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.
Like all of Martha’s Vineyard, Menemsha Hills was crushed, carved, and shaped by thousands of years of glacial advance and retreat. Today an array of mini-environments comprise a rugged, pleasant landscape: low wetlands, woodland groves leading to a hilltop, wind-blasted coastal plains, a rocky ocean edge, and 308-foot Prospect Hill.
Hike three miles of trails past holly, high-bush blueberry, and more than a few boulders and glacial erratics. Follow the Harris Trail to the top of the hill, which affords spectacular views of the Menemsha harbor entrance, the Elizabeth Islands, and Gay Head Light. Descend through the woodlands and hardy seaside groundcover to coastal bluffs overlooking Vineyard Sound to the rocky north shore beach—possibly one of the quietest seaside landscapes on the island—and enjoy the view or cast a line. Continue your hike to the historic Brickyard.
FREE to all.
Open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1½ hours.
We welcome school and youth groups for experiential educational programs. Please visit our Education Page for details and to initiate a visit request.
North Road
Chilmark, MA 02535
Martha’s Vineyard
Telephone: 508.693.7662
Email: longpoint@thetrustees.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.
The property offers a portable toilet, bike racks, and benches along the trails.
To view or download a trail map, click here.
With eight Trustees properties to discover on the island, there is something for everyone. Experience unique coastal landscapes, and begin creating treasured memories today.
This reservation, 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.
The original acreage of this property was a gift of Nathaniel L. and Catherine P. Harris in 1966 in memory of Nathaniel and Sarah A. Harris. Additional land was given by Mrs. David J. Epstein in 1980, and by the Prospect Hill Association in 1988.
Walking these paths can restore lungs, mental health, and romance! The views from the Menemsha Hills are "Sound of Music" quality, kudos to the Trustees of Reservations for this exceptional public space.
– Barbara H, TripAdvisor