A Martha's Vineyard Land Bank preserve on the north shore, reached by a short dirt-road walk to a seaside bluff over a sandy cove on Vineyard Sound. The parking area is small and fills quickly, so this works better as a spontaneous stop than a planned destination on a busy day.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Season
No gate; open under the Land Bank's standard sunrise-to-sundown, year-round access.
Accessibility
Not step-free. The trail out to the bluff runs about 1,200 feet of semi-hardened path plus a 100-foot raised boardwalk, rated difficult by the Land Bank.
Dogs
No dogs April through September; dogs must be under immediate control the rest of the year.
Allowed now · ban starts AprilManaged by
Martha's Vineyard Land Bank Commission
WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
CostFree
Trailhead lot off North Road
Trailhead lot off North Road
CostFreeSpacesa handful of cars
Use only the driveway marked with the Land Bank logo; access is genuinely limited.
Access points along this beach
Bluff overlook
End of the semi-hardened trail, over the sandy cove.
What's here
Facilities
Benches
One bench on the property.
Not here
No drinking water
No fountains on the property.
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Great Rock Bight Preserve by month, in °F| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|
| Water °F | 39° | 37° | 41° | 48° | 56° | 66° | 73° | 74° | 70° | 62° | 54° | 44° |
|---|
Monthly averages from NOAA, Woods Hole (2022 to 2024). Today's reading is in the conditions above.
Common questions
Is Great Rock Bight Preserve in Chilmark open today?
Great Rock Bight Preserve is not monitored right now. MA DPH samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts no advisories or all-clears off-season, so there is no swim status to report. Swimming off-season is at your own risk.
Is there parking at Great Rock Bight Preserve, and what does it cost?
Free lot (Free). Trailhead lot off North Road
What's the water temperature at Great Rock Bight Preserve?
Water at Great Rock Bight Preserve averages about 37°F in February and 74°F in August, based on NOAA readings at Woods Hole from 2022 to 2024. For today's temperature, see the conditions above.
What rules should I know at Great Rock Bight Preserve?
No lifeguard at any time.
Can you swim at Great Rock Bight Preserve?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Great Rock Bight Preserve off-season: the state samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming off-season is at your own risk; check conditions posted at the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Great Rock Bight Preserve?
No dogs April through September; dogs must be under immediate control the rest of the year.
Is there an entry fee at Great Rock Bight Preserve?
No, entry is free.