Looking for a fun hike to a private beach? Look no further than the Brickyard Trail on Martha’s Vineyard.
This almost 2-mile (almost 4 miles out-and-back) trail is on the easy side of moderate, taking you through the beautiful Menemsha Hills leading to the Vineyard Sound. Along the way, you’ll wander past beautiful trees, a storybook trail, and remnants of the Vineyard Brick and Tileworks.
If this Martha’s Vineyard hiking trail sounds good to you, the guide below has everything you need to know!
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History of the Brickyard
Once a bustling hub in the 19th century, the brickyard played a vital role in Martha’s Vineyard’s development, producing bricks that helped build many of the homes and buildings on the island.
Established in the 1800s along the north shore, the brickyard thrived thanks to the rich clay deposits and easy access to coastal shipping routes, which enabled the shipping of the bricks off the island.
Today, only remnants of the works remain. It’s a perfect destination for hikers who love a mix of natural beauty and historical discovery. Just remember to look but don’t touch! The ruins are a rare and special part of the Vineyard’s heritage.
Prepare For Your Hike to the Brickyard on Martha’s Vineyard
Parking
There is a small parking lot on Trustees Lane off North Road. The parking lot holds about 10-12 cars.
Amenities
There is a porta-john in the parking lot off Trustees Lane.
Pets
Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails at Menemsha Hills
Beware of Ticks
Martha’s Vineyard is known for its ticks! Make sure you wear appropriate repellent, like Picaridin, when exploring trails on the island.
Proper Footwear
Even though this trail leads to the beach, it’s best done in sneakers or hiking sandals. Bring water shoes or sandals to change into once you’ve arrived!
Follow the Map
There are maps posted throughout the trail as it intersects with other trails. There is also a large map posted at the trailhead. You can always download a map from the Trustees’ website before heading out!
Hours
The trails at Menemsha Hills and the Brickyard are open from sunrise to sunset.
The Brickyard Hike at Menemsha Hills
| Trail Location: | Trailhead is at the parking areas on Trustees Lane off North Road in Chilmark |
| Trail Length: | The trail is listed at 3.2 miles (out-and-back) on the map. However, my Strava clocked it at 3.9 miles. |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Trail Type: | Out and back |
| Elevation Gain: | 80 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Trailhead
Entrance to the trail is on the southeast side of the parking area. You’ll see a large sign and a map. Follow the signs for Brickyard Trail (red).
Along the Trail
The trail to the Brickyard is very pretty and mostly shaded. It’s a dirt and sand trail with lots of rocks and roots along the way. There are also some steeper sections with stone and dirt “steps” along the trail.
The first section of the trail is also a storybook trail. Wooden posts with pages from a children’s picture book are placed along the trail, making it very entertaining for kids as they walk the route.
It’s a pretty walk filled with so many trees that, if it weren’t for the sand mixed in with the dirt, you’d forget you were on an island.
As you get closer to the water, the trees start to disappear, and you’re more exposed to the sun. If you’re visiting in the summer, make sure to take proper precautions before heading out, even on this short trail!
At the Brickyard
You know you’ve reached the Brickyard when you see the crumbling brick chimney next to the beach. What’s left of the Vineyard Brick & Tileworks sits on the property, including granite blocks of the waterwheel pit and the remains of the wheel itself, and, of course, the chimney stack.
Stay on the paths and do not sit or climb on the fencing surrounding the ruins.
The Beach and Roaring Brook
The beach at the Brickyard is small and surrounded by private beaches on either side, so be mindful of signage and crossing boundaries.
The beach can also be narrow during high tide. It’s not the best beach for swimming, because there are so many large rocks in the water that you have to navigate around. But if you’re bound and determined to get in the water, you can find a way!
We had fun playing in the ice-cold water of the Roaring Brook. The water was once used to power the wheel at the factory. Now it flows freely into the Vineyard Sound.
Other Hiking Trails on Martha’s Vineyard
Although Martha’s Vineyard is a small island, there are several fun hiking trails on the island. We’ve enjoyed hiking at Waskosim’s Rock Reservation and also in Manuel F. Correllus State Forest in the center of the island.
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