Cliff Walk Reviews

This is a must-do when in Newport. The views from the trail are fantastic. It's free as well so it's definitely worth checking out.

There is an entrance to the Cliff Walk right by the mansions. If you are visiting "The Breakers" walk through the front gates and make a left. It will lead you to the Cliff Walk. Wonderful views of the sea and the back of the mansions. Worth doing at least once while in Newport.

Very scenic and comfortable walk with beautiful views. First half of the walk was easy. Bring your camera for some nice pictures.

A recommended way to hike along the sea on the one hand and several splendours on the other. Partly developed as a sidewalk, partly over cliffs and very uneven. Each curve opens up new perspectives. Beautiful the play between light and water.

Cliff Walk is a spectacular walk of 5,6 km in Newport, where you can see 11 Villas and some of them can Be visited such as The famous the Bakers and Marble House. These Villa re present the golden age and the twenties, so are really gorgeous to visit.
If you are tired there are some buses that can reach the center of Newport in few minutes. The final part of the walk is more difficult and have to weare sneakers to walk bravissima there are a lot of cliff.
Both in the Bakers and Marble House there are bar where you can eat or having lunch.

What a neat experience! We walked from one end to the other and the views did not disappoint. So many cool things to see both inland and out to the water.

This was a super trail! It offers something for everyone, wildlife, ocean views, mansions, walkable and challenging trails. We parked in the lot at the North End where the trail is paved and easy and went all the way to the South End where there are just boulders. It was challenging but not too difficult. I wouldn’t do the lower trail with older family or babies. There is no option for a walker or stroller there. We hopped the trolly back which gets you almost to the beginning but still another 15 minutes of walking.

We try to walk the cliff walk once a year. We Just did it again on 7/6/23. There is about a one block section that is currently closed for repairs just north of The Breakers but you can easily skirt around it using side streets. Walk from north to south if you have mobility issues or baby strollers as the north section is paved; otherwise go from south to north where you can end at Easton’s Beach. Be prepared for some light rock stepping/balancing in the southern section. The free 67 trolly that runs from the bus station to the trail head will drop you off at the southern tip. Mornings or evenings are best so you can stay out of the heat of the day. Not much protection if you get caught in the rain; if you’re on the south side head to one of the tunnels to wait out the rain.

I parked at Easton's Beach off Memorial Boulevard. Parking fee was $25 !!! During my walk I found abundant FREE parking on Webster Street east of Ochre Point Avenue.

As for the walk itself:

(1) There is precious little natural cliff on the Cliff Walk; most is artificial riprap.
(2) Most of the plants seen are invasive exotic weeds.
(3) The houses are huge and ostentatious and misfit to their surroundings. It would be nice to see some contextual building like Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater or Mary Jane Colter's Phantom Ranch.

Though cold, it was an amazing walk! We went from end to end - stopping to enjoy the views and the snacks we brought with us. Most was not difficult to walk, but climbing on the rocks was a little challenging (though NOT impossible) - would not recommend in the rain. :) Going on this walk in December was a unique experience . Trail not crowded at all.

The Cliff Walk is a beautiful seaside walk just a short distance from downtown Newport. The section from Easton Beach to Salve Regina (Narragansett Ave) is paved and easy with spectacular views. The section from Narragansett Ave onward is partly blocked off for repairs (there is a detour) and then quite rough terrain. Parking at Easton beach is plentiful but expensive. One great option is to park at the Newport Transportation Center which is conveniently downtown, hop on the free Trolley #67 and take a scenic quick ride to Salve Regina. If you ask the trolley drive, you get a $5 voucher for the parking fee. Newport is such a fun and gorgeous destination!

A little under 2 hours (approx 5 miles) to complete. We're healthy adults in our 50s. Bring water. There are bathrooms along the way. One catch: some terrain is NOT EASY to navigate. Rocks, incline/decline, uneven surface. Not all paved! Just be prepared.

