Cliff Walk

Cliff Walk

Newport Harbor

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Atlantic Coastline from Easton's Beach to Bailey's Beach (Private)
Newport, RI 02840
401-846-5774

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Babies

Toddlers & Pre-K

School-Age Kids

Pre-Teens & Teens

Cliff Walk Description

Folks of all ilk—in jogging shoes, with stroller, accompanied by a dog—flock to this stunning three-plus mile trail that wends along the coastline over bridges, through tunnels, up and down steep stairs, and in some sections over rocks, all the while enjoying the Atlantic Ocean on one side and elegant mansions on the other. The rougher sections aren't for everyone—and definitely not for small children or strollers—but there's a stretch for every type of walker. Whether you go for scenery or adventure, it's definitely not just another walk in the park.

Kid Tips

Babies: The stretch between Ruggles and Narragansett avenues (the Breakers Mansion to the Forty Steps; about a mile one way) is really the only place to wheel a stroller. You'll have a few stairways to deal with, but they're short (about four stairs each) and most parents find them easy to manage. Park at Narragansett Avenue as close to the Forty Steps as you can (watch the signage). Many people walk one way along the Cliff Walk and the other along Ochre Avenue.

Toddlers & Pre-K: A bad idea for kids this age. The area is steep, with drop-offs. Wait until they're a little more sure-footed.

Pre-Teens & Teens: Pique their curiosity with a visit to the Rosecliff Mansion first. It may be familiar to some from the Great Gatsby. It costs nothing to roam the absolutely stunning grounds (you pay only if you tour the inside), where kids can imagine themselves in nineteenth century attire playing croquet on the lawn. Once they see the ocean and the Cliff Walk below, they'll likely want to stroll—access the Walk by heading north on Bellevue to Ruggles Avenue.

Planning Notes

Choose your path. The walk rises high over the ocean, making it best for not-yet-ambulatory children or older kids with firm footing. This is particularly true of the rougher, unpaved section south of Bellevue, which requires some scurrying over rocks.
Round trip. Remember, 3.5 miles there is 3.5 miles back. Some areas have long stretches between access points and you may discover you've walked a long way without realizing it. The trail starts at Easton Beach, but access points exist along the way. Grab a map at the visitor center to pick your route.
Trolley. In season (when there's limited parking in the area), the Newport trolley will deliver you to many points along the path for $1.75, or buy a day pass for $5. It's definitely your best bet.
Private property. Be mindful of that fact that, believe it or not, some of the stunning buildings along the Cliff Walk are private property.

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