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Cliff Walk

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Cheryl
First Reviewer
5 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
7
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The Forty Steps at Cliff Walk

  • August 28, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Parisbeba from New York , New York
The Forty Steps at Cliff Walk

The Forty Steps are part of the Cliff Walk and are a dramtic stone staircase that drops about 2/3rd off the cliff with an amazing stone like "balcony" The steps down to the balcony aford you an amazing view out to the ocean.

It is said that during Newport's "Golden Age" the steps were a gathering place for the many servants that worked at the many mansions. Here they would have dances during the weekend, enjoyin their traditional Irish songs.

Ferni and I love coming here during our visits as it gives us a sense of peace and serenity, it is also a wonderful place to just gaze out into the ocean.

From journal Gilded Age Mansions and So Much More

Enjoy Parts or All of The Cliff Walk

  • August 28, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Parisbeba from New York , New York
Enjoy Parts or All of The Cliff Walk

Beginning at Memorial Boulevard there is a 3.5-mile scenic walkway overlooking the rocky bluffs and the Atlantic Ocean as well as the famous Newport summer mansions. The views are breathtaking as you meandor through some rough trails along the path.

Some of the pathway is paved but you must be very careful as the trail can be dangerous in some locations. There is also only partially wheelchair accessibility because of the rocks and stairs.


From journal Gilded Age Mansions and So Much More

Walking the Cliff walks

  • August 25, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by bluept2005 from Billerica, Massachusetts
Beautiful, if you start walking from the first beach area it is the most easiest part to walk, the further you get the rougher it gets, but believe me it is well worth it. The mansions are on your right and the ocean is on your left, just beautiful views. If is also very beautiful to walk at night when there is a full moon. If you park by the beach there is a charge for parking, but if you drive down Bellvue ave you can park on some of the side streets for free.

From journal Newport, RI

Editor Pick

Cliff Walk

  • August 5, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by bridgettesb from Boston, Massachusetts
Cliff Walk

A wonderful walk, breathtaking views with the mansions on one side and the ocean on the other! You can take it as long or as short as you want. The whole trail is 3.5 miles long, most of which is paved and level, making it a stress-free walk. Part of the path does become dirt and rocks and is slightly more advanced.

I read that poison ivy can be a problem in the rainy months, so keep your eye out if you are allergic, I imagine that could really ruin your vacation!

The walk starts at the western end of Easton's Beach (Newport's First Beach) at Memorial Blvd. and runs south with major exits at Narragansett Ave., Webster St., Sheppard Ave., Ruggles Ave., Marine Ave., Ledge Rd., and Bellevue Ave. at the east end of Bailey's Beach.

Along the way are a few different stops that you might want to take.

At the end of Narragansett Ave., are the Forty Steps... a dramatic stone staircase that drops way down the side of the cliff to a balcony over the sea.

This segment of the walk is well marked, the condition is very good, and it is easily used for walking and running.

There is a Chinese Tea House built right above the walk with gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean. This home belonged to Mrs. Vanderbilt.

The mansions are unbelievable, it is really insane to think that these people needed homes of these sizes.

There really is alot to see and it is a great walk, any time of year. We did not do the whole trail, but I wish we had. If you have a couple of hours to spare, take a walk and enjoy the views.

If you go on the advanced parts, make sure to wear good sneakers and bring alot some water, I have heard that it can be really adventurous and rocky.

They have a website which has alot of helpful info, so you can really mark your path and learn about all that the trail has to offer.

www.cliffwalk.com

From journal Newport in the Winter

Editor Pick

Cliff Walk

  • October 17, 2003
  • Rated 5 of 5 by take-me-away from Raynham, Massachusetts
The Cliff Walk is very unique. It is a National Recreation Trail in a National Historic District.

The walk runs three and a half miles and about two-thirds of the walk is in easy walking condition. It is on paved walkways.

The walk starts at the western end of Easton's Beach (Newport's First Beach) at Memorial Blvd. and runs south to the east end of Baileys' Beach. There are exits at Narragansett Ave., Webster St., Sheppard Ave., Ruggles Ave., Marine Ave., Ledge Rd., and Bellevue Ave., if you want to stop and get off.

You pass at your own risk on the walk, which is a public right-of-way over 33 private properties.

The view of the Newport shoreline is spectacular. There are great views of the mansions and the cliff sides. The wildflowers, birds, and geology add to this great walk.

Parts of the southern half of the walk are a rough trail over the natural and rugged New England rocky shore line. You have to scramble from rock to rock. Make sure you have good shoes. This is a must. There are a number of fences guarding the steep drops. In spots, the drop is over 70 feet. The stretch from Ruggles to Ledge Road is the longest and most difficult once you pass the Gull Rock tunnel. This section offers no easy exit. You need to be especially careful and alert in this area.

At the end of Narragansett Ave. are the "Forty Steps". This is a stone staircase that drops about two thirds of the way down the side of the cliff to a balcony over the sea. Some parking is available on Narragansett Ave. A lot of people just go here to see the spectacular view of the ocean. Each step has a name of a person or family or business on it. They have contributed to the steps restoration. During Newport's Gilded Age, the Forty Steps were a gathering place for the servants and workers from the nearby mansions. This part of the walk is easy and in very good condition.

Also, watch out for Poison Ivy. It grows well along some areas of the path. Just be careful and enjoy.

One important thing to do is to take water with you. Whether you walk the whole thing or part of it, the sun gets very hot and you will get thirsty. My husband and I did the whole walk down and back (7 miles). It took us 3 hours and 15 minutes. I was exhausted, but it was worth it.

From journal Long Weekend in Newport, RI

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