James Pond Preserve

13.9 acres

A beach property that’s more than its beach. It’s especially luminous during the season … but don’t neglect the prismatic trail system, where the pond, the field, the dune, the sound and Naushon Island veer in and out of view. Between June 1 and September 15 the twelve-slot trailhead is available via advance reservation — details will appear here as summer draws near — and the preserve is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Off-hours in-season fishing access is available on a walk-on basis. Kayaking in the pond is permitted, although — especially compared to the island’s other ponds — it’s a rather brief experience.

No hunting

Start at the intersection of the State Road and the upper Lambert’s Cove Road (in West Tisbury). Travel up the Lambert’s Cove Road 1.4 miles and turn left into trailhead. Parking and access is limited and some visitors may have to be turned away; please have an alternative destination in mind if you are planning a trip to this property.  As an alternative, the transit authority’s #2 bus serves this preserve.

Before settling on the name James Pond the waterbody was previously known as Pond Royall, Onkakemmy Pond and Eachpoquassit Pond

The area of the preserve was the location of several town-line disputes and alterations; between 1671 and 1892 it was considered within the towns of Chilmark, Tisbury, and West Tisbury