Experience the drama of a rocky shoreline and scenic vistas across Vineyard Sound to the Elizabeth Islands from the second-highest point on the island.

What makes Menemsha Hills Reservation a special place?
We think it’s the variety of habitats – and range of activities – to be enjoyed within this 211-acre preserve. Climb to the top of the second-highest point on the Vineyard. Enjoy a leisurely picnic. Take in some spectacular ocean views, then take fishing rod in hand for some surfcasting. (Or just get away from it all on a quiet woods trail.)

Wet, Dry, then Very Wet
The three miles of trails allow walkers to experience multiple mini-environments, including wetlands; woodland groves leading to a hilltop; open, wind-blasted coastal plain; and a rocky ocean edge. The low, marshy areas just beyond the parking areas support red maples and beech, while red, white, and black oaks mantle the slopes of Prospect Hill. Approaching the shore, dune grass and pitch pine predominate. Look for goldenrod and beach plum helping to anchor the dune cliffs above the beach, where rocks of every size dot the sand and line tide pools.

High and Mighty
At 308 feet in elevation, Prospect Hill is the second highest point on the Vineyard (at 311 feet, Peaked Hill, located just southeast, takes top honors.) Along the path, pass holly and high-bush blueberry, which thrive in the sandy, moist soils here. From the top of the aptly-named hill, the prospects are indeed delightful, a panorama extending from the Elizabeth Islands, past pretty Menemsha and the cliffs of Aquinnah, to Noman’s Island.

The Age of Ice
This reservation (and all of Martha’s Vineyard and the other islands and coastal areas of the Northeast), was crushed and scraped, carved and shaped, by thousands of years of glacial advance and retreat. The wetlands here exist partly as a result of their underpinnings of impervious clay, created when looser sand and gravel soils were compressed by millions of tons of ice.

Within the woods, there are still some sizeable boulders, called erratics, left behind by the retreating ice. (Many were hauled from their earthen beds to be used in breakwaters). Similarly, the uplands and bluffs overlooking Vineyard Sound were formed as the glacier creaked and rumbled across this corner of the North American continent.

Hike to one of the highest promontories on the island, then descend through woodlands and hardy seaside groundcover to coastal bluffs overlooking Vineyard Sound, where visitors can enjoy sublime with views of the Elizabeth Islands.

Bricks by the Brook
Although early Vineyard commerce generally revolved around fishing, seafaring and farming, heavier industry also played a part in the island’s history. Just beyond the northeast edge of this property, along Roaring Brook, stands the remnants of a brick chimney, all that remains of a 19th-century brickworks.

Trails
Moderate hiking along three miles of trails. The spur to top of Prospect Hill may require minor exertion.

When to Visit
Open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1½ hours.

Facilities
Seasonal portable toilets at parking lot.

Regulations & Advisories

No advisories at this time.

Directions

North Road
Chilmark, MA 02535
Martha's Vineyard
Telephone: 508.693.3678
Email: longpoint@ttor.org

Get directions on Google Maps.

From State Rd. in West Tisbury, turn right onto North Rd. west toward Chilmark and follow for 4.7 mi. Entrance and parking (20 cars) are just past Tabor House Rd. on right.

Admission

When to Visit
Open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1½ hours.

Fees
FREE to all.

Property History

Property Acquisition History
Original acreage a gift of Nathaniel L. and Catherine P. Harris in 1966 in memory of Nathaniel and Sarah A. Harris. Additional land given by Mrs. David J. Epstein in 1980, and by the Prospect Hill Association in 1988.

Programs

The Menemsha Hills 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. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Compass and Quest booklets are available at the property.

• Duration: 3 – 4 hours
• Days/Times: Daily, sunrise to sunset.
• Reservations: First come, first served.

Claire Saltonstall Education Program
The Claire Saltonstall Education Program offers activities for Martha's Vineyard school children throughout the year. For more information, contact Trustees Education and Interpretation Program Coordinator Sarah Trudel at strudel@ttor.org.

Volunteer Opportunities

Work Parties

Maps and Resources

Printed trail maps are distributed free from bulletin boards in parking areas. Please understand that supplies periodically run out. We recommend downloading a trail map before you visit. Some publications are also available for purchase at the Islands Regional Office, 860 State Road, Vineyard Haven (508.693.7662).

Please download our Martha's Vineyard Tour Brochure.

Planning Your Visit

Before You Go
We encourage you to visit as many Trustees properties as you can.

Wherever your travels take you, please observe all posted regulations, follow special instructions from property staff, and keep in mind the Stewardship Code:

• Protect wildlife and plants.
• Guard against all risk of fire.
• Help keep air and water clean.
• Carry out what you carry in.
• Use marked footpaths and bridle paths.
• Leave livestock, crops, and machinery alone.
• Respect the privacy of neighboring land.
• Enjoy and share the landscape with others.

Click on links below for further visitor information:

Before Setting Out

Enjoying Trustees Reservations

Safety

About Hunting on Trustees of Reservations Land

Tell Us What You Think

We’d love to hear about your visit. Click here to take our visitor survey. If you have a question for us about this reservation, you can use this form to send it to us, too.

Share your experiences with other visitors! Simply fill out the form below and we’ll post your comment here on this page.

Submitted by Dana on: August 31, 2009

My walks in Menemsha Hills were a highlight of my recent trip to MV.

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