Menemsha Hills
Menemsha Hills
4.5
About
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.
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4.5
38 reviews
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Telecommie
Brooklyn, NY15 contributions
What a hike, it is approximately 3 miles long and about 1700 feet high. Make sure you have liquids, bug spray and most of all - comfortable shoes for hiking. Once you get to the top, the view is great, breathtaking to say the least.
Written August 26, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maureen V
Boston, MA154 contributions
Mar 2016
Off of North Road, there is a (somewhat small) sign marking the easy access to a parking area that holds about 16 cars and a portable toilet. The closest loop is Harris Loop which leads to
Prospect Hill which is the second highest point on the Vineyard at 308 feet (highest peak is only three feet higher at 311 feet). Along the Harris Loop path, we passed holly and high-bush blueberry with a wooded canopy formed by lots of gnarly oaks. From the peak the view is panoramic, extending from the Elizabeth Islands, Menemsha Basin and the cliffs of Aquinnah, to Noman’s Island. This is an easy hike for little ones, but there is a vertical rise which may be mildly challenging for those with limited stamina or balance.
Prospect Hill which is the second highest point on the Vineyard at 308 feet (highest peak is only three feet higher at 311 feet). Along the Harris Loop path, we passed holly and high-bush blueberry with a wooded canopy formed by lots of gnarly oaks. From the peak the view is panoramic, extending from the Elizabeth Islands, Menemsha Basin and the cliffs of Aquinnah, to Noman’s Island. This is an easy hike for little ones, but there is a vertical rise which may be mildly challenging for those with limited stamina or balance.
Written March 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim G
Martha's Vineyard, MA60 contributions
Went on a beautiful walk to overtake my wife's Fitbit steps. Accomplished that and found a new spectacular view but would like to warn everyone about a section.
When you walk, you will cross a road. About 200 yards after you cross you come to a loop. I usually go right as it is shorter to the platform (with the 180 degree view of Elizabeth Islands:). Next time go LEFT (or clockwise in this loop).The TTOR has cut a new path and the views are terrific of Lobsterville, Gay Head Lighthouse and water. There used to be a steep path that you will see is blocked off. As you loop around and down with wonderful views, you go lower and end up on a road. Soon there will be a choice. Go left and soon you'll come to this lovely bench. Sit and enjoy. About 100 yards later are the new steps down to the beach. Maybe go to the platform but do NOT go down to beach. There really is no beach...it is a rocktastrophe waiting to happen. I did and went north on the rocks to the other stairway. yook about 20 long minutes. Bad mistake. Ankles should have been broken. Please beware.
Instead go back to main path and follow north to that platform view.
Best walk on MV.
When you walk, you will cross a road. About 200 yards after you cross you come to a loop. I usually go right as it is shorter to the platform (with the 180 degree view of Elizabeth Islands:). Next time go LEFT (or clockwise in this loop).The TTOR has cut a new path and the views are terrific of Lobsterville, Gay Head Lighthouse and water. There used to be a steep path that you will see is blocked off. As you loop around and down with wonderful views, you go lower and end up on a road. Soon there will be a choice. Go left and soon you'll come to this lovely bench. Sit and enjoy. About 100 yards later are the new steps down to the beach. Maybe go to the platform but do NOT go down to beach. There really is no beach...it is a rocktastrophe waiting to happen. I did and went north on the rocks to the other stairway. yook about 20 long minutes. Bad mistake. Ankles should have been broken. Please beware.
Instead go back to main path and follow north to that platform view.
Best walk on MV.
Written April 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim G
Martha's Vineyard, MA60 contributions
Jul 2012
Just do it. Takes about 35 minutes to get to the bluff overlook. When in doubt, stay to the right as it is shorter. Once you get to the bluff and the platform deck, just duck under the ropes and walk down to the top of the dune. I didn't say that because you are not supposed to do this. Don't take little kids off the platform though. The view is great- about 237 degrees (between 180 and 270). Look down to your right (north) and see the chimney from the brickyard where a whole lotta brick were made to build a bunch of homes on Beacon Hill in Boston. Not working anymore but nice bit o' history. And look back and there is some spectacular house with a killer deck. Must be a Hedge Fund person or maybe someone in entertainment. Nice digs.
