Chilmark Pond Preserve
Size
9.0 acres
Description
Located on the down-slope of the Abel’s Hill, this property offers high and long views of the Chilmark Lower Pond and the Atlantic Ocean. A lone, plaintive oak — whose backdrop is the barrier beach’s dune — inhabits the grassy field at pond edge. The canoe drop is sited near the pond’s vortex, providing a wide view for birders. Also owned by the land bank are two stretches of Atlantic Ocean beach; access is via canoe and kayak only, which visitors themselves must supply. Private beaches are adjacent and signs indicate the limits of public ownership.
Access
Start at the intersection of the South Road and the Meetinghouse Road. Travel 0.8 miles in the direction of Aquinnah; preserve is located on left. Be careful to use only the driveway marked by the land bank logo; all others are private. Parking and access are limited and visitors may have to be turned away; please have an alternate destination in mind if you are planning a trip to this property. Ocean beaches can be accessed only via canoe and kayak (0.2 miles across the pond); be sure to land only on the marked land bank beaches.
Historical Highlights
- the first Mayhew purchase in Chilmark included what is now Chilmark Pond Preserve: this was the “Nashawakemmuck purchase” that included all of the land south of the Middle Line between the West Tisbury town line and Menemsha Pond
Trail / Property Map
File size: 2 MB