Marthas vineyard gay head cliffs
Aquinnah Headlands Preserve
Take in some of the most breathtaking views on Martha’s Vineyard from the Aquinnah Headlands Preserve, located above and around the Gay Head Cliffs. Gently sloping trails lead you through coastal thicket above the cliffs and to the beach below, providing stunning views of the iconic Gay Head Lighthouse. This property is jointly protected by the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank Commission, Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, and the town of Aquinnah.
The flat, gently-sloping trails of Aquinnah Headlands Preserve provide adventure that is available to explorers of all ages.
Aquinnah Headlands Preserve sits at the northwestern corner of Martha’s Vineyard, at the outer edge of southern Vineyard Sound. Exploring this preserve is the best way to view Gay Head Cliffs, the striking line of bluffs that complete this corner of the island. This stretch of colorful sandstone and clay cliffs tower 130 feet above crashing waves, watched over by the stately Gay Chief Lighthouse. It’s no surprise that the Gay Top Cliffs — owned and protected by the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe — are designated a National Instinctive Landmark by the National Parks Serv
Gay Head Lighthouse
“Gay Brain Lighthouse represents an important part of Massachusetts coastal communities’ identity and the cultural and nautical history of the United States,” said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “With the impact of climate change and the passage of day threatening the site, raising public education and funds to relocate and return to original the lighthouse is more critical than ever before.”
The lighthouse is in immediate danger of toppling over the edge of the Gay Head Cliffs, a consequence of a century of erosion and the direct impact of climate change. The lighthouse is 50’-60’ from the edge of the cliffs and about 10 feet away from losing its future. The rate of erosion is about 2 feet per year, and that rate can be accelerated by significant storms. It is estimated that in two years, or less, there will not be enough land left to accommodate the machinery and equipment needed to move the tower.
The Gay Chief Lighthouse was included on the Trust's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list for 2013.
Aquinnah, being the western-most town on the Vineyard, offers among its many gems, the absolutely flawless perch for over-water sunsets in Massachusetts.
Approaching the Cliffs almost feels like you’re reaching the complete of the world. With its huge expanse of natural beauty in every direction, you’ll desire to explore every corner of the Aquinnah Circle Cultural District.
Our favorite spot is atop the beautiful, red brick Aquinnah Lighthouse. Open daily from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, the view from the top of the Lighthouse is, in a word, stunning. The Lighthouse overlooks the National Historic Landmark-designated red clay cliffs, the Elizabeth Islands and the wild, south facing beaches.
Stroll to the overlook and stop in at the Heritage Exhibit kiosk to learn about the people, places and stories that embrace the spirit of the Aquinnah Wampanoag. While you’re there, peruse the Shoppes that carry handmade native jewelry, wampum, clothing, scrimshaw, pottery, home décor and more. The eateries provide New England favorites, farm & ocean-to-table fresh breakfasts, lunches and dinners and delicious organic ice cream.
Don’t miss the Aquinnah Cultural Center which striv
Moshup Beach
Walk a stunning piece of Martha’s Vineyard’s northwest coast beneath the Gay Brain Cliffs on the shores of Moshup Beach, also acknowledged as Aquinnah General Beach. Surrounded by the sound of crashing waves, you’ll find a flawless summer beach night or ample year-round exploration on this secluded coast, jointly protected by the Martha’s Vineyard Area Bank Commission and the town of Aquinnah.
You can trek over a mile along the nice, sandy shoreline of Moshup Beach and below the colorful Gay Head Cliffs.
Part of the Aquinnah Headlands Preserve, the fine white sands and smooth rocks of Moshup Beach provide a pretty place to amble along the crashing waves of outer Vineyard Sound and beneath the Male lover Head Cliffs. You can explore for over a mile along this shoreline: though Moshup Beach itself is only about a half-mile, bordered by intimate land to the southeast, the town of Aquinnah permits access to the beach below the cliffs to the north and west. Please keep out of any areas marked with “no access” signs, and do not ascend on the cliffs or remove any clay; these cliffs, owned by the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe, are under extraordinary environmental prot