Mountain Biking on Martha’s Vineyard: Trails, Tips, and Local Insights

Author: MV Vacation

Published: June 22, 2024

Martha’s Vineyard is best known for its beaches and harbor towns, but there's another side of the island that riders know well: quiet trails through the woods. New to singletrack or not, here are the trails, the practical tips, and what to expect when you ride here.

Top Mountain Biking Trails on Martha’s Vineyard

Bicycling on Marthas Vineyard route map showing loops and mileages across the island — Island-wide · route mapPhoto by MV Vacation

A posted cycling map with mileages, including the State Forest loops and the town-to-town connections.

The state forest on Martha’s Vineyard — The state forest · the trail hubPhoto by MV Vacation

The Manuel F. Correllus State Forest fills the island’s middle, laced with fire roads and singletrack. It is the heart of off-road riding here.

1. Manuel F. Correllus State Forest

This 5,300-acre forest in the heart of the island offers:

About 14 miles of wide, mixed-terrain trails
Easy routes for beginners and families
Shaded forest loops and occasional sandy sections
Trailhead access points off Barnes Road and Old County Road

Local Tip: Trails here are sandy and generally dry quickly, but always check the current trail conditions after rain.

2. Waskosim’s Rock Reservation

Located between West Tisbury and Chilmark, this conservation property offers a more technical ride:

Singletrack trails with roots, rocks, and narrow passages
Modest elevation changes and natural obstacles
Shared-use with hikers, so ride respectfully and yield when needed

Visit the Martha's Vineyard Land Bank for access guidelines.

3. Aquinnah Gravel Roads and Scenic Routes

While Aquinnah doesn't have official MTB trails, its backroads and gravel lanes offer a peaceful, remote ride:

Ocean views and rolling hills near Moshup Trail and Lobsterville Road
Very low traffic, but no marked bike paths
Best for intermediate riders who want quiet roads

Note: These are not officially designated bike trails. Use caution and ride respectfully.

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Essential Mountain Biking Tips

Use tubeless tires to handle sand and occasional thorns
Bring your own water; some routes have no refill points
Ride early or near sunset to avoid peak road traffic
Avoid trails immediately after storms, and respect any posted closures

Where to Rent or Repair Your Bike

Yellow bike rental shop building in Oak Bluffs with flag and rental signage — Oak Bluffs · rentalsPhoto by MV Vacation

A bike rental shop in Oak Bluffs; e-bikes now share the fleet with pedal bikes.

Rental bicycles lined up outside a bike shop in Edgartown — Edgartown · rent and ridePhoto by MV Vacation

Rental bikes lined up at an Edgartown shop. Every down-island town rents everything from beach cruisers to full-suspension.

Wheel Happy (8 South Water Street, Edgartown): Local shop with hybrids, mountain bikes and accessories
Edgartown Bicycles: Rentals, sales, and full-service repairs
MV Bike Rentals: Seasonal, best for casual bikes, limited off-road gear

Best Time to Ride

The mountain biking season on Martha’s Vineyard runs from May through October. Early June and September offer the best balance between good weather and lighter crowds. Avoid muddy trails after storms and use caution on hot days as shade is limited in some areas.

Combine Biking with Scenic Stops

A gravel double-track through scrub oak and pine on Martha’s Vineyard — The paved paths · easy milesPhoto by MV Vacation

The gravel double-track through scrub oak and pine is the mountain-bike side of the island; the paved shared-use paths are the flat family option.

Pair a ride with a few of the island's landmarks:

Stop by Gay Head Cliffs in Aquinnah for ocean views
Visit JAWS Bridge on Beach Road near Edgartown
Cool off with a swim at State Beach

Watch the Experience

Here’s what it feels like to hit a deep puddle mid-ride. Caught on camera:

Watch: Biking Through a Deep Puddle – Almost Got Stuck

Filmed June 2025

The short version

Mountain biking on Martha’s Vineyard isn’t about big drops or downhill parks. It’s about quiet rides through the woods and roads most visitors never see. Respect the land, stay alert, and enjoy it.

More island guides are on MVVacation.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I mountain bike on Martha’s Vineyard?

The Manuel F. Correllus State Forest in the middle of the island, 5,300 acres with about 14 miles of wide mixed-terrain trails and easy loops for beginners and families, with trailheads off Barnes Road and Old County Road.

Is there singletrack?

Waskosim’s Rock Reservation between West Tisbury and Chilmark: roots, rocks, narrow passages and modest elevation changes, shared with hikers, so yield when needed. The Land Bank posts the access guidelines.

What about up-island?

Aquinnah has no official trails, but its gravel lanes near Moshup Trail and Lobsterville Road offer a remote ride with ocean views and very low traffic, best for intermediate riders.

Are the trails sandy?

In the state forest, yes; they generally dry quickly, but check conditions after rain.

Where do I rent a bike?

The rental shops in each ferry town; our biking guide covers rentals, paths and routes.

Mountain Biking on Martha’s Vineyard: Trails, Tips, and Local Insights