                
 | Property Description | 516 acres | Established 1959 | Chappaquiddick Island's eastern edge is a barrier beach formed thousands of years ago by offshore currents that deposited tons of sand. Today this beach extends for seven miles from Wasque Point past the Cape Poge Lighthouse to the Gut. Tidal waters support extensive salt marshes, especially around Poucha Pond. The Cedars is a grove of century-old, low-growing eastern red cedars sculpted by salt spray and wind. Cape Poge Elbow is home to a gull rookery and nests of piping plovers, least terns, and oyster catchers. West of the dunes lies Cape Poge Bay, where calm, clear waters serve as a nursery for finfish and shellfish. Powerful currents push through the Gut, flushing Cape Poge Bay with oxygen-rich water and attracting striped bass, bluefish, bonito, and albacore. During the early 1800s, the waters around Martha's Vineyard were among the busiest in the world. Cape Poge Lighthouse was built in 1801 to guide ships around the point. The years since 1801 have seen two reconstructions. The present white wooden structure was built in 1893; it is sixty-five feet above sea level and has a six-second flashing white light, which is visible for nine miles. Seasonal tours allow visitors to explore Cape Poge's lighthouse, diverse upland and marine habitats, and world-renowned fishing spots. Annual over-sand vehicle permits are available for qualified vehicles, providing access to 14 miles of dune roads.
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Trails | | 14 miles of over-sand vehicle and walking trails, plus beach front. Moderate hiking. |
| | Facilities | Picnic tables, bike rack, restrooms (May 30 to Oct 30) provided. Fresh water is available by hand pump from nearby at Wasque and Mytoi parking areas. Private functions at the Cape Poge Lighthouse may be arranged; e-mail or call 508/627-7689 for more information. |
| | Tours | The Trustees of Reservations offers a selection of guided and self-guided tours that help adults and children alike explore the natural wonders of Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge as well as the historic Cape Poge Lighthouse. All guided tours are led by expert naturalists. All proceeds support ongoing conservation work at Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, including conducting wildlife research, protecting endangered species and their habitats, and restoring sandplain grasslands and heathlands. Note: Membership in The Trustees of Reservations is not transferable; therefore, member cards may not be used by nonmembers to quality for member discounts on tours. Tour participants may purchase an introductory membership in The Trustees of Reservations at half-price at both the Individual and Family levels in order to participate in the Fishing Tour or Poucha Pond Self-Guided Discovery Tour (details below). Natural History Tour
Travel by over-sand vehicle across the remote sands of Chappaquiddick to Cape Poge Lighthouse and beyond. Learn about barrier beach ecology, wildlife, and property history. Lighthouse Tour
Travel by over-sand vehicle to the historic and remote Cape Poge Lighthouse. Learn about the fascinating history of the lighthouse and the keepers and their families who lived there. - Duration: 1.5 hours
- Departure Point: Mytoi parking area.
(Transportation from the Chappy side of the Edgartown Ferry is available.)
- Days/Times: Memorial Day to Columbus Day weekend, 9am, 12pm, and 2pm.
- Limit: 12 per tour (including children)
- Reservations: Recommended. Call 508/627-3599. Messages returned.
- Tickets: Trustees members: adult $15, child (15 & under) $10; nonmembers: adult $25, child (15 & under) $12.
Wildlife Kayak or Canoe Tour
Paddle by canoe or kayak with a naturalist guide through Poucha Pond and Cape Poge Bay. View the great expanse of salt marsh and tranquil tidewaters. See ducks, ospreys, cormorants, and perhaps a great blue heron. - Duration: 2.5 hours
- Departure Point: Mytoi parking area.
(Transportation from the Chappy side of the Edgartown Ferry is available.)
- Days/Times: Memorial Day to Columbus Day weekend, 9am and 2pm.
- Limit: 12 per tour (including children)
- Reservations: Recommended. Call 508/627-3599. Messages returned.
- Tickets: Trustees members: adult $30, child (15 & under) $15; nonmembers: adult $40, child (15 & under) $18.
Fishing Discovery Tour
Travel by over-sand vehicle to the legendary fishing beaches at Wasque Point and Cape Poge. Learn how to surf fish and read the waters with a skilled fishing guide. Study the life history of our bountiful marine resources and identify fish that inhabit these waters. All equipment is included. - Duration: 4 hours
- Departure Point: Mytoi parking area.
(Transportation from the Chappy side of the Edgartown Ferry is available.)
- Days/Times: Memorial Day to Columbus Day weekend, 8:30am and 1:30pm.
- Limit: 8 per tour (including children)
- Reservations: Recommended. Call 508/627-3599. Messages returned. Pre-arranged group tours available for 4 or 8 hours.
- Tickets: Trustees members only: adult $60, children (15 & under) $25. Special membership offer available.
