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Four Wheeling

© Fred Durand

One of the most popular areas, Smith Point, frequently closes to all vehicular traffic when Piping Plovers or other endangered bird species are nesting in the sand. For the past 3 years, this area has been closed for the entire summer. The good news, however, is that the populations of some endangered species have increased dramatically.

By far the most spectacular area is Great Point, a 7 mile long sand penninsula at the Northern end of the island. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and Nantucket Harbor to the south; in some places it's so narrow both can be seen at the same time. You can choose either the beach road which parallels the ocean or a beautiful interior road which takes you over moors, sand dunes, and around salt water ponds. Both roads lead to Great Point Lighthouse at the very tip of the penninsula.

Great Point, together with Coatue and the Haulover are actually wildlife conservation areas owned and maintained by the Nantucket Conservation Foundation and other non-profit organizations. Access to these areas is by permit only; available year round from the Gatehouse at the northern end of Waiwinet Road, the area's only entrance. Permits are currently $85 and may seem a bit pricy if you're only going to use it a few times. But consider also the entire area is open, as they say, 24/7 and the permits are valid for one year. More important though, the money is used soley to maintain and preserve the land as open space together with its many species of inhabitants.