Massachusetts

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

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Sconset Bluff Walk

Empty stretches of prime Nantucket beach are part of the Bluff Walk’s unrivaled scenery.

Photo Credit : Ian Aldrich

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

Sconset Bluff Walk on Nantucket
The walk begins right in town, along a narrow road that cuts between a cluster of houses.
Photo Credit : Ian Aldrich
Sconset Bluff Walk on Nantucket
Charming Sconset comes into full focus on the Bluff Walk.
Photo Credit : Ian Aldrich
Sconset Bluff Walk on Nantucket
This marker, near the start of the walk, serves as a reminder of the gift William J. Flagg created for future Nantucket residents and visitors.
Photo Credit : Ian Aldrich
Sconset Bluff Walk
Late summer flowers were in abundance along the Bluff Walk in early September.
Sconset Bluff Walk
Empty stretches of prime Nantucket beach are part of the Bluff Walk’s unrivaled scenery.
Photo Credit : Ian Aldrich
Sconset Bluff Walk on Nantucket
Many of the walks down to the beach are private, but a select few are open to the public. On my way back to town, I stopped here and took a seat on the steps to watch the waves roll in.
Photo Credit : Ian Aldrich
Sconset Bluff Walk on Nantucket
I stopped here, too. Busy downtown Nantucket could wait.
Photo Credit : Ian Aldrich
Sconset Bluff Walk
Carefully located signage reminds visitors that the Bluff Walk is a place for strolling.
Photo Credit : Ian Aldrich
Part of the scenery includes the impressive homes that line the Bluff along Sconset’s Baxter Road.
Photo Credit : Ian Aldrich
Sconset Bluff Walk
In recent years erosion has cut-off the final half mile of the walk to Sankaty Head Light. Instead, visitors must finish out the stroll along quiet Baxter Road. Still, it’s a quiet stretch and more than worth the walk if you have the time.
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

Ian Aldrich

Ian Aldrich is the Senior Features Editor at Yankee magazine, where he has worked for more for nearly two decades. As the magazine’s staff feature writer, he writes stories that delve deep into issues facing communities throughout New England. In 2019 he received gold in the reporting category at the annual City-Regional Magazine conference for his story on New England’s opioid crisis. Ian’s work has been recognized by both the Best American Sports and Best American Travel Writing anthologies. He lives with his family in Dublin, New Hampshire.

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