Newport, Rhode Island, is a gorgeous historical town with plenty to do and see outside, especially if you enjoy the water. You can spend endless hours exploring the streets and sailing the Atlantic. However, if you’re an avid hiker, you may be dismayed that it is not a hiker’s paradise. The whole state of Rhode Island only elevates to 812 feet above sea level, which is barely a small hill for seasoned hikers. Despite the lack of elevation, Greater Newport, Rhode Island, offers beautiful views and opportunities to exercise through scenic walks.
Newport, RI: Outdoor Basics
The hiking trails that you will find around Newport are more walking trails than hiking trails. As I mentioned above, they don’t have any considerable elevation gain and tend to be paved and relatively easy to access and walk.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come prepared for nature and exercise. The climate of the northeast can be especially challenging to adjust to in the summer if you are not used to heat and high humidity. In the winter, trails may be closed or ice/snow-covered.
Here are some basics I recommend bringing while out on these scenic trails:
- Water
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Sturdy walking shoes- you don’t need hiking boots, a good sneaker is fine
- Bug spray
- Navigation tools. I use downloaded maps from the Plus AllTrails subscription. Use this link to get a free 7-day trial.
- Headlamp if walking at night, dawn, or dusk
- Lyme Disease Precautions as mentioned below
Plan Your Newport Itinerary
There’s so much more to do in Newport than take a scenic walk. Here are some more posts to help you plan your Newport, RI trip. a
Lyme Disease Precautions
Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to humans through ticks carrying the bacteria. While ticks with Lyme disease can roam throughout the United States, they are found heavily in New England and the northeast.
The CDC estimates that roughly 476,000 people may be diagnosed with Lyme Disease each year. If caught early, Lyme Disease can be treated. However, without treatment, symptoms can worsen and may include rashes, muscle pains and weakness, immune system issues, and nervous system issues.
Growing up on the East Coast, I’ve been taught to wear bug spray when going out in nature and to do full-body tick checks after walking through the woods and high grass to safeguard against Lyme or to catch any signs/symptoms of Lyme early.
Lyme Prevention Tips
- Avoid going off-trail and walking through grassy meadows or high grass
- Wear bug spray
- Walk in shoes with socks, nothing open-toed
- Wear long pants that are tucked into your socks
- Sport long-sleeve shirts that can be tucked into your pants
- Shower after being out in nature
- Check your body for ticks after walking
- Talk to your veterinarian about tick protection medication and sprays for your pup
- Don’t forget to check your dogs after walking, even if they are on tick prevention. They can still get ticks
Newport, RI Scenic Walks
Without further ado, here are some scenic walks that you can enjoy in the greater Newport, Rhode Island area. The Cliff Walk, Fort Adams Bay Walk at Fort Adams State Park, and The Beavertail Lighthouse Loop in Jamestown, RI.
The Cliff Walk
Newport is famous for The Cliff Walk. The trail is placed between the Atlantic Ocean and the stunning Gilded Age mansions that Newport is famous for. The trail in its entirety, one-way, is 3.5 miles long, and it’s an out-and-back trail. If you’re walking out and back, expect a 7-mile walk.
Read reviews and download the trail here: The Cliff Walk
If you want to enjoy a leisurely walk with views, I recommend starting the cliff walk at the Memorial Boulevard entrance by Easton’s Beach. There’s metered parking in that area. From the beach entrance, you can walk approximately 1.5 miles to The Breakers on a flat, paved trail. Then, you can turn around and walk the same trail back, or walk through the neighborhood, which includes the eye-catching campus of Salve Regina University.
Once you walk past The Breaker’s, the terrain turns more challenging, and you will have to do some climbing over rocks and scrambling to continue the trail. This section requires sturdy footwear; I do not recommend attempting it in sandals.
You can bring dogs on this trail as long as they are on leash and you pick up after them. I only walked my dog through the easier part of the trail to The Breakers.
Thoughts on The Cliff Walk in Newport, RI
This is a must-do in Newport, for the views alone. The trail itself is narrow and can be challenging to navigate, especially with crowds and a dog. Parking can also be difficu,lt to find, especially midday in the summertime.
I recommend doing this walk as early as possible to avoid the crowds. And while the trail is dog-friendly, if your dog doesn’t do well in smaller spaces or navigating around other people and dogs, I recommend leaving your pup at home.
For my dog and me, this trail was a one-time visit. It wasn’t something that became part of our routine, as the area was crowded and parking was difficult to find.
Fort Adams Bay Walk
This flat, easy two-mile loop is filled with historical and coastal scenery. You get to see the historic Fort Adams and stop to learn about its history. You also have views of the Newport Bridge and harbor with boats sailing around.
If you’re looking for a trail that’s good for the whole family, kids, pup, and exercising, this is going to be your trail in Newport. It’s a wider, paved trail with grass along the edges that allows you to pass people more easily and move better in large groups and with pups. For those reasons, this is also a good trail for runners.
Parking at Fort Adams is easy. There is a large parking lot with free parking. There are also public bathrooms that you can access along the trail close to the marina.
Learn more about the trail here.
Beavertail Lighthouse Loop
If you’re craving more nature, this is the trail for you. While technically not in Newport, the Beavertail Lighthouse Loop is across the Newport Bridge in historic Jamestown, RI. This is an easy 2.3-mile loop with relatively no elevation gain (85 feet total) and can be completed in under an hour.
This trail removes you from the hustle and bustle of the city and loops through the woods, coastal cliffs, and to a beautiful lighthouse.
The Beavertail Lighthouse Loop is dog-friendly and a good one for the family to enjoy as well. It was not crowded while I was there, and there was ample parking around the park. While parts of the trail itself were pretty narrow, this wasn’t a busy trail, so it didn’t feel crowded or too small.
Newport, RI: Scenic Walking Trails Recap
Newport, Rhode Island, is known for its coastal charm and history. Although not typically regarded as a nature destination, there are beautiful places where you can enjoy long scenic walks. The Cliff Walk, Fort Adams Bay Walk, and Beavertail Lighthouse are all scenic trails where you can enjoy time in nature.