The Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island, is a popular tourist attraction that draws an estimated 1.3 million visitors annually. This 3.5-mile (5.6 km) public access walkway offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the city's famous Gilded Age mansions, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike. Here's what you need to know if you plan to make a trip down the historic trail yourself. The Cliff Walk is a nationally recognized walkway that is accessible daily from sunset to sundown. It is a popular spot for both leisurely strolls and fitness walks, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the city's historic architecture.
What parts of the Cliff Walk are closed? Currently, the section of the Cliff Walk between Narragansett Avenue and Webster Avenue is closed for repair due to a partial collapse of the trail that took place in 2022. The detour around this construction zone travels west along Narragansett Avenue, south along Ochre Point Avenue, and then back east along Webster Street.
Can I bring my dog? Leashed dogs are allowed to walk the trail, making it a great option for pet owners who want to enjoy the scenery with their furry friends.
What isn’t allowed on the Cliff Walk? The city does not permit smoking, biking, skateboarding, or alcohol consumption on the trail. There are also fines in place for littering and graffiti.
How do I access the trail? There are 10 official access points along the trail, including:
- Memorial Boulevard at Easton’s Beach (often considered the beginning of the trail)
- Cliff Terrace
- Seaview Avenue
- The Forty Steps entrance on Narragansett Avenue
- Webster Avenue
- Shepard Avenue
- Ruggles Avenue
- Marine Avenue
- Ledge Road
- Bellevue Avenue at Bailey’s Beach (often considered the end point of the trail)
How to get to the Cliff Walk and where to park: The city offers limited paid street parking along Memorial Boulevard and at the Narragansett Avenue entrance to the trail. There is also paid parking at Easton’s Beach down the hill. The Route 67 bus makes a stop on Shepard Avenue, just west of the Shepard Avenue entrance to the trail, and it also services Newport Transportation Center, which has a large paid parking garage and lot.
How easy is the Cliff Walk? The northern portion from Memorial Boulevard to Ruggles Avenue is entirely paved and easy to walk. After Ruggles Avenue, however, the path is unpaved, with portions composed of rocks and boulders that may be challenging to navigate, especially without appropriate footwear. Unpaved portions with difficult terrain include just after Ruggles Avenue to the access point at Marine Avenue and just after Marble House to the access point at Ledge Road.
What to see along the Cliff Walk: Part of the appeal that has kept the Cliff Walk relevant for so many decades is its proximity to the city's famous Gilded Age mansions. Many of these points have trail markers with QR codes explaining their significance. Famous sights along the trail include:
