Menemsha Hills Reservation

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Menemsha Hills Reservation is a 211-acre nature reserve located in the town of Chilmark on the island of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.


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Summary

The reservation offers visitors a chance to explore diverse plant and animal species and a variety of landscapes including forests, wetlands, and rocky hills.

One of the main reasons to visit Menemsha Hills Reservation is to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape from the top of Prospect Hill. The hill offers a panoramic view of the Elizabeth Islands and the Vineyard Sound. The reservation also has several hiking trails that range from easy to moderate, making it a great place for families with children.

Other points of interest to see include the remains of a 19th-century brickworks, a pond, and a quarry that has been turned into a swimming area. Visitors can also explore the Salt House, a former home of a salt manufacturer that has been converted into a historical exhibit.

Interesting facts about the area include that it was once home to Wampanoag Native Americans, and there is evidence of their presence in the form of artifacts found in the reservation. The park was donated to The Trustees of Reservations in 1965, and it is now managed by the organization.

The best time of year to visit Menemsha Hills Reservation is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its peak. Summer is also a popular time to visit, but the park can get crowded, and the trails can be challenging in the heat. Visitors should also be aware that the park is closed during the winter months.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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