Martha’s Vineyard, a beautiful island off the coast of Massachusetts, is known for its breathtaking scenic beauty and outdoor activities. If you’re an enthusiastic hiker, then this island paradise is a must-visit destination for you. The magnificent vistas, the diverse ecosystems, and well-maintained hiking trails make it an ideal place to explore. Here’s your ultimate guide to discovering the stunning hiking trails of Martha’s Vineyard.
1. Menemsha Hills
Menemsha Hills, located on Martha’s Vineyard’s western tip, is a popular hiking spot due to its stunning coastal vistas, serene ponds, and forests. The hiking trail starts at the parking lot and ends at the summit of Prospect Hill, descending through oak and cedar forests, leading to freshwater ponds, rocky cliffs, and stunning ocean views.
2. Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary
The Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary covers more than 200 acres of protected woodlands on Martha’s Vineyard’s north shore. This sanctuary offers a unique blend of forest, salt marsh, and ponds, attracting a wide range of birdlife, including herons, ospreys, and hawks. The sanctuary’s trail system ranges from easy to strenuous, with fantastic scenic beauty.
3. Long Point Wildlife Refuge
The Long Point Wildlife Refuge is a vast natural area on Martha’s Vineyard, encompassing over 600 acres of pristine beach and wetlands bordering the Atlantic Ocean, saltwater lagoons, dunes, and grasslands. The hiking trail here is relatively easy, offering stunning views of the beach, dunes, and ocean, and birdwatching opportunities in the seashore’s marshes and wetlands.
4. Waskosim’s Rock Reservation
Waskosim’s Rock Reservation, located in up-island Chilmark, is a vast woodland preserve with over 100 acres of lush forest and rocky outcroppings. The trail here is a moderately challenging hike, leading through oak and beech forest and passing over streams, ponds, and massive granite boulders, with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
5. Manuel F. Correllus State Forest
Manuel F. Correllus State Forest covers over 5,000 acres of upland plains, woodlands, and ponds in the heart of Martha’s Vineyard. This state forest has over 14 miles of trails that are open year-round, providing visitors with opportunities to bike, hike, and enjoy the nature surrounding them. The trail system here ranges from easy to strenuous, with hikes leading through woodlands, over hills, and passing by several ponds.
In conclusion, Martha’s Vineyard has some of the most beautiful hiking trails one can experience. From the coastal vistas of Menemsha Hills and Cedar Tree Neck sanctuary to the birdwatching opportunities of Long Point Wildlife Refuge, the beautiful granite boulders of Waskosim’s Rock Reservation to the lush woodlands of Manuel F. Correllus State Forest, there’s something for hikers of all levels. Whether you prefer an easy stroll or a challenging hike, Martha’s Vineyard’s hiking trails will offer you beautiful scenery and an unforgettable experience.
