The ‘Sconset Bluff Walk in Nantucket, MA

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Several 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

Have you ever experienced the ‘Sconset Bluff Walk?

This post was first published in 2016 and has been updated. 

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