Aquinnah is the scenic and wilder end of Martha’s Vineyard. The place to run here is along Moshup Trail, which is the road that runs 3.6 miles one-way from the intersection with State Rd. to the tip, at Gay Head Lighthouse. Moshup Trail sits above Aquinnah Cliffs, with great water views below. At the tip, enjoy the Gay Head Lighthouse, the Aquinnah Cliffs overlook and the Cultural Center, featuring a wonderful little museum about the history of the Wampanoag tribe. There are also several eating spots and places to sit and relax at the tip. There’s also a coastal trail paralleling the road, between the tip and Moshup Beach.
For a long run, we’ve mapped a 10-mile “Tour of Aquinnah”. This starts at W. Basin Road on Menemsha Basin, along Lobsterville Rd. and then Lighthouse Rd. to the tip. Then, take spectacular Moshup Trail for 3.5 miles, cutting back to the start for nearly 2 miles along E. Pasture Rd. Note E. Pasture Rd. is unpaved and can be sandy.
Note: A ‘bike ferry’ (open to anyone) runs in summer between Menemsha and W. Basin Rd., from 8am-6pm, continuously throughout the day. It takes about 5 min. and costs $5.
Aquinnah is the scenic and wilder end of Martha’s Vineyard. The place to run here is along Moshup Trail, which is the road that runs 3.6 miles one-way from the intersection with State Rd. to the tip, at Gay Head Lighthouse. Moshup Trail sits above Aquinnah Cliffs, with great water views below. At the tip, enjoy the Gay Head Lighthouse, the Aquinnah Cliffs overlook and the Cultural Center, featuring a wonderful little museum about the history of the Wampanoag tribe. There are also several eating spots and places to sit and relax at the tip. There’s also a coastal trail paralleling the road, between the tip and Moshup Beach.
For a long run, we’ve mapped a 10-mile “Tour of Aquinnah”. This starts at W. Basin Road on Menemsha Basin, along Lobsterville Rd. and then Lighthouse Rd. to the tip. Then, take spectacular Moshup Trail for 3.5 miles, cutting back to the start for nearly 2 miles along E. Pasture Rd. Note E. Pasture Rd. is unpaved and can be sandy.
Note: A ‘bike ferry’ (open to anyone) runs in summer between Menemsha and W. Basin Rd., from 8am-6pm, continuously throughout the day. It takes about 5 min. and costs $5.
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Essentials
Moshup Trail: 3.6 miles one-way; Tour of Aquinnah is 10 miles
Moshup Trail: 106 feet; 10-mile tour: 277 feet
Moshup Trail starts at the intersection w/State Rd.
A 'runseeing' tour of Oak Bluffs: waterfront sections around the harbor and Seaview Ave., festive Circuit Ave., spectacular homes around Ocean Park, famous gingerbread houses, and for a longer run, a loop around the Land Bank Trails and out East Chop.
One of Martha’s Vineyard’s most beautiful waterfront roads. Beautiful waterfront views and classic homes. A highlight is East Chop Lighthouse. This run can be done there and back or as a loop for through Oak Bluffs for the return.
Tony Edgartown is the historic and commercial center of Martha's Vineyard. Develop your own route incorporating Lighthouse Beach, whaling captains' homes along Water St. and the leafy side streets with quaint homes, shops, & inns.
Quintessential Martha's Vineyard Run for 5 miles along Beach Rd., between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. Bike path most of the way. Views of the ocean and Sylvia State Beach. Site of several Jaws scenes.
There are gorgeous beaches on Martha's Vineyard. Several variables influence how 'runnable' these beaches are -- weather, tides, etc. South Beach, Joseph Sylvia State Beach, and Aquinnah offer the best running possibilities.
Let the rest of the family schlep the beach gear and deal with parking while you run the 2.6 miles from Edgartown to South Beach on Katama Rd., with a bike path the whole way. A full loop run is 6 miles, including 1 mile along Atlantic Dr.
Created in 1908 as a “Heath Hen Reserve” in an effort to save the bird from extinction. There are 5,300 acres for numerous activities, and 14 miles of paths suitable for running. A bit hilly and good shade option for a hot day.
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Essentials
Moshup Trail: 3.6 miles one-way; Tour of Aquinnah is 10 miles
Moshup Trail: 106 feet; 10-mile tour: 277 feet
Moshup Trail starts at the intersection w/State Rd.
For a long run, we’ve mapped a 10-mile “Tour of Aquinnah”. This starts at W. Basin Road on Menemsha Basin, along Lobsterville Rd. and then Lighthouse Rd. to the tip. Then, take spectacular Moshup Trail for 3.5 miles, cutting back to the start for nearly 2 miles along E. Pasture Rd. Note E. Pasture Rd. is unpaved and can be sandy.
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!