James Pond Preserve

13.9 acres

A beach property that’s more than its beach. Everything littoral here is definitely luminous … but don’t neglect the prismatic trail system, where the pond, the field, the dune, the sound and Naushon Island veer in and out of view. Kayaking in James Pond is permitted, although - especially compared to the island’s other ponds - it’s a rather brief experience. 

In the season (June 15 - September 14)  the preserve is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Access to the twelve-slot trailhead during this time is available only via on-line reservation, up to seven days in advance. Clear rectangles will indicate available spaces while grey rectangles will indicate slots that have already been reserved; click [here] to make arrangements. Between September 15 and June 14 the trailhead is open on a first-come first-serve basis. Off-hours in-season fishing access is available on a walk-on basis. 

No hunting

Start at the intersection of the State Road and the upper Lambert’s Cove Road (in West Tisbury). Travel up the Lambert’s Cove Road 1.4 miles and turn left into trailhead. Parking and access is limited and some visitors may have to be turned away; please have an alternative destination in mind if you are planning a trip to this property.  As an alternative, the transit authority’s #2 bus serves this preserve.

Before settling on the name James Pond the waterbody was previously known as Pond Royall, Onkakemmy Pond and Eachpoquassit Pond

The area of the preserve was the location of several town-line disputes and alterations; between 1671 and 1892 it was considered within the towns of Chilmark, Tisbury, and West Tisbury