Poucha Pond Self-Guided Discovery Tour
Paddle on your own by canoe or kayak through Poucha Pond. Follow a self-guided map that highlights points of interest in the area including osprey, beautiful salt marshes, grasslands restoration project at Wasque, and much more. For Trustees of Reservations members only. - Duration: 4 or 8 hours
- Departure Point: Dike Bridge
- Days/Times: Memorial Day through Columbus Day, daily, 9am to 5pm.
- Reservations: First come, first served. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Rental: $35 per canoe or kayak for 8 hours, $25 per canoe or kayak for 4 hours.
Cape Poge Quest
A quest is an educational treasure hunt and outdoor experience that involves answering questions, using map skills, and deciphering clues that will lead to a hidden "treasure" box. This is an independent, self-guided adventure. 4-wheel drive vehicle and current OSV permit are required. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Compass and Quest booklets are available at the property. - Duration: 2-3 hours
- Days/Times: June through November, daily, 9am to 5pm.
- Reservations: First come, first served.
Note: For all tours, please arrive on time! Carpool or bicycle to Mytoi departure point to avoid long delays at the Edgartown-Chappaquiddick ferry. Tours are weather dependent. Appropriate clothing recommended. Bring binoculars, camera, film, refreshments, sun block, sun glasses, and insect repellent. |
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| | Literature | Printed trail maps are distributed free from the gatehouse and patrolling rangers. Please understand that supplies periodically run out. You may also download trail maps from this web site or mail order trail maps in advance of your visit. Some publications are also available for purchase at the Islands Regional Office at 508/693-7662. |
| | Claire Saltonstall Education Program (CSEP) | | Educational programs for Martha's Vineyard school children are offered throughout the year. For more information, contact the Education and Interpretation Program Coordinator Sarah Trudel at strudel@ttor.org. |
| | Merchandise |  T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, and other merchandise can be purchased at the Cape Poge and Wasque gatehouses May 30 to October 15.
All proceeds support ongoing conservation work at Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, including conducting wildlife research, protecting endangered species and their habitats, and restoring sandplain grasslands and heathlands. |
| | Hunting Advisory | Seasonal hunting (waterfowl only) is permitted at this property subject to all state and town laws. In addition, a Trustees of Reservations permit is required. Click here for further information. |
| | Property Acquisition History | | Original acreage a gift, with endowment, of Charles S. Bird and Oliver D. Filley in 1959. Additional land purchased in 1972, 1975, 1977, and 1995; and in 1970, 1971, and 1976 with funds given by Mrs. Seth Wakeman. Additional land given by Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Parmenter in 1964; Doris H. Chouinard in 1965; Dr. and Mrs. Edward B. Self in 1978 and 1984; Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Murray in 1983; and Philip B. Norton in 1986. Additional lands purchased in 1995 from Donald Greenstein. |
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Telephone:
508-627-7689 E-mail:
islands@ttor.org When to Visit:
Open year-round, daily, 24 hrs. Gatehouse open May 30 - Oct. 15, daily, 9am to 5pm. Allow a minimum of 2 hours on foot, longer if in over-sand vehicle or also visiting Wasque or Mytoi. Admission Fees & Permits:
May 30 to Oct. 15: Trustees members free. Nonmembers: adult $3, child (15 & under) free. Free to pedestrians at other times of the year. Over-sand vehicle permit fees:$180 PLEASE NOTE: One Trustees of Reservations complimentary Family-Level membership is included with your Oversand Vehicle Permit purchase. Permit is valid Apr. 1 to Mar. 31 and can be purchased from patrolling ranger or gatehouse attendant May 30 to Oct. 15, daily, 9am-5pm. Membership in The Trustees of Reservations is not transferable; member cards may not be used by nonmembers. Regulations / Advisories:
Oversand vehicle access is subject to occasional closures (June/July) to protect rare nesting shorebirds.Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.Seasonal hunting (waterfowl only) is permitted. See details below left.Membership in The Trustees of Reservations is not transferable; member cards may not be used by nonmembers to quality for member discounts on admission and tour fees. How to Get There:
From Edgartown-Chappaquiddick ferry, take Chappaquiddick Road 2.5 mi. At sharp right curve, continue straight on Dike Road (dirt road) 0.5 mi. to Dike Bridge. Continue over Dike Bridge to Cape Poge gatehouse and entrance. Note: there is no longer over-sand vehicle access to Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge via Wasque due to severe beach erosion at Wasque Point. Free town parking lot (20 cars) located on town-side of Dike Bridge. Additional parking (15 cars) is located at Mytoi on the left side of Dike Road 0.2 mi. before Dike Bridge. Limited handicapped-accessible transportation; call 508/627-3599 for details. Tour participants may utilize a complimentary shuttle service that runs all day, with pickup 15 minutes before tour time at the Edgartown-Chappaquiddick ferry landing on the Chappaquiddick side. Road Map:
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