Colorizing the westernmost tip of Martha's Vineyard are the Aquinnah Cliffs. Named by the Native American, Wampanoag Tribe, Aquinnah simply means "High Land." Formally known as the Gay Head Cliffs, these multicolored sandstone and clay cliffs where carved by glaciers 100 million years ago. They rise approximately 150 feet above the beach and crashing waves, and overlook a 5-mile stretch of beach (Moshup Beach).

Also enjoying the view from the top is the Gay Head Lighthouse. Gay Head was not only the first lighthouse to be built on the island, but also was one of the first beacons to receive a first order fresnel lens (1956). Erosion is taking its toll on the cliffs forcing the lighthouse to be move back 150 feet in 2015.
Walter Pietrowicz