Menemsha Hills Reservation
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Menemsha Hills Reservation

4.8
·97 reviews·Chilmark, United States

Explore diverse trails leading to a secluded beach and stunning hilltop views at Menemsha Hills Reservation.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
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Menemsha Hills Reservation

Menemsha Hills Reservation

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore diverse trails leading to a secluded beach and stunning hilltop views at Menemsha Hills Reservation.

4.8
(97 reviews)

"A beautiful hike with a quiet beach reward, perfect for a peaceful island escape."

Vertical photo
TIP

🛡️ Tick Protection is Crucial

Always use insect repellent and do thorough tick checks after your hike.

📍 Find the Right Entrance

Look for the Trustees sign; Google Maps can be unreliable.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Prospect Hill Summit

Prospect Hill Summit

Prospect Hill

Panoramic views of the island, even on a gray day. Worth the extra distance for stunning vistas.

Instagram
Secluded Rocky Beach

Secluded Rocky Beach

Beach access via trails

A peaceful, quiet beach perfect for unwinding after a hike. Rocky shores offer a unique coastal experience.

TikTok
Storywalk Trail

Storywalk Trail

Harris Loop

An engaging trail for all ages, featuring a storybook along the path. Fun for families and nature lovers.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Tick Awareness is Key

Be prepared for ticks, especially on overgrown trails. Bring insect repellent and check yourself regularly. While the beach is generally tick-free, wooded paths require caution. Reddit

Navigating to the Entrance

Finding the main entrance can be tricky; look for the Trustees sign off the main road. Google Maps might lead you astray. Parking can fill up, so arrive early or be patient. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Beautiful foliage, fewer bugs
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Get to know Chilmark, MA🦞 a town full of delicious seafood, rolling meadows, and local farms on Martha’s Vineyard. 🦪🐚💐🌳 Chilmark is considered “up-island” and it’s often overlooked by tourists because it takes longer to reach. But you can’t get the true Martha’s Vineyard experience without exploring this side of the island. Just driving through the hills and horse farms in this town is an experie...
@baggagegirls
813 likes • 16.4K views

🛡️ Tick Protection is Crucial

Always use insect repellent and do thorough tick checks after your hike. Reddit+1

📍 Find the Right Entrance

Look for the Trustees sign; Google Maps can be unreliable. Reddit

Larsen’s Fish Market - Chilmark, Martha’s Vineyard, MA #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #Foodie #Summer #massachusettstiktok #massachusettscheck #massachusetts #bostontiktok #bostonfood #boston #food #foodreview #foodiesoftiktok #foodies #FoodTok #foodtiktok #marthasvineyard #capecod #capecodmassachusetts #cape #lobster #lobsterroll #devitofoodreviews
@devitofoodreviews
743 likes • 21.5K views
started our day with a hike that led us to the most beautiful rocky beach ☀️ . . . #marthasvineyard #beachhike #menemshahills #mvlife #islandthings #newenglandcoast #capecod #uphillbothways #menemsha #mvlife #nyblogger #newenglandblogger
simplyshelbystyle
139 likes • 0 views

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Trails can be overgrown and uneven, especially near the coast. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Multiple Trails

Hike the Brickyard Trail for a varied experience and beach access. Instagram

This just in - NEW Storywalk at Menemsha Hills Reservation! On your next leisurely stroll or determined hike, check out Mole Catches the Sky by Ellen Tarlow – in English and Portuguese - along the Harris Loop.   It takes a village! And how lucky we @thetrusteesmv are for our stellar collaborators and volunteers! The @mvrhs_ Navigator Program selected and laminated this first book as part of our C...
thetrusteesmv
82 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🛡️ Tick Protection is Crucial

Always use insect repellent and do thorough tick checks after your hike. Reddit+1

📍 Find the Right Entrance

Look for the Trustees sign; Google Maps can be unreliable. Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Trails can be overgrown and uneven, especially near the coast. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Multiple Trails

Hike the Brickyard Trail for a varied experience and beach access. Instagram

📸 Capture the Views

The summit offers breathtaking scenery perfect for photos. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(97 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Menemsha Hills Reservation for its beautiful views, peaceful beach access, and engaging Storywalk trail, making it a great spot for families and hikers. Some note that trails can be overgrown and caution is needed for ticks, while finding the entrance and parking can sometimes be a challenge.

