Martha’s Vineyard, the 58th-largest island in the United States, is renowned not only for its beaches but also for its extensive network of hiking trails through preserved woodlands and natural landscapes. Spanning approximately 9 miles wide by 23 miles long, this 96-square-mile island offers more than 220 miles of public trails across over 100 properties, maintained by organizations such as the Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank Commission, and The Trustees.

Visitors can explore a variety of terrain ranging from easy paths to more rugged hikes. Inland areas are often less crowded during the summer months, providing a peaceful alternative to the busier shoreline. The island’s shuttle system, the Vineyard Transit Authority, facilitates access to many trailheads without the need for a vehicle. To assist hikers, the free TrailsMV app, developed by the Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, provides detailed maps and functions offline.

Among the newest additions to the island’s public lands is Squibnocket Pond Reservation South in Aquinnah, acquired in 2020 by Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation and the Land Bank Commission. This nature reserve features looping trails through a diverse environment including sand dunes, moors, coastal heathland, woodlands, wetlands, and shoreline along Squibnocket Pond and the Atlantic Ocean. From elevated points, hikers can view Squibnocket Point, Noman’s Island, and the Atlantic, with one beach area open for swimming. Access to this property is by reservation from May through October, with limited parking and facilities at the entrance.

Menemsha Hills in Chilmark, managed by The Trustees, encompasses 211 acres of marshes, woods, and coastal plains. The site offers approximately three miles of trails, including hikes that reach Prospect Hill, the island’s second-highest point, which provides panoramic views of Menemsha Harbor, Gay Head Light, Vineyard Sound, and the Elizabeth Islands. The area supports birdwatching opportunities, particularly along the Atlantic migratory flyway.

Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary in West Tisbury offers family-friendly hiking with color-coded trails that traverse various habitats such as bogs, bluffs, forests, and sandy beaches. The Bruce Irons Trail highlights natural features and wildlife, including painted turtles, muskrats, and migrant birds. The sanctuary covers 436 acres and provides rugged trail options for hikers seeking a more challenging experience.

While outdoor activities are popular, visitors are advised to take precautions against ticks, which have become a growing concern on the island. The presence of disease-carrying species—including lone star ticks, deer ticks, and American dog ticks—has surged, with alpha-gal syndrome particularly linked to lone star tick bites. These ticks are active mainly from March through October but may be encountered during winter.

Lea Hamner, an epidemiologist with the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program, recommends measures to reduce tick exposure when hiking. These include wearing close-toed shoes, tucking pants into socks, and using long sleeves to create barriers against ticks. Treating clothing with permethrin, a pesticide safe for humans but toxic to ticks, is advised, along with applying EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin.

Additional precautions include carrying a tick removal kit—containing tweezers, alcohol wipes, and a lint roller—and thoroughly inspecting oneself and clothing after outdoor activities. The Inter-Island Public Health Collaborative provides resources and access to a tick identification service through the University of Rhode Island to assist with any suspected tick bites.

Martha’s Vineyard’s combination of expansive trails and natural habitats, along with growing awareness about tick prevention, continues to attract hikers seeking both recreation and nature immersion.