Martha’s Vineyard

Hiking
Menemsha Hills Reservation

PROTECTING THE SEASHORE

One of the prime attractions for visitors to the Cape is the Cape Cod National Seashore. With more than 43,500 acres of dunes, ponds, and forest, in addition to its 40 miles of shoreline, it offers some of the most striking natural beauty in New England. That beauty was recently in danger of being disrupted. Although the U.S. government owns most of the land within the boundaries of the Cape Cod National Seashore, some areas are privately owned. The largest such parcel is the 57-acre North of Highland Camping Area, a family-run, private campground in Truro. After running the campground for more than 50 years, the family decided to look for another owner five years ago. Although the property would have significant value on the real estate market, the family wanted to sell it to the National Seashore, rather than a private developer. The Trust for Public Land, with support from AMC and others, advocated for funding from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)—which provides money to protect and acquire public lands—to purchase the campground. In 2007 and 2008, the LWCF received $4 million of the roughly $5.75 million that the National Park Service would need to purchase the land. The final $1.75 million was authorized by Congress in March; the deal is expected to be completed this spring. “This property is a key to protecting the ecology and recreational opportunities of the area,” said Mike Gildesgame, AMC’s Southern New England policy manager. “We are thrilled that the president and Congress have provided the funds to complete the acquisition.”

With four different ecosystems, including a mile of rocky coastline, this reservation offers much to see. But because swimming is not permitted on its beach, fewer people visit Menemsha Hills than other areas on the Vineyard.
Unlike most hiking destinations on the essentially flat Martha’s Vineyard, this property provides an opportunity for a mild workout because it includes a climb to the top of the 313-foot Prospect Hill, the highest peak on the island. Once you reach the top, you will be treated to beautiful views.

“From the top of the bank you can probably see from Wood’s Hole to Cuttyhunk,” says John D. Best, a resident of Martha’s Vineyard and a member of AMC’s Southeastern Massachusetts Chapter. “You can see all the Elizabeth Islands and get a view of Vineyard Sound. It’s quite a panoramic view.”

Farther along the route, you see a variety of vegetation, including maple-leaf viburnum, bearberry, yarrow, and tupelo trees. Eventually, you reach the beach, where you find a panorama and more views of the Elizabeth Islands. On a clear day, you can see the Gay Head Lighthouse to the left.

Fun fact: Prospect Hill marks the farthest reach of the last glacier that moved southward from the Hudson Bay area about 15,000 years ago.

Rating and Distance: Moderate, 3.5 miles

Directions: The reservation is located on the north side of North Road, 1 mile east of Menemsha Village and 4.7 miles west of the intersection with State Road in North Tisbury.

Biking
Pennywise Preserve and Dr. Fisher Road

The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank recently opened this property to the public, which allows for an exploration of a 118-acre woodland in the interior of the eastern end of the island. The trip takes you through a frost bottom, a sandy area created by glacial melting.
   
When the last ice sheet began to melt and recede 15,000 years ago, it dropped millions of tons of sand it had picked up as it slowly progressed southward. Much of the Vineyard was formed from runoff of this sandy residue.
   
The glacier carved away this lower elevation, which can be either considerably hotter or colder than the surrounding terrain. As a result, it experiences earlier frosts than the higher ground. Only certain species can live in a climate with temperature drops that destroy early spring growth. The scrub oak, which you can see on this ride, thrives in these conditions.
   
This ride also takes you on Dr. Fisher Road, a road constructed in the mid-1800s by Dr. Daniel Fisher, a wealthy Edgartown resident, to carry grain from his gristmill in West Tisbury to his home.

Fun fact: The town of Edgartown was named after the son of the late 17th-century British king, James II. Edgar died in 1671, the year the town was incorporated.

Rating and Distance: Easy, 7 miles

Directions: Heading toward Edgartown on Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, proceed 2.5 miles from the blinker/stop sign intersection with Barnes Road and turn right onto 18th Street. Proceed 0.25 miles to the preserve.

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