But did you know that it is 3.5 miles long?
Most visitors to Newport have walked its "Cliff Walk," but how much did they really learn about it? Cliffwalk, in 1965, was designated the first New England a National Recreation Trail and runs from the east end of Bailey's Beach (locally known as "Rejects Beach," itself a best-kept Newporter's secret) to the western end of First Beach. This designation is given to trails that contribute to health, conservation, and recreation goals in the U.S. It is administered by the National Park Service and the United States Forest Service.
Public access points to Cliff Walk are also located at Bellevue Avenue, Ledge Road, Marine Avenue (where there is a small natural beach used by surfers during hurricanes to launch their boards off the "Breakers"), Ruggles Avenue, Sheppard Avenue, Webster Street, and Narragansett Avenue. Much of the Cliff Walk is paved, although the later portion of the walk has some unpaved sections and paths along its rocky shoreline. Though a more challenging section, it also offers wonderful views.
Cliff Walk's path takes it behind many of Newport's famous mansions, including Astor's Beechwood, Rosecliff, Marble House, The Breakers, Ochre Court, and Rough Point, where a bridge is located over an open chasm.
After an energetic walk, stop in at First (Easton's) Beach's carousel, for a ride down memory lane. Or, have lunch at one of the many fine restaurants in Newport.
Comments(5)