Swap the Flip-Flops for Hiking Shoes and Escape the Crowds with an Up-Island Hike
Among the great things about travel is finding new places to dine, shop and meet people. One of the greatest things people find during their travels to Martha’s Vineyard is where to escape the crowds, walk off those spectacular meals and relish in sweet silence.
And the best part is that it is easy and free.
Just put on some hiking shoes, slather on some sunblock and head out to Priester’s Pond Reserve for a short yet memorable hike over easy terrain.
Covering six awesome acres upisland, Priester’s Pond Reserve is located at the intersection of North Road and State Road in charming Chilmark.
This small and easily accessible Lank Bank property has two shaded and peaceful paths that crisscross through the town’s signature Bettlebung trees, commonly known as black tupelo, tupelo, or blackgum. MV coined the name bettlebung for its use in making the mallet known as a beetle and used for hammering bungs (stoppers) into barrels.
Wildlife abounds in Priester’s Pond Reserve, so expect frequent sightings of ospreys, kingfishers, sunning painted turtles and a plethora of Vineyard songbirds.
The property’s key feature is Priester’s Pond, always a breathtaking site, but particularly so around sunset.
