West Chop Woods

A cool
place
to get
lost
West Chop Woods is a rather small area of only about 100 acres. It’s only a little more than mile walk from the center of Vineyard Haven and the land is owned by the Meadow Foundation.
The cool part is that the woods are right in the middle of a residential area of rather impressive homes. To find it just go up Franklin Ave until you get to a small dirt road, actually more of a driveway. It’s easy to miss but leads to a small parking area where the trails begin.
There are four main trails, all colored coded. It’s easy to get lost because the colors are faded and the trails frequently intercept each other. That all right because the place is relatively small and you’ll end up somewhere eventually. I’ve been here many times and I still never end up where I think I will.
Lots of rocks to climb over and some great looking old trees but the terrain is pretty easy. No climbing or scampering over debris, and if you manage to follow the trails north you will come out on Quinsigamond Ave and head into Main Street. You then can go north for a short distance, past some fantastic old houses and see West Chop Lighthouse.
Certainly not the most exciting hike in the world but a fun diversion, way to get some exercise and see West Chop when you are staying in Vineyard Haven.