Ocean to your left and beautiful homes and mansions to your right. Free, street parking. Wonderful outdoor activity not to be missed while in Newport.

Fantastic views from the cliffs, nice walk for the part we tried. Have to check out the forty steps too. This gives you sweeping views of the water, waves crashing ( we were there on a stormy day)

Skip the part from memorial blvd to ‘40 steps’. While the ocean is nice, all but the first mansion is covered by hedges. While 40 steps and the mansion around it are nice, the path towards the breaks is closed requiring a block long detour. Small children and the elderly beware.

Easy enough walk for all types of people. Great views of the ocean and the backside of the mansions.

Great length, beautiful views, cute beach right at the end! We loved this walk and would definitely do it again. There are benches and separate paths along the way.

Exceeded expectations and very near other beautiful sites and walks, but it does get a little treacherous at times and bathrooms are difficult to find.

We started the Cliff Walk behind The Breakers, taking advantage of the free parking there, and followed the paved path to Easton Beach and back—a scenic round trip that took about an hour. The ocean views were stunning, especially from the 40 Steps, where we paused to admire the rocky shoreline below. While many of the famed Newport mansions are tucked behind hedges, The Breakers and Salve Regina University were clearly visible. Meanwhile, the kids tackled the moderate-to-difficult section for another hour, navigating slippery rocks made more challenging by scattered showers; they found it tough but rewarding. It’s a beautiful blend of coastal access, history, and adventure—perfect for families with varied energy levels.

Part of the walk is closed, so we went on the north, paved, easy side. Boring for kids, good exercise, but I wouldn't plan your trip around it. Parking is somewhat difficult to find, but street to park on has mansions to look at or tour. $ PAY with credit card. We did 2 hours to be safe, about $4 and card only. We stayed about an hour. Maybe the other side gets you closer to the water, but more difficult. Lots of butterflies...

The view was beautiful and the walk was fun, though shorter now that part of it fell into the ocean. Was still a great experience and recommend.

What a fun and unexpected day we had. Totally exhilarating. I didn’t know what to expect but it exceeded my expectations!

This for us is a highlight of visiting Newport as we enjoy getting some exercise in on our trips. We visited the Breakers and then walked over to Cliff Walk and did almost the whole walk towards Bailey beach and back. After lunch we then found a parking spot on the road near Easton beach and walked to The Breakers on Cliff Walk and back. This broke up the 3.5 mile walk up for us. Love the view of the water and also the limited view of the mansions. Also enjoyed scanning the QR codes along the way.

Always a nice scenic walk! A section is closed off right now, but you can go down a few side streets and pick it back up if you wanted to continue going.

If you are coming to Newport, this should be the very first thing you do. The views are stunning and it makes you feel like you have gone back in time as you walk by the various mansions - many of which have been around for over a hundred years.

It is a gorgeous walk! From victorian mansions to wild rocks catching the waves, with the beautiful ocean breeze, how could you not like it? The beach at the end of the walk is not great, so I would rather walk. There is even a tunnel 😊

What a great way to get fresh air and have a fabulous view of the ocean. Visit the mansions and then talk the cliff walk. There are places to stop, sit and just take in the beauty. For those who are not outdoor people pass this on by. Be sure to stop and climb down the 40 steps.
Folks enjoy the company of your love one and seriously see the beauty of this leisurely journey

We had already done a trolley tour so we knew to take the bus to the Breakers due to construction on the early part of the walk We should have paid better attention to getting off the walk as we ended up doing the entire length, including the rocks/boulders and tunnel. It was more than we expected, but it was lovely. Once you reach the end there are signs to direct you back to the trolley /bus so you do not need to walk all the way back.

Although parts of the original cliffwalk are close due to safety concerns, the rest is definitely worth the effort. Many examples of art deco architecture and while waves crash on the rocks below. A once in a lifetime experience!

