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Edgartown Off-Road: Mountain Biking the Caroline Tuthill Preserve

By Tom Richardson

Although the island of Martha’s Vineyard isn’t known as a mountain biking destination, there are numerous places where riders can get off the popular—and often crowded—bike paths and into a more serene and natural setting. I learned about one such spot with Jon Malone of Edgartown Bicycles, which sells, rents, and services bikes of all types just outside downtown Edgartown.

The Caroline Tuthill Preserve in Edgartown borders the southern edge of Sengekontacket Pond.

The staff at the shop is super-knowledgeable about all of the Vineyard’s mountain-bike paths, and are happy to point the way and offer advice. They can also arrange for guided trips and lessons, and carry a large assortment of mountain bikes and gear.

Trail map for the Caroline Tuthill Preserve.

John and I checked out the Caroline Tuthill Wildlife Preserve, not far from the bike shop. Managed by the Sheriffs Meadow Foundation, this 15-acre property features several miles of sandy trails to explore and borders the southern end of Sengekontacket Pond. The trails (marked red, white, blue, purple and yellow) mostly wind through scrub oak and pitch pine forest, with not a lot of elevation involved. Still, it’s possible to get in a good workout if you bike all of the trails. Following the yellow trail and orange spur takes you along a short stretch of beach that skirts the Sengekontacket salt pond, and makes for an interesting ride. You can also cool off with a swim if you’re so inclined!

Most of the trails in the Caroline Tutholl Preserve wind through scrub oak and pitch pine forest.

Best trailhead parking is along the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, but more other access points can be found along Beach Road. Click here for a trail map.

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