Gay Head Lighthouse

CCC VisitedVerified Jun 27, 2026

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What is Gay Head Lighthouse like?

Gay Head Light crowns the dramatic clay cliffs of Aquinnah at Martha's Vineyard's westernmost point — a brick tower first lit in 1799 and famously moved back from the eroding bluff in 2015. It's a short stroll from the Aquinnah Circle shops and overlook, and one of the island's premier sunset perches above the Atlantic.

Plan your walk

Gay Head Lighthouse

Directions to the trailhead

Check conditions before you go. Trail details from CapeCodCertified field visit + NPS/town sources (opens in a new tab)

When should you go?

Best time to go

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Weather and sun times from Open-Meteo for the nearest part of the Cape.

What’s the trail like?

Length: 0.2 mi
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: Not noted
Dogs: Not noted
Kids: Not noted
Accessible: Not noted
Views: Ocean
Good for: Walking

Where is the trailhead?

Gay Head Lighthouse, Aquinnah, MA

Get directions Open in Google Maps

Where else can you walk in Aquinnah?

Easy
Aquinnah Headlands Preserve (South Head Loop)
Mixed · MV Land Bank / Sheriff's Meadow
A short easy year-round loop through coastal heathland with lighthouse and cliff views down to Moshup Beach. (Local note: AllTrails ~0.9 mi, 4.6 stars — easy, family-friendly, scenic)
CCC Visited · Verified 2026-10-05
See details
Easy · 0.8 mi
Gay Head Cliffs Overlook & Headlands Loop
Mixed · Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) / Town of Aquinnah
A short scenic walk from the Aquinnah cliffs overlook area along the bluff edge, taking in the dramatic multicolored clay cliffs and the Elizabeth Islands beyond. The loop connects the parking area, viewing platforms, and the short headlands path toward the Gay Head Lighthouse. Sunrise and sunset views are world-class.
CCC Visited · Verified 2026-10-05
See details
Moderate
Moshup Trail (scenic route)
Paved · Town of Aquinnah / Land Bank
A 3.6-mile scenic road from State Rd to Gay Head Light, popular for cycling and walking above the cliffs. (Local note: Cyclists recommend the Lobsterville + Lighthouse loop via Moshup Trail to avoid busy South Rd)
Listed & Verified · Verified 2026-06-22
See details

Every Aquinnah trail Trails across the Cape

Directions

What is Gay Head Lighthouse like?

Where else can you walk in Aquinnah?

Easy

Aquinnah Headlands Preserve (South Head Loop)

Mixed · MV Land Bank / Sheriff's Meadow

A short easy year-round loop through coastal heathland with lighthouse and cliff views down to Moshup Beach. (Local note: AllTrails ~0.9 mi, 4.6 stars — easy, family-friendly, scenic)

CCC Visited · Verified 2026-10-05

See details

Easy · 0.8 mi

Gay Head Cliffs Overlook & Headlands Loop

Mixed · Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) / Town of Aquinnah

A short scenic walk from the Aquinnah cliffs overlook area along the bluff edge, taking in the dramatic multicolored clay cliffs and the Elizabeth Islands beyond. The loop connects the parking area, viewing platforms, and the short headlands path toward the Gay Head Lighthouse. Sunrise and sunset views are world-class.

CCC Visited · Verified 2026-10-05

See details

Moderate

Moshup Trail (scenic route)

Paved · Town of Aquinnah / Land Bank

A 3.6-mile scenic road from State Rd to Gay Head Light, popular for cycling and walking above the cliffs. (Local note: Cyclists recommend the Lobsterville + Lighthouse loop via Moshup Trail to avoid busy South Rd)

Listed & Verified · Verified 2026-06-22

See details