"Great hiking spot for a breezy, overcast day (no bugs!). The path is pretty overgrown near the sea, so be prepared to step around lots of ankle-height plants. The beach was nice and quiet when we got down there though, and the trails higher up were wide and open for easily passing other hikers.

We almost passed the parking though - don’t let Google take you up the back way, or hand written signs will yell at you that no hills access is available 😂 look carefully for the Trustees sign off the main road if you come from the north! It was tough to find a parking spot mid-week, but we found one just as someone was leaving. There was also a clean port-a-potty available in the parking lot."

Randi Wilson

"We really enjoyed the beautiful Fall day and the trails here. We hiked almost 3.5 miles.

Gorgeous views.

Enjoyed geocaching here."

T S

"Really good hike, kid friendly. Plenty of signs and part of the hike has a story along the way. The second outlook was worth the extra distance with kids."

Caroline Leahy

What People Like

Gorgeous views from Prospect Hill
Peaceful, secluded beach
Kid-friendly Storywalk trail

What People Dislike

Overgrown trails
Tick concerns
Tricky entrance navigation

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The reservation is located on Martha's Vineyard. Access is typically via car. Be sure to look for the official Trustees sign off the main road, as GPS can sometimes be misleading. Parking is available on-site. Reddit

While Martha's Vineyard has a bus system, direct public transport to Menemsha Hills Reservation might be limited. It's best to check local bus schedules or consider ride-sharing services if you're not driving. TikTok

There is a parking lot available at the reservation. It can get busy, especially on weekends and during peak season, so arriving early is recommended. A clean port-a-potty is usually available in the lot. Reddit

While Google Maps can provide directions, some visitors have reported it leading them to incorrect entrances. It's crucial to look for the physical Trustees sign to ensure you're entering the correct access point. Reddit

Absolutely! Menemsha Hills Reservation is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering hiking, beach access, and beautiful views. You can easily spend several hours exploring the trails. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Menemsha Hills Reservation is managed by The Trustees, and while many of their properties are free to visit, some may have parking fees or require membership for certain amenities. It's always best to check The Trustees' official website for the most current information on fees and access. Instagram

As an open reservation, Menemsha Hills is generally accessible from dawn to dusk. However, specific trail conditions or seasonal closures might affect access, so checking The Trustees' website is advisable. Instagram

Typically, no advance booking is required for general access to Menemsha Hills Reservation. It's an open natural space. However, if you plan on attending any special events or guided programs, booking might be necessary. Instagram

General access is usually permitted, but always be mindful of posted signs regarding trail closures, conservation efforts, or specific rules for pets. Respecting the natural environment is key. Instagram

The Trustees' official website is the best resource for up-to-date information on trail conditions, any temporary closures, or advisories for Menemsha Hills Reservation. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Menemsha Hills offers a variety of trails, from wide, open paths on higher ground to more overgrown, natural paths leading to the coast. You can find trails suitable for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike. TikTokInstagram

Yes, it's considered kid-friendly! The Storywalk trail is particularly engaging for children, and the open spaces allow for exploration. Just be mindful of ticks and supervise younger children. Reddit

The terrain varies. You'll find open, wide trails on the hills with gorgeous views, and some paths closer to the sea can be overgrown with ankle-height plants. Sturdy footwear is recommended. Reddit

Dogs are generally allowed at The Trustees properties, but they must be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. Instagram

A port-a-potty is typically available in the parking lot. Other amenities are minimal, focusing on preserving the natural state of the reservation. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The summit of Prospect Hill offers stunning panoramic views, perfect for landscape photography. The rocky beach also provides beautiful coastal shots, especially during sunrise or sunset. TikTokInstagram

