About Norton Point Beach |
254 acres |
What makes Norton Point Beach a special place?
This 2.5-mile-long strip of sand and dunes served as a vital link between Martha's Vineyard and the island of Chappaquiddick until 2007, when a major ocean storm caused a breach in the barrier beach. But this ever-changing environment still provides an important habitat for nesting shorebirds, and a sporting challenge for the fishermen who surfcast from this popular site.
This beach provides summer recreational opportunities for shellfishing, swimming, bird watching, and picnicking. In the autumn, the extensive sandflats are used by migrating shorebirds for feeding and resting. During the winter, the beach and adjacent waters are often frequented by winter bird residents such as snowy owls, mergansers, and bufflehead ducks.
Trails
Due to recent beach erosion, there is only 1.8 miles of oversand-vehicle trails. There are 4.5 miles of walking trails and sandy roads in the upland area.
Facilities
The western end of Norton Point Beach abuts the state-owned bathing beach, South Beach, which has lifeguards and seasonal restrooms and changing areas. The eastern side of Norton Point Beach abuts Wasque Reservation, owned by The Trustees of Reservations, which is also connected to Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge.
When to Visit
Year-round, daily, 24 hrs. Over-sand vehicle access is subject to occasional closures due to erosion or storm damage, or to protect rare nesting shorebirds.
Regulations & Advisories
Norton Point Beach no longer connects Edgartown/Martha’s Vineyard and Chappaquiddick. The ocean caused a breach in this barrier beach in April of 2007. It is not known when it will fill in. Trails permit access from both ends, but they no longer meet in the middle.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
Directions
Telephone: 508.627.7689
E-mail: capepoge@ttor.org
Get directions on Google Maps.
From Edgartown follow Katama Road south out of town all the way down to the Atlantic Ocean; the Oversand-Vehicle (OSV) entrance and gatehouse will be on the left.
Admission
When to Visit
Year-round, daily, 24 hrs. Oversand vehicle access is subject to occasional closures due to erosion or storm damage, or to protect rare nesting shorebirds.
Admission Fees & Permits:
Free for pedestrians. Unsuitable for bikes due to deep sand.
Oversand vehicle (OSV) permit fees: Annual permits are $100 if vehicle is not registered on Martha's Vineyard; $60 if vehicle is registered on Martha's Vineyard. Permit is valid Apr. 1 to Mar. 31.
Daily OSV passes are available at the gatehouse only; $30 if vehicle is not registered on Martha's Vineyard; $20 if vehicle is registered on Martha's Vineyard.
OSV permits are available at the gatehouse entrance to the property at Katama, at the Cape Poge and Wasque gatehouses, at The Trustees’ Islands Regional Office at 860 State Road in Vineyard Haven, at Coop’s Bait & Tackle in Edgartown, and from the County Treasurer’s Office (508-696.3845) at the County Administration Building in Edgartown.
Property History
Property Management
Norton Point Beach is owned by the County of Dukes County and is managed by The Trustees of Reservations.
Programs
Claire Saltonstall Education Program (CESP)
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.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are no volunteer positions at this reservation at this time; please check again later or click here to find other opportunities near you.
Work Parties
There are no work parties at this reservation at this time; please check again later or click here to find other work parties near you.
Maps and Resources
Printed trail maps are distributed free from the bulletin board in the parking area. Please understand that supplies periodically run out.
Some publications are also available for purchase at the Islands Regional Office at 508.693.7662.
Additional resources:
- Martha's Vineyard Tour Brochure (PDF)
- Flora Guide (PDF)
- Oversand Vehicle Driving Guide (PDF)
- History of Land Use on Cape Poge and Wasque (PDF)
- Burn Brochure: How The Trustees Use Controlled Burns on Martha's Vineyard (PDF)
Planning Your Visit
Before You Visit
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:
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.
Announcements & Alerts
Norton Point Beach no longer connects Edgartown/Martha’s Vineyard and Chappaquiddick. Trails permit access from both ends, but they no longer meet in the middle.
Upcoming Things To Do
Other Trustees Properties You Might Like:
Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge
Chappaquiddick Island, Martha's Vineyard
Wasque Reservation
Chappaquiddick Island, MA
Mytoi Gardens
Chappaquiddick Island, MA
