5 Hidden Nature Gems on Nantucket
Charming cobblestones, picturesque lighthouses, and miles of beautiful beaches, the Nantucket we know and love is getting busier as the summer season really kicks off! While the island is known for its impressive repertoire of restaurants and bustling downtown, it is equally renowned for its natural landscapes, rare species, and protected conservation land.
Whether you're seeking a quiet escape from the crowds or just hoping to discover a new slice of natural beauty on this island we call our happy place, these 5 Hidden Nature Gems of Nantucket are just what you need.
1. Whale Rock
Nantucket’s deep whaling history, and its former title as the “whaling capital of the world”, makes it no surprise that things like rocks and streets are named as a nod to that past. You’ve heard of New Whale Street and Whalers Lane, but have you heard of Whale Rock?
Not to be confused with Altar Rock, Whale Rock is quite the opposite - it’s underwater! Loosely shaped like a whale, this rock is approximately 140 feet from the north shore, just west of Steps Beach. With rising sea levels, the rock may no longer sit above the surface, but it could still make for a fun snorkeling or diving adventure. North-shore beaches often have expansive sandbars, so you won’t be long walking out to it.
Historically, Whale Rock has been recognised as a boating hazard, despite being so close to shore. The Nantucket Historical Association has gathered reports and stories about Whale Rock dating back to the 1840s, where it’s referenced not only as a landmark but also as a navigational concern.
2. Linda Loring Nature Foundation trails
Located at 110 Eel Point Rd, the Linda Loring Nature Foundation boasts 275 acres of pristine natural landscape. Off the beaten path, this conservation land is home to rare habitats and species, some of which are found nowhere else on the island!
Linda Loring Nature Foundation. Photo by Saoirse McCarthy.
The property currently has three trails open to the public. These quiet, well-maintained trails are the perfect escape from everyday life. Pick up a self-guided brochure before exploring the main one-mile loop walk to learn more about the property or read a children’s book as you walk along the Story Walk loop, perfect for kids and families! The easement trail runs further west along the property and connects Fisher’s Landing to Eel Point. If you’re a runner, it’s worth knowing that LLNF’s trails were voted one of the best running trails on the island.
Linda Loring Nature Foundation. Photo by Saoirse McCarthy.
Enjoy the gently sloping, bordered-by-wildflower trails, to the soundtrack of birdsong. The west side of the island is typically windier, so the gentle breeze is a pleasant reprieve from the summer sun and insects. The Linda Loring Nature Foundation borders the North Head of Long Pond, and so visitors can enjoy pond views with the unmissable Osprey nest at the beginning of their walk, and ocean views of the north shore as you loop back towards the car park.
3. Reyes Pond
This property’s unique history and diverse habitat is another hidden gem, not often highlighted on Nantucket. Settled upon by Joe Tavares of Cape Verde, the land was first farmed, with a cranberry bog established there.
Reyes Pond. Photo by Bill Hoenk. Source
Purchased by the Reyes in the 1950s, they wanted to transform the land and pay homage to the places around the world they had travelled to. Mrs. Reyes transformed her backyard into a botanical paradise inspired by her travels through Asia and chose plant specimens from places like Japan and the Philippines. The cranberry bog was dredged to create a pond.
Now owned by the Land Bank, this property is open to the public as a botanical garden. Visitors can enjoy the Japanese architecture, and see the only Redwood tree on the island!
4. Settler’s Landing
For all the bird lovers out there, Settler’s Landing provides the perfect viewing spot for a large variety of birds across a number of different habitats. Located along the edge of Madaket Harbor at 29 N Cambridge Street, Settler’s Landing is handicap accessible via a wooden dock that ends with benches that look out to the harbor.
Settler’s Landing. Source.
Birders can enjoy the shorebirds that gather along the sand - but what is unique about this spot is that with the marsh behind it, and a stand of trees nearby attracting songbirds, you’re in for a treat if you’re hoping to see Nantucket’s abundant bird species.
As Madaket is famous for its magnificent sunsets, this is also a great spot to sit back, relax and watch the sky get painted in hues of pink, gold and violet.
5. Sheep Commons
Another one for the kids! Although Sheep Commons is another great Land Bank property that walks you through a variety of habitat types, the reason it’s on this list is because of the magical trail it has, called the Fairy Loop! Located just off the parking lot, this trail is a bit of fun and sure to bring excitement and joy to the little ones. Take a sneak peek at what the trail looks like here. The saying “take only memories and pictures with you, leave only footprints” comes to mind here when looking at the fairy doors, and is an important principle to follow when visiting any of Nantucket’s beautiful open spaces.
Sheep Commons. Source.
Historically a sheep pasture, hence the name, the remnants of this farming practice are still visible on the land at Sheep Commons today. If you want to lengthen your walking route, this trail connects to Pout Pond Road and the Middle Moors on the east, and Polpis Road bike path on the west.
Hopefully, this list of some of Nantucket’s hidden nature gems encourages you to get out there and explore all that the island has to offer. The natural, open spaces and vibrant ecosystems available to you tell a unique story of the island that you can’t get anywhere else!
