Why Hikers Love Nantucket

Moors, scrub-oak forests, freshwater swamps, dunes, and endless beaches—most of it protected and crisscrossed with marked trails–Nantucket may be a small island, but it’s the perfect place for a big hike. The Nantucket Land Bank & Conservation Foundation maintains extensive public access to much of the island’s land, including a 24-mile “Coast to Coast” route.

Sanford Farm & Ram Pasture – Classic moors-and-ocean views with well-signed loops. Great for a 3–6 mile hike.

Middle Moors / Altar Rock – A web of sandy roads and heathlands to one of the island’s high points; Nantucket Conservation Foundation even runs guided bike tours here.

Squam Swamp – Boardwalks and shaded hardwoods (tupelo, beech) for a cool, quiet walk.

Tupancy Links – Easy loop with big-sky views near Cliff Road. Perfect for a short stroll.

Coskata-Coatue / Great Point – Remote barrier-beach hiking with lighthouse views; subject to seasonal closures for shorebirds and changing sand conditions. (OSV permits for driving; beaches always open to pedestrians when posted open.)

Coast-to-Coast Trail – Just over 24 miles across the island, marked east-to-west. Tackle it in sections or make it a full-day challenge.

Can you hike the same trails you bike?

Often, yes on multi-use routes. The Conservation Foundation allows non-motorized uses like mountain biking on established roads and trails it maintains (e.g., Middle Moors, Sanford Farm).

But some paths are foot-only. For instance, there are no bikes allowed on the fragile beaches/dunes. On NCF-owned beaches (e.g., Coatue/Haulover sections) bicycles are prohibited to protect habitat; expect similar protections within the Coskata-Coatue refuge complex.

Paved side paths (35+ miles) around the island are shared by cyclists and pedestrians for getting to trailheads—ride slow and yield.

The fall, September and October, are prime hiking season thanks to the warm water, cooler air, and lighter crowds. Most services remain open and during this time the locals often call early fall the sweet spot.

Springtime, April to June are also great with their spring blooms and migrating birds. Just be sure to dress for variable temps.

While mid-summer is peak season and wonderful beach weather, it may not be ideal for hiking. If you’re visiting this time of the year and decide to hike, be ready for ticks (the island has high tick-borne disease incidence—do checks, use repellent) and greenhead flies on marshy/beach sections, especially late July to early August.

Hiking in the winter in Nantucket offers quiet coastal rambles if you like solitude. However if you visit the island this time of year many services are limited and it can be quite windy and chilly.

Beach and dune areas may close April 1–Sept 15 for nesting shorebirds. Be sure to obey signs. Of note, dogs face seasonal restrictions, and leashes are required per island rules.