The Newport Cliff Walk has been drawing visitors to the Rhode Island shoreline for well over a century. Its origins trace back to paths first worn by local deer, then the Narragansett Indians, then colonial settlers who combed the shore for salvage from shipwrecks. During the latter half of the 1800s, the newly wealthy of New York’s Gilded Age descended on Newport and built their famous summer “cottages” along these very cliffs. By 1880, serious development of the walk had begun, and in 1975 it was officially designated a National Recreation Trail, the 65th in the nation and the first in all of New England. The start of the Cliff Walk is only half-a-mile from the Admiral Sims’ House and it is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon in Newport.
Key takeaways from this guide:
- The Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile National Recreation Trail through a National Historic District, open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset, free of charge.
- The walk is divided into five segments ranging from easy paved paths to rugged coastal scrambling over rocks.
- Safety is a real consideration. Abrupt drops, slippery surfaces, and poison ivy are genuine hazards.
- Iconic Gilded Age mansions line the route, some of which are open to the public as museums.
- A section between Narragansett Avenue and Webster Street is currently closed due to a 2022 path collapse, though a detour is available.
Where exactly is the Cliff Walk and how do I get there?
The walk runs along the eastern shore of Newport, Rhode Island. It begins at the western end of Easton’s Beach (also called First Beach) at Memorial Boulevard and runs south, ending at Bellevue Avenue near Bailey’s Beach. The best parking options are Easton’s Beach at 175 Memorial Boulevard, or the Forty Steps lot at 300 Narragansett Avenue if you prefer to start further along. For getting back to the start after finishing, you can take the RIPTA Trolley Route 67, or if you’re up for more walking, Bellevue Avenue will take you back to Easton’s Beach in about 4.5 miles.
Is there an admission fee, and what are the hours?
The Cliff Walk is completely free to access and open every single day of the year from sunrise to sunset. No tickets, no reservations, just show up and walk.
How long is the walk, and how difficult is it?
The full trail is 3.5 miles. If you push through without stopping, budget about two and a half hours, though it’s well worth taking your time. Roughly two-thirds of the walk is in easy condition, paved and very manageable. The northern end, from Memorial Boulevard to Forty Steps, is a pleasant, paved stroll suitable for almost anyone. As you head south, things progressively change. The section from Ruggles Avenue onward involves rough terrain where you’ll be scrambling from rock to rock. By the time you reach the Belmont Beach to Ledge Road segment, you’re in serious hiker territory with significant elevation above the water. The final stretch from Ledge Road to Bellevue Avenue is comparatively easy after what precedes it.
What should I wear and bring?
Sensible, sturdy walking shoes are a must. Fine sand collects on some of the rock surfaces in the southern sections and can be unexpectedly slippery even with good footwear. Always be alert and cautious; in spots just a few feet from the path, there are abrupt drops of over 70 feet, and wild bushes often conceal these hazards. In summer, watch carefully for poison ivy, which grows well along parts of the path after rainy weather. You walk at your own risk, as the trail is a public right-of-way over private property.
Are there restrooms along the way?
Yes, though options are limited. Public restrooms are available at Narragansett Avenue at the Forty Steps area and remain open seasonally during daylight hours. Easton’s Beach also has restrooms open seasonally. Plan accordingly, especially if you’re heading into the southern sections, which are more remote.
Is any part of the walk currently closed?
Yes. The section between Narragansett Avenue and Webster Street has been closed since a portion of the path collapsed in 2022. The city is working on repairs, and a detour is in place so visitors can continue the walk without backtracking entirely.
What will I actually see along the way?
Quite a lot. The natural scenery alone, ocean views, wildflowers, birds, and classic New England rocky shoreline, makes the walk memorable. But the real showstopper is the architecture. There are many Newport boat cruises that pass Newport’s famous homes; the Cliff Walk allows guests to get a closer look at some of America’s most famous Gilded Age mansions.
- The Breakers, built by the Vanderbilts and now a National Historic Landmark, is the largest of Newport’s summer cottages.
- Marble House, another Vanderbilt property, sits just down the path.
- Rosecliff, which reportedly cost $2.5 million to complete back in 1902 is visible from the path.
- Rough Point, once the home of heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke, is open seasonally as a museum.
- Land’s End was famously home to novelist Edith Wharton.
- Several of the properties are now part of Salve Regina University, including Ochre Court, the second-largest mansion in Newport.
- The Chinese Tea House near Marble House has a particularly interesting history as the meeting space where Alva Vanderbilt organized her women’s suffrage activism.
Any other tips for first-time visitors?
- Start from Easton’s Beach and walk south so the hardest terrain comes later in the walk when you’ve found your footing.
- The Forty Steps, a historic stone staircase descending toward the water, is an early highlight worth a scenic pause in your walk.
- If you’re visiting in summer and plan to reach the southern end near Marine Avenue, you may spot surfers launching from the small natural Belmont Beach on days when offshore storms send in good waves.
- And keep your eyes up as well as down: the mansions above and the ocean below compete for your attention the entire way.
- Remember that many of the properties along the Cliff Walk are private residences. Walkers are requested to stay on the path.