Nantucket Bike Paths > Biking To Sconset

Why bike to 'Sconset?

Siasconset, or as the locals say 'Sconset (pronounced Scon-sit) is a classic Nantucket bike ride for a few reasons:

  • With quiet streets and quaint cottages that are built on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic, 'Sconset is one of the most picturesque spots on the island.
  • 'Sconset often feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Town and the south shore beaches.
  • You'll pass plenty of scenic vistas and historical landmarks along the way.
  • Whereas many nantucket destinations are mostly out and backs, you can make the trip to 'Sconset more of a loop which keeps the scenery newer for longer
The Bluff Walk in 'Sconset

Logistics

📍 How far is it:

~18 miles roundtrip

🕘 How long does it take?

2-4 hours roundtrip

🚽 Bathrooms:

Public bathrooms are available in-season in 'Sconset on the corner of Shell St and New St

🚰 Water:

There are three water fountains on the Milestone Road bike path that operate in-season

🍽 Food:

Food can be purchased in 'Sconset at the 'Sconset Market and Claudette's Sandwiches (when they're open)

Points of interest

Young's Bicycle Shop map of 'Sconset

Download our famous map of Nantucket

'Sconset is mostly residential but there are plenty of opportunities for sight seeing. Here are some of the must-do's in 'Sconset:

  • Ride or walk down to Codfish Park, a public beach access where you can dip your toes in the deep waters of the Atlantic.
  • Stroll down the 'Sconset Bluff Walk, a public path that leads you through a beautiful street of cottages right up against the edge of the cliff.
  • Check out Sankaty Head Lighthouse at the end of Baxter Road and see how erosion is impacting the island firsthand.
  • Grab a bite to eat at Claudette's, a family owned sandwich shop that's been a part of the 'Sconset community since 1968.

How to get to 'Sconset on a bike

Via Polpis Road (10.5 miles, ~ 1.5-2 hrs)

There are two ways to ride to 'Sconset, either Polpis Road or Milestone Road. We typically recommend that visitors do "the loop" by taking the Polpis bike path to 'Sconset and the Milestone path back to Town, but ultimately it's up to you!

The Polpis bike path is a great way to head to 'Sconet because:

  • It's a couple miles longer and a little hillier than the Milestone path, so it's usually nice to do it first while you're fresher.
  • The Polpis bike path is often slightly hidden from the road, making the first stage of your journey that much more peaceful and relaxing.

Click to open map

Directions to 'Sconset via Polpis Bike Path

  1. From Young's Bike Shop, head up Broad St and turn left just past the Sunken Ship gift shop onto South Water St.
  2. Take South Water St across Main St past the compass mural and stay keep riding out of Town (sorry about the cobbles - just be glad you're not in a horse drawn carriage!)
  3. Most of the cars will eventually turn right onto Francis St but on bikes you'll want to go straight and ride past the Kayak rentals.
  4. Just past Sayle's Seafood the road will end and you can take the nice path through the marsh which spits you out onto an intersection with Orange St, which you'll turn left onto.
  5. Take Orange St to the Rotary, and use the cross walks to cross Sparks Ave and Old South Road which will put you on the Milestone Road bike path.
  6. Once you're on the Milestone path, ride for a half mile until you get to the cross walk that leads to the Polpis bike path.
  7. Congrats! You've made it out of town, now enjoy your cruise to 'Sconset.

 

Recommended stops and quick detours on this route:

  • Moors End Farm - Grab some fresh fruit and browse the local produce.
  • Nantucket Shipwreck and Life Saving Museum - A small but interesting museum that's worth a stop if you have time and would enjoy a break from the saddle.
  • Windswept Cranberry Bog - Plenty of good hiking trails here, and in the fall you can sometimes see cranberries growing in the bog.
  • Sankaty Head Lighthouse - Want a shortcut to the lighthouse? Right at the end of the Polpis bike path, head down Anne's Ln then turn left onto Baxter Rd towards Sankaty Head.

Via Milestone Road (7.7 miles, ~1.5hr)

Milestone is a straight shot from the center of 'Sconset right back to the Rotary in Town. After a few hours exploring the east end of the island, the Milestone path is the fastest way back.

If you decide to head to 'Sconset via the Milestone bike path, follow the directions listed above. The only difference is that once you're on the Milestone path you can stay on it all the way there to Main St in 'Sconset.

Recommended stops and quick detours on this route:

  • The Creeks Preserve - Located right at the Rotary and offers great views of the harbor.
  • Nantucket Serengeti - To the north of Milestone Road is the Moors, a vast expanse of conservation land that in places oddly resembles the famous African grasslands. Be sure to take in the views as you ride!

Click to open map

Ready to ride?

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