The cliff walk was our favorite thing to do with n Newport. Part of it is closed for repairs but the detour is clearly marked. Very safe and friendly and incredible scenery.

I walked on the Cliff Walk in April 2022 during my visit to Newport, Rhode Island. I parked my car on Webster Avenue. The Cliff Walk area north of Webster Avenue was under repair and you could not walk there. I walked south on Cliff Walk. I passed a beautiful area with yellow flowers. The view of the rocks and the ocean was great. Further on was a Ukrainian flag. Past the Ukrainian flag was The Breakers. Once I passed by The Breakers there was a gazebo. I went around a bend and a little further it was no longer paved with a sidewalk but all rocks. In the distance I could see Marble House and the Chinese Tea House. I decided not to go on the rocks and turned around. Maybe I walked 1.25 miles each way for a total of 2.5 miles. With the repairs and unpaved sections, it is not possible now to walk the entire 3.5 miles. But even with a truncated walk the Cliff Walk is a "must do" in Newport.

A pleasant walk, but disappointing. We did the sealed path extent of the walk, not the whole length. We were expecting the views to be better and the walk more interesting. There was not a great deal to see, but we enjoyed the exercise.

The cliff walk is definitely a highlight of Newport. It’s a 3.5 mile walk but there are different places you can enter/exit if you don’t want to do the whole thing. We started at the 40 steps and walked down past some buildings apart of Salve Regina University as well as mansions like the Breakers. You get great ocean views and see lots of plants and flowers. Lots of people come visit the cliff walk so it can get crowded. Very scenic. Definitely a must see in Newport!

Breath taking view of ocean. Come during sunrise and its magical. Its also not crowded if you come early.
I loved sunset too although not as magical during sunrise

This was a great activity for our family. We parked near the 40 steps, got lucky and got a spot right on street. We walked down there to checkout the ocean views, then headed towards the mansions. We probably walked a mile down and back, most of it was paved. We did get to a spot where we had to walk over some rocks. Most people seemed to make it out there just fine, I was in sandals and was OK, but it could be a bit tricky if you're not super comfortable. We got to a small little beach after walking across the rocks. The ocean views were incredible, the mansions were beautiful! The kids enjoyed an area where you could stand and get splashed by the waves hitting the rocks :)

My husband and I did the Cliff Walk on an early fall morning, and it was really nice. Not only do you get the gorgeous views of the ocean and the cliffs, but you also get spectacular views of the mansions along the way. If I lived in the area, this would probably be a daily activity for me.

We started our hike at Reject beach (we arrived there by bus 67), and walked almost the entire trail. We really enjoyed the beginning, rough part of the trail. The views were breathtaking! There was a detour at the other end of the walk, so we missed the last few minutes of the trail since everyone was tired as it was a hot and sunny day. My 10 and 13 year olds really enjoyed the walk as well. And, we caught bus 67 back to the center of town. A perfect way to spend the morning if you've already visited a few mansions.

We walked along Cliff Walk at sunset with our young children. It was beautiful views and a serene atmosphere. Such a cool experience!

This was my fourth experience with the cliff walk in 20 years. This time was with family. On every occasion it’s been absolutely beautiful and enjoyable. Be sure to tour a couple mansions as well.

When our cruise ship docked in Newport, RI, my husband and I did the scenic Cliff Walk on our own. It took about 30 minutes to walk from the port to the beginning of the trail. Along the way, we passed St. Mary’s Parish, where John and Jacqueline Kennedy got married in 1953.

The Cliff Walk is about 3.5 miles – most of the path was easy, but there were some parts that were challenging. It requires walking over large boulders and loose rocks. I had to put away my camera because I need both hands to navigate.

We saw many beautiful mansions along the shore. The only one we recognized was The Breakers, the 70-room summer residence of Cornelius Vanderbilt, but all were just as impressive. The Cliff Walk ended at the Bellevue Avenue where we then headed back towards the pier.

