The ‘Sconset Bluff Walk in Nantucket, MA
More than just gorgeous ocean views, the ‘Sconset Bluff Walk on Nantucket is the scenic stroll you can make your own.
By Ian Aldrich|Jun 16 2022|
Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine
Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanSeveral years ago I made my first visit to Nantucket for a story I was working on for Yankee. It was then I discovered the small village of Siasconset (called “‘Sconset”) and by happy accident the well-loved and largely unmarked ‘Sconset Bluff Walk, where big views (homes and ocean) dominate. I’ve been telling people about it ever since. So, in early September, when I was back on the island for a new story, I made sure to make time to visit the pathway.
Like so many others who’ve enjoyed the walk, I have William J. Flagg to thank for it. Flagg was a forward-thinking Nantucket resident and developer, who, in the late 1800s, could see even then that Nantucket in general, ‘Sconset in particular, with its towering bluffs and endless ocean scenery, would grow in value and exclusivity. To help offset that he built into the deeds of the house lots he was creating on the eastern end of the island a public right of way. His foresight became a gift to future generations.
Today, the ‘Sconset Bluff Walk is built into the DNA of the community. A magnet for locals and tourists. On the afternoon visited a Madaket resident embarked on his daily walk along the bluff (“I have to do it,” he said), while a family of five, visiting the island, was making its first sojourn.
Beyond the gorgeous ocean views, part of the appeal of the walk is that it’s not one kind of experience. You’re cutting through a small neighborhood of houses; then advancing through a manicured backyard; now you’re under tree cover. There are flowers and birds, pathways to the water, and a lineup of places to stop to literally breathe in the scenery. It can be a quick jaunt or part of a long afternoon. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
Below is a little bit of what you can expect to find on the treasured ‘Sconset Bluff Walk.
Scenes from the ‘Sconset Bluff Walk in Nantucket, MA
Photo Credit : Ian Aldrich
Photo Credit : Ian Aldrich
Photo Credit : Ian Aldrich
Photo Credit : Ian Aldrich
Photo Credit : Ian Aldrich
Photo Credit : Ian Aldrich
Photo Credit : Ian Aldrich
Photo Credit : Ian Aldrich
Photo Credit : Ian Aldrich
Have you ever experienced the ‘Sconset Bluff Walk?
This post was first published in 2016 and has been updated.
SEE MORE:
Where is Nantucket? | An Island Guide
What is “Nantucket Red”?
Nantucket After Labor Day
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Reminds me of the walk in Newport.
It’s a lovely, lovely walk. What a gift. A nice long walk to get exercise, beautiful ocean bluff views (not to mention the beautiful homes whose back yards the path borders), lovely rosa rugosa and other wild flowers. A best kept secret in many ways, but that’s what keeps it peaceful and wonderful.
Some of the owners would say that the path borders their front yards, the back yard being on the Baxter Road side of things. At least, the early houses seem to have assumed as much.
My Grandmother Rebecca Davis Smith Ryder grew up in Sconset and she had nine brothers and sister’s. The or father William Harrison Smith was the stable keeper in town and their Grandfather built carriages. Grammy said it was beautiful growing up there then she net her husband Richard Ryder one of the original surfmen from Chatham and he and Grammy settled in Chatam.
Hi. You must be related to Barbara DeWitt Smith, perhaps her sister? I worked with DeWitt at The Patriot Ledger in Quincy, Mass., and loved listening to her stories about my favorite place on the planet – ‘Sconset.
I think any article on the Bluff Walk should include a note regarding respect for private property. Many of the strollers do not know how to exit the trail in several designated spots, and instead walk through private yards and driveways when they tire of walking. Just a thought!
Wish I had known about this last year when my husband and I visited NE. But many of the photos are showing sideways and swivel even when I turn my iPad sideways. Can that be corrected?
Quietly walking this path at sunrise is an extra special treat!
Very nice article. A special place with family, friends or private contemplation. Looking out at see; the next sighting of land would be France..
You can look out and see the SEA. Actually, the next sighting of land is northern Spain & Portugal.
To get back to town,do you just turn around? How long of a stroll? Is there parking in town ? Where does it start exactly ?I’ve been to the lighthouse plenty of times before they moved it .Thanks in advance.
I have been going through old photographs and found a picture I had taken of a dear woman sitting in front of a cottage in Sciasconset. We sat for hours and I promised I’d come back. I never did. It now breaks my heart to think of it. Her cottage was called The Maples. I have a really wonderful black and white photo of her in an Adirondack chair. If you would like to see it I would be happy to send it to you.