Brisk autumn days, a little more time to enjoy the island, and the threat of those encroaching extra winter pounds - some great reasons to get out and explore any one of the numerous hiking trails that punctuate the Vineyard map. From hidden beaches to climbs that reward the energetic walker with bucolic views, Martha's Vineyard is blessed with an exceptional variety of nature walks.
While the Vineyard does not benefit from the abundance of maple trees that give other New England areas their reputation for breathtaking foliage, there are changes taking place in local flora that present more subtle, but no less beautiful, signs of the change in seasons. The Vineyard's famous Beetlebung trees turn a rich red in the fall, highbush blueberry plants announce their presence this time of year with rusty reddish brown leaves, both poison ivy and, similar in appearance Virginia creeper, lend a vibrant dark red to the landscape while beech trees add a touch of golden yellow. Seaside goldenrod and coreopsis are still holding onto the last of their brightness. Swamp grounds erupt with furry cattails and the variety and fecundity of mushrooms never ceases to amaze.
"One of my favorite trails this time of year is Waskosim's Rock," says Julie Schaeffer, resident ecologist for the Martha's Vineyard Landbank. "Because of the wetlands, you can really see the color changes." The vistas offered up on a walk through this extensive trail system include views of peaceful farms highlighted here and there with a dramatic maple in all its glory. According to Julie, another highlight of the Landbank Trail system that many people neglect to explore is Gay Head Marine, off Lobsterville Road. "The beetlebungs, maples and highbush blueberries really stand out in the fall, there's a meandering stream and chances are you may have this all to yourself."
If an aimless stroll doesn't quite appeal to your goal oriented personality, try one of the Trustees of Reservations Quest self-guided treasure hunts. The Menemsha Hills Quest walk provides hikers with a series of rhyming clues which guide them to the "treasure", a permanently located box where those persistant enough to complete the 3 to 4 hour hunt may exchange a trinket they have brought along for one left by previous treasure hunters . Suzan Bellincampi, director of training and development for the Trustees wrote the clues and says they are not meant to stump anyone although the following usually confounds non-locals(colon) "Be quiet, you may hear, frogs who before were pollywogs. On the island there is a name, for a special frog of Vineyard fame." The solution is (of course) pinkletink. "The Quest walk is an observation exercise," says Suzan. Acute awareness of your surroundings is necessary as you wind your way through the entire trail system and onto the beach searching for clues. And powers of observation are essential to thoroughly enjoy a fall nature walk. Notes Suzan, "Little things like bark characteristics and lichen on trees are more apparent when there are less leaves." Quest booklets and a compass are available at the trailhead for the Menemsha Hills treasure hunt or you may contact the Trustees at 508-693-7662.
By Gwyn McAllister