If you like to hike, then Cliff Walk is for you. It’s free and there’s public bathroom near the Forty Steps stone stairs. We walked close to 27,000 steps that day :D

One of the highlights of our trip. We loved the cool ocean breeze and the views along the coast. There is a brief, temporary, detour around Salve Regina College and part of the path is rocky so people with mobility problems may prefer to turn around before that.

You’ll never go wrong with a walk on Cliff Walk. Go in the morning for a more quiet walk. Sneakers definitely recommended!

We found it very easy to catcha trolley bus from the bus station in Newport and asked the driver to let us off at the start. On the way back we asked to be dropped off in the centre. The walk is an easy 3.5 mile walk but not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs as there are steps and uneven ground. The path hugs the sea and gives you an opportunity to see the gilt edge mansions of a bye gone age. Explanation boards give an insight into this age but we used the information on our phone from a QR code which gives a lot more information and well worth doing.

This is just such a nice 3.5 Mile walk along the shore with some nice mansions at your right. This is more about the ocean as many shrubs and trees block some of the housing side, but it's great to do early am or late day.

The breeze was terrific last night, and we just took it all in. There is a midway restroom and street access half way through this.

We went on a day with beautiful weather. It was amazing! There was a breeze coming off the water, and there were new things to explore around every corner. Make sure to bring walking shoes, though! There are some sections where you can walk on big, flat rocks, so leave your high heels at home.

The walk is beautiful , municipality keeps it trimmed and nice but where are the restrooms!? We parked at Narragansett Ave and used a bathroom there. We head south. It was beautiful , kids wanted to stop and see everything more thoroughly, but around Belmont Beach everyone started needing using a bathroom. Come on Newport park and recreations, where people may do there business if they need to? There is private fence from one side and cliff from another. And I do not want to be embarrassed or embarrass anyone by peeing or poop on public. It is not a Middle Ages anymore. At least at the Belmont beach municipality may keep portable restrooms. Or should we knock the private homes to use a bathroom? Thank goodness the stuff from the Breakers Mansion let us use it’s restroom without buying the ticket. It’s very nice from them but it should not be there problem. I know we are not the only one who faced that problem. Newport Cliff Walk is a epic destination of all Ri, municipality must do something about it or the walk is going to smell like a toilet. On my opinion location number 16 (the south end of the cliff walk), the Belmont Beach, and the north end location number 1 must have at least portable restrooms.

The cliff walk is a lovely way to view Newport's harbor and the mansions from the back. Much of the path is paved and an easy walk. Pay attention to the signs that say when the path gets moderate or difficult - it's true. There were areas marked that had large rocks to navigate and it made me nervous as I have poor balance, but again, it was marked. I'd suggest parking more near the mid part of the path or the end, as parking near the beginning was full.

A nice side trip. In town for a wedding so we drove the mansion loop. Oh what sights they are! Enjoyed the Cliff Walk as part of our trip!

What a wonderfully romantic, peaceful way to spend a day. The views of the water are absolutely stunning; we would sometimes stop just to admire the views, and we saw other people doing the same. Parts of the walk were closed off, but there's still plenty to see. Mind your footing, as some of the walk is rocky and can be challenging to maneuver. It gets very busy here, so I would recommend parking a bit farther away and taking one of the free trolleys here.

The cliff walk is well worth the time. Park at the Breakers and start your journey from there. It will take you by some great estates that are beautiful. It is a great way to get exercise and take in the sites. There are sites along the way, the whole way.

Went on a sparkling sunny day and the views are exceptional! Stunning mansions on one side and the ocean on the other side. Not a difficult walk at all - mostly flat - with some sections where you walk on uneven boulders. Totally enjoyed it!

