Best Hikes in Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard is one of our favorite spots in New England. Hiking isn’t necessarily what first comes to mind when you think about Martha’s Vineyard, but it’s one of the best ways to see the island’s natural beauty. Whether you’re looking to escape the summer crowds or just want to see a side of the island that isn’t covered in sand, Martha’s Vineyard has some of the most diverse coastal hiking in New England. Here are five must-hit trails for your next visit.
1. Menemsha Hills (Chilmark)
This is by far the best hike in Martha’s Vineyard in our opinion. Spanning 211 acres, Menemsha Hills features the Harris Trail, which takes you up to Prospect Hill. At 308 feet, it’s the second-highest point on the island and offers a panoramic view of the Elizabeth Islands and Menemsha Harbor. The landscape feels more like the California coast than New England. Swing by the town of Menemsha afterwards and grab a lobster roll at Larsen’s or Menemsha Fish Market. It’s also the best place on the island to catch the sunset.
Find the Google Maps trailhead location here
2. Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary (West Tisbury)
Managed by the Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, this 400-acre sanctuary feels like a secret forest. The trails wind through dense woods, past freshwater bogs, and eventually spill out onto a secluded, rocky beach on the north shore. The White Trail leads to a high bluff with spectacular views of Vineyard Sound.
Find the Google Maps location here
3. Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Edgartown)
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary offers a peaceful network of trails winding through diverse coastal habitats, including salt marshes, ponds, meadows, and woodlands. Managed by Mass Audubon, the sanctuary’s paths are relatively flat and easy, making them accessible to hikers of all skill levels and great for families. Highlights along the way often include sightings of ospreys nesting on platforms, various shorebirds, and views over Sengekontacket Pond and Vineyard Sound.
Find the Google Maps location here
4. Waskosim’s Rock Reservation (Chilmark/West Tisbury)
This trail is steeped in history. The “Rock” itself is a massive 14-foot glacial erratic that once served as the boundary between English and Wampanoag lands in the 1600s. The Middle Line Trail takes you past the 17th-century stone walls and the ruins of the James Allen homestead.
Find the Google Maps location here
5. Long Point Wildlife Refuge (West Tisbury)
Long Point Wildlife Refuge in West Tisbury offers a scenic mix of hiking terrain across Martha’s Vineyard’s south shore, combining sandy trails through pine and oak woodlands with open heathland and freshwater ponds before reaching the refuge’s crown jewel: a pristine barrier beach. The main trail is an easy, mostly flat walk of about a mile each way, making it accessible for most visitors, though sandy sections can make footing a bit looser than a typical woodland trail. Along the route, hikers pass by Long Cove Pond and Homer’s Pond, where waterfowl and other birdlife are often spotted, before emerging onto the dunes and one of the Vineyard’s most beautiful and less crowded beaches. Managed by The Trustees of Reservations, the refuge is a great choice for those wanting to combine a nature walk with a beach outing, and its relatively secluded location keeps it quieter than more popular island destinations.
Find the Google Maps location here
Quick Hiking Tips for the Vineyard:
Check for Ticks: The Vineyard is notorious for them. Stick to the center of the trails and do a thorough check after your hike.
The Trustees & Land Bank: Many of these spots are managed by The Trustees of Reservations or the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank. Checking their apps/sites for live parking updates in the summer is a pro move.
Footwear: While much of the island is sandy, trails like Menemsha Hills and Cedar Tree Neck have plenty of roots and rocks—bring actual hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers.