to miss this one if you’re not looking, as the sign is very low to the ground. Parking and access are limited – in the summer go early or you may be turned away. A Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank property.
Menemsha Hills
This is my all-time favorite, not because it offers so many beautiful vistas and is a little challenging, but because it’s LONG! It takes a minimum of an hour if you’re pushing, closer to two is not unusual. There are two intersecting trail loops through woods and wetlands, up a hill to one of the highest points on the Vineyard, and down a steep sandy path to a rocky beach. There is a wooden observation deck with a bench for a little sit-down. The views are staggering: you can see both the north and south coasts, the village of Menemsha, the Elizabeth Islands, and the Aquinnah Lighthouse. In season there are free printed trail maps and an independent, self-guided tour. In season a toilet is also provided. Dogs are not allowed on this walk.
Directions: Travel about 7 miles on North Road from its intersection with State Road in West Tisbury. Entrance is just past Tabor House Lane on the right. The sign is a small green and white one that hangs a little higher than eye level. A Trustees of Reservations property.
For more information about Martha’s Vineyard conservation organizations, visit the following addresses:
The Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation
www.sheriffsmeadow.org
(508) 693-5207
Martha's Vineyard Land Bank Commission
http://www.mvlandbank.com
(509) 627-7141
The Trustees of Reservations
www.thetrustees.org
(781) 784-0567
Photo Credits: Courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations
Labels: Activities, Hiking and Walking Trails, Martha's Vineyard, Recreation
posted by Martha's Vineyard @ 11:17 AM