Written November 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara H
Tunis, Tunisia166 contributions
The views from the Menemsha Hills are "Sound of Music" quality, kudos to the Trustees of Reservations for this exceptional public space.
Written January 8, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pdonatyandkids
Westborough, MA264 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Excellent walking paths. Nice view. Dogs are allowed and you can also mountain bike in the area. Down a long dirt road to get to the area which we parked and “hiked” from but as we were walking the various paths we noted there were other ways to arrive. Tick spray is a must. On the top of the “BIG” hill there is a place to sit and take in the views.
Written May 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy W
13 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
This is a must see! A hike with friends through the oak hammock out to the absolutely stunning vista. Continued down to beach to explore the shoreline and all of the unique rocks. Came across a few folks but not crowded and could enjoy spots without interruption. Port-o-John in parking area. Use North Road address and do not turn into Goswold as some navigation suggests. Parking area clearly marked.
Written June 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
smokeylinks
Weston, MA367 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
It actually is more of a hike than a walk. To do the whole circuit takes about two hours. There are a lot of ups and downs, but two outlooks offer spectacular views of the Sound and the Elizabeth Islands.
Written September 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mudturtle
Boston, MA154 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
We took the Island Bus and the friendly driver dropped us off at the small dirt road entrance marked only by a small green sign. There was a short walk to the parking area which has a porta-potty.
We brought our own water. This was a pleasant walk mostly through tree lined loop path which takes you to a wooden staircase that leads to a rocky beach. We took the path to the left, and had the trail to ourselves.
We took the stairs down to the beach, it is very rocky, you must watch your footing. We walked to the the next staircase and took it back up to finish the loop. plan on an hour and a half or so to meander. The bus which runs by about every half hour will pick you up by flagging down the driver.
We brought our own water. This was a pleasant walk mostly through tree lined loop path which takes you to a wooden staircase that leads to a rocky beach. We took the path to the left, and had the trail to ourselves.
We took the stairs down to the beach, it is very rocky, you must watch your footing. We walked to the the next staircase and took it back up to finish the loop. plan on an hour and a half or so to meander. The bus which runs by about every half hour will pick you up by flagging down the driver.
Written August 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cle-townbro
Cleveland, OH38 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
While the guide books tell you that there are many places to hike on Martha
s Vinyard what they don't tell you is that almost all these places are either hard to get to, require a hike to get to, or require a huge hike to get to. Menemsha Hills, which is a TTOR property took only three buses from Oak Bluffs (1 and 1/2 hours ) to get to, but it was worth it. It's hilly, which is unusual for martha's Vinyard and the vegetation really changes as you hike up or hike toward the ocean. The up part is only about 150 feet up -not much.some of the views are wonderful - you have foresr, sand hills, beach and one or two large houses - almost impossible to see from the road. We spent about 2 and a half hours here. At the end we were waiting for the bus and were picked up by some wonderful folks who took us to Vinyard Haven
s Vinyard what they don't tell you is that almost all these places are either hard to get to, require a hike to get to, or require a huge hike to get to. Menemsha Hills, which is a TTOR property took only three buses from Oak Bluffs (1 and 1/2 hours ) to get to, but it was worth it. It's hilly, which is unusual for martha's Vinyard and the vegetation really changes as you hike up or hike toward the ocean. The up part is only about 150 feet up -not much.some of the views are wonderful - you have foresr, sand hills, beach and one or two large houses - almost impossible to see from the road. We spent about 2 and a half hours here. At the end we were waiting for the bus and were picked up by some wonderful folks who took us to Vinyard Haven
Written September 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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