Absolutely! The diverse landscape, from wooded trails to the open coast, offers opportunities to capture local flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for birds and coastal plants. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. The views from Prospect Hill are impressive in any light, though. Instagram

Drone usage is often restricted in natural and conservation areas to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check The Trustees' specific policies regarding drone operation before your visit. Instagram

The Storywalk trail offers a unique opportunity for creative photography, blending nature with narrative elements. The contrast between the wooded trails and the open beach is also visually striking. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Menemsha Hills Reservation is a fantastic spot for families. The Storywalk trail is a major highlight, turning a nature walk into an interactive storybook adventure. Instagram The open trails on the hills are great for kids to explore safely, and the beach offers a fun destination for a picnic or some playtime. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and be extra vigilant about tick checks after your visit. Reddit

Consider shorter loops if your children are young, and focus on the accessible parts of the trails. The views from Prospect Hill are also a great motivator for kids to reach the summit. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes suitable for varied terrain. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts

For those who love to hike, Menemsha Hills offers a rewarding experience with its diverse trails and scenic overlooks. You can enjoy a brisk walk up Prospect Hill for breathtaking island views, or opt for a more challenging trek through the wooded areas leading to the coast. TikTokInstagram

Be prepared for the overgrown sections near the beach and always prioritize tick safety by using repellent and performing checks. The combination of forest, hills, and coastline provides a rich environment for observing local flora and fauna. InstagramReddit

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find plenty of inspiration at Menemsha Hills. The summit of Prospect Hill provides sweeping panoramic vistas that are particularly stunning during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Instagram+1 The rocky beach offers dramatic coastal scenes, perfect for capturing the power of the ocean. TikTok

Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the contrasting landscapes – the dense woods, the open hills, and the rugged shoreline. The Storywalk trail also presents unique framing possibilities, blending nature with the elements of the story. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Trails and Terrain

Menemsha Hills Reservation boasts a network of trails catering to various fitness levels. You'll find well-maintained, wide paths on the higher elevations, offering expansive views and easier passage. These are ideal for a relaxed walk or for those who prefer less challenging terrain. Instagram

As you descend towards the coast, the trails can become more rugged and overgrown. Be prepared for uneven ground and vegetation that might reach ankle-height, especially on paths leading to the beach. Wearing sturdy hiking boots or shoes is highly recommended to navigate these sections comfortably and safely. Reddit

Many visitors enjoy combining different trails, such as the Brickyard Trail, to experience the full diversity of the reservation, from wooded areas to the rocky shoreline. The Storywalk trail, featuring a children's book, adds an educational and fun element for families. Instagram+1

Tick Safety: A Crucial Consideration

A recurring theme in visitor feedback is the presence of ticks, particularly in the wooded and overgrown areas of Menemsha Hills Reservation. While the reservation is beautiful, it's essential to take precautions to avoid tick bites. Reddit

Travelers strongly advise using an effective insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin before heading out. After your hike, conduct a thorough tick check on yourself, your children, and any pets. Pay close attention to areas like the scalp, behind the ears, armpits, and groin. Reddit+1

While the risk of ticks might deter some, many visitors find that with proper precautions, the beauty and tranquility of Menemsha Hills are well worth the effort. The beach areas are generally considered safer, but vigilance on the trails is key. Reddit

Discovering the Coastal Charm

One of the most rewarding aspects of visiting Menemsha Hills Reservation is the access to its beautiful, secluded beach. After a hike through the reservation's trails, you can reach a quiet, rocky shoreline that offers a peaceful escape. TikTok

This beach is often described as a 'treat' after a walk, providing a serene spot to relax, listen to the waves, and enjoy the coastal scenery. Unlike more crowded beaches, Menemsha Hills' beach tends to be less populated, allowing for a more tranquil experience. Instagram

The combination of hiking through varied terrain and ending at a quiet beach makes Menemsha Hills a unique destination. It offers a chance to connect with nature, from the wooded interior to the refreshing oceanfront. Instagram

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