Sankaty Bluff

Embark on a captivating journey through deep time with our guided hike to the magnificent Sankaty Bluff. This coastal adventure begins at the Hoicks Hollow Road public way, leading you south along the beautiful Nantucket shoreline. As you walk, the sound of the waves provides a timeless soundtrack to a story that began hundreds of thousands of years ago. The destination is one of the island's most significant geological treasures, a place where the raw, layered history of Nantucket is dramatically exposed to the elements. This walk is more than just a scenic stroll; it is a pilgrimage to the very foundation of the island, offering a rare glimpse into the powerful forces that shaped this unique landscape. At Sankaty Bluff, you will witness an incredible cross-section of history, a natural textbook open for all to see. This is the only location on Nantucket where three distinct geological layers are visible together. We will explore the story told by each stratum, from the sand, gravel, and boulders left by the last glacier during the Wisconsinan Glacial Stage, to the ancient ocean bottom formed in the Sangamonian Interglacial Stage. Deeper still lies another pavement of glacial material from the even older Illinoian Glacial Stage. Discover how these layers were formed and connect with Nantucket's profound geological past on this unforgettable exploration.