Hiking on Martha’s Vineyard

By David Hedley, Edgartown

Introduction

David Hedley of Ernst & Young Capital Advisors in the San Francisco Bay area, vacationed with his family every year at the family vacation home in Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard’s largest community. He continued the tradition even after 1991, when he earned his political science degree from Colgate University in New York and entered the hectic and complex world of investment banking. In 2000, David Hedley bought his own home on Martha’s Vineyard, also in Edgartown, and he continues to visit the island as often as possible with family and friends.

Martha’s Vineyard

Well known as a summertime vacation attraction, with spectacular beaches and a small-town environment kept free of burgeoning development by a vigilant citizenry, Martha’s Vineyard also offers miles and miles of walking and hiking opportunities. About 20 miles long and between 2 and 10 miles wide, the island comprises about 100 square miles of beaches and woods, dunes, wetlands, and rocky seashores.

Chappaquiddick Island

Chappaquiddick Island boasts 14 miles of trails through marsh meadows and sandy barrier beaches. The trails, located in the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, are suitable for hikers as well as vehicles made for sand. Chappaquiddick was part of Martha’s Vineyard until a 2007 storm breached the beach connecting it to Martha’s Vineyard. That beach, Norton Point, is a 2.5-mile strip of beach popular for shell fishing, picnicking, swimming and bird watching. Dogs are permitted, but must be leashed.

The Cedar Tree Neck Wildlife Sanctuary

The Cedar Tree Neck Wildlife Sanctuary in West Tisbury also has several trails that boast scenic views of the island and the ocean. Edgartown itself is home to the Manuel Correllus State Forest, which provides about 15 miles of trails through several island ecosystems. Also in Edgartown, the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, which charges an admission fee, offers visitors several self-guided trails, some of which offer the opportunity to view ospreys in their natural environment.

Conclusion

The Long Point Wildlife Refuge is located at about the midpoint of the island’s southern shore and features 2.1 miles of trails over relatively flat ground through woodlands and beaches. Further west is Menemsha Hills, which offers 3 miles of trails through woodlands, wetlands, and the island’s rocky western shore.