I walked the entire walk; my wife just did the easier parts. Both of us enjoyed it immensely. The north end from Memorial Blvd. to Narragansett Ave. is very easy, suitable for someone in a wheelchair. The area near the other end from Rough Point to The Waves is fairly strenuous, not recommended for anyone with virtually any mobility issues. That said, I am a healthy 73-year-old and had no difficulties.
There are less views of the Newport Mansions than I might have liked but great views of the coast. And there are some very nice mansion views.
We parked on Narragansett Ave. at 40-steps; parking is $2/hr. On the other hand, parking at the south end is very difficult to find and not close to the Cliff Walk.

Enjoyable walk along the ocean. Many homes are difficult to see from the walk but there are enough opportunities to see some of the Mansions. A few tricky sections that are slick when wet but worth doing at least once. The QR codes along the way are great for reading about the history of the buildings.

The Cliff Walk is a must in Newport, regardless of the time of year that you visit. It is about 3 miles long, one way. The northern part of the path is a beautiful paved walkway between the ocean and the beautiful homes. The southern part of the path gets a little more rocky.

One addition since our last visit is a bathroom that was installed near the 40 Steps.

We started at Ruggles Ave and walked north to the beach. It was a very scenic, very easy walk.

The Cliff Walk is something you can do again and again.

Definitely beautiful views and worth the efforts. However, be prepared for some treacherous rock crawling. Wear good sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes and don’t go if you’re not in at least a bit of shape like daily walks.

Really beautiful walk - highly recommend. Gorgeous coastline views. Pack water and be prepared for only a little shade. Took us around 2+ hours to walk the whole thing.

Gorgeous, although a bit crowded unless you go very early. I wish we had planned more time to see more of the Cliff Walk. Very easy walk from the Chanler to the Breakers.

We went on this walk on a beautiful Sunday last week. We walked from our hotel (Bellevue Manor) down Memorial Avenue (gorgeous street btw with the fall colors) to the Cliff walk entrance at Easton Beach and walked the entire length to the end. The first mile or so was very easy and paved and shortly after you pass The Breakers there are rocky parts but very manageable even wearing regular sneakers. The views are breathtaking! It took us about 2 hours as we made frequent stops to take photos. From the end we walked a couple blocks to Bellevue Avenue and caught the free trolley #67 back to our hotel. Aside from all the great seafood we ate, this was our favorite thing that we did on this trip. Do not miss doing this walk when in Newport!

Tip: The trolley was running every 15 minutes but was very crowded. Some people who got to the bus stop after us could not board. If this happens, cross the street to catch the trolley BEFORE it gets to the end of its route and turns around to ensure a spot.

Beautiful views
Paved walkways
I walk slowly and there was space to allow me to stop to let faster walkers go but me.ABeaut

We had the perfect day for the Cliff Walk! The sun was shining and the Water in the Bay was rolling toward the cliffs with high sparkling waves. It was beautiful. The Walk is under repair which takes you through Salve Regina University for a short detour. We only walked as far as the rocks and turned around. The only parking is at meters accepting coins and credit card. We were glad we went. The big mansions were cool.

Just do it. Such dramatic and beautiful vistas. This is truly a gorgeous walk; however, I did not go the entire walk. It has some gentle areas, and some that aren't as gentle. My knees decided not to try the not so gentle parts, but it would be fine for most people. Highly recommended.

Don’t go to Newport and miss this free walkway! If you’re short on time choose one mansion, and as long as the weather is decent, spend time along this planned walkway. My advise would be to tour the interior of Marble House since the Cliff Walk takes you past the back of The Breakers. You will be rewarded with views of the ocean on one side and lovely homes on the other.

If you’re looking for beautiful sites and a tranquil afternoon, walk at the cliffs, beautiful scenery. The breeze from the ocean and the pictures we were able to take or gorgeous.

We’ll worth doing if in the area. It’s about 3.5 miles so be prepared for a good walk. I began where the restrooms are @ 40 steps. I walked to the beach and then back to 40 steps. I didn’t go right at forty steps because they had it closed off so while I didn’t see the whole thing, what I saw gave me a good idea of it.

