Located on the down-slope of Abel’s Hill, Chilmark Pond Preserve, 9 acres, offers high and long views of the Chilmark Lower Pond and the Atlantic Ocean. A lone, plaintive oak, whose backdrop is the barrier beach’s dune, inhabits the grassy field at the pond edge. The canoe drop is sited near the pond’s vortex, providing a wide view for birders. Also owned by the land bank are two stretches of Atlantic Ocean beach; access is via canoe and kayak only, which visitors themselves must supply. Private beaches are adjacent and signs indicate the limits of public ownership.

Start at the intersection of South Road and Meetinghouse Road. Travel 0.8 miles in the direction of Aquinnah; the preserve is located on the left. Be careful to use only the driveway marked by the land bank logo; all others are private. Parking and access are limited and visitors may have to be turned away; please have an alternate destination in mind if you are planning a trip to this property. Ocean beaches can be accessed only via canoe and kayak (0.2 miles across the pond); be sure to land only on the marked landbank beaches.