Size
16.3 Acres

Description

Long the symbol of Martha’s Vineyard, the Gay Head Cliffs rise 100 feet above the Atlantic Ocean at its confluence with the Vineyard Sound. The preserve naturally divides into two areas — the north head and the south head — with the town’s municipal parking lot located in the middle. The north head, open annually from September 15 to June 14, enjoys high views of the chain of the Elizabeth Islands, the Buzzards Bay coastline, the Rhode Island shore and, directly below, the Devil’s Bridge, a mile-long string of boulders and other glacial shards which have been responsible for many maritime disasters. The south head is open year-round and includes Moshup Beach and its surrounding low heathlands. The beach itself is nearly a half-mile long and both ends are marked; beaches to the east are private, while the town of Aquinnah allows access to its under-cliffs beach on the west.

Uses
Nature study, hiking, picnicking, dog-walking in uplands from October 1 to March 30 but town bylaw prohibits dogs on the beach, fishing, swimming, scenic vista.

Directions

Ride the island shuttle bus to the State Road loop to avoid parking dilemmas here. Racks, for cyclists, are available at several locations on the south head. For those driving to the preserve, parking is available in the town lot at $15/day in the season; a dropoff is provided on the Moshup Trail, adjacent to the beach. Mopeds must park at the municipal lot. Trails on the north head are open from September 15 to June 14; south head trails are open year-round.

Trail/Property Map  Click to View

Features