There is a Newport sponsored trolley (Bellevue #67) that runs from the Transportation Center downtown. This is a free trolley and makes a round trip from downtown area of Thames St past a number of mansions. In our case the driver was very talkative describing the various landmarks, buildings and mansions. One of the stops is in front of the "The Breakers" which allows tours of the grounds and such for a fee. This stop is just past Salve Regina University on Ochre Point Ave going South on the way out of town. Just to the right of The Breakers is Ruggles Ave which with a short walk East (about a block) leads to the cliff walk. This a approximately 1/2 way down Cliff Walk, and according to the University students, going South is some of the best views of the walk. We walked approximately 1/2 mile south when we came across a washed out area of the walk about 1/4 mile long. Many people do cross this area, but it would not be recommended for anyone with balance or mobility issues. We walked back where we exited the trolley and was able to catch one back to the Transportation Center. The views were good and the walk of about a mile were prefect for us. There is another access to the walk on the North end of Ochre Point Ave for those that desire a longer hike.

I Loved this area. Wish i would have got to explore the whole trail. Part was closed off when we went and there was tons of people. I would still recommend a stop.

Nice, relaxing walk with a beautiful view. The walk is paved and I saw strollers and wheelchairs. I didn’t do the entire walk but there was a bathroom about a mile from the start. Very dog friendly.

A great walk along the shore along all the mansions. HBO was filming will we were there I thing it was called Guilded Times? There is a portion of the walk that was closed by the University, so we walked around the University back to the trail at least the paved portion. This trail leads you to a section that is rocks and boulders to walk. Hard to go on for some.

First time doing the walk and I need to go back and finish the whole thing lol! The views are AMAZING!! Definitely wear comfortable sneakers and have a water bottle, if you intend on walking the whole trail.

The cliff walk is a great way to see a different view of the beautiful Newport houses, landscapes and especially beautiful views of the water. Some of it is an easy walk on level ground and some is really figuring out the best path along the uneven rocks and terrain, there are a few tunnels and steps. It was fun and interesting way to walk a few miles and see some of the sights.

Extraordinary experience and the best part is that it is free! Some breathtaking scenery on both sides of the trail. Fairly flat but there are some parts that cross over rocks. Another plus is you can simply take a cheap trolley back to town. Excellent photo opportunities. A totally immersive experience- the sights, sounds and smells.

Nice walk we only did the paved portion. We walked the cliff walk in the early evening so the views were spectacular but the weather was a little cold.

We were parked at The Breakers, so we got on the Cliff Walk near there. We are Baby Boomers in our 70's so we opted for a short walk. After doing Rosecliff, Marble House, The Elms & The Breakers over two days, a short hike was necessary. The views of the shoreline, the homes, the rocks were very enjoyable. With two Geology Majors in the family, stopping for rocks is unavoidable. Our walk ended by Salve Regina University & at that place Cliff Walk had a detour, due to work going on. It was good to experience the Cliff Walk on a nice sunny October day.

In nice weather this is a wonderful walk along/above the shore with great views of the ocean on one side and mansions on the other side. Some mansions are partially obscured while others are fully visible. I would summarize it as a pleasant walk with bonuses (ocean and mansions). Allow at least an hour to stroll.

Could not have enjoyed the Cliff Walk more. My fiance and I took a beautiful leisurely walk with our dog along the Cliff Walk, starting at Easton's Beach, past the 40 Steps, and all the way down to the end of the paved walkway before turning back. The walkway was well maintained and was not overcrowded. The views of the cliffs, the ocean and the town were breathtaking. It is a must see for anyone visiting Newport!!

Fantastic walk - with breathtaking views of both the Atlantic and the “cottages” of Newport.

Remember to download the walking tour before you start and enjoy the terrific narration along the way.

Hubs did this 45 yrs ago so wanted me to experience it. It was a fairly easy hike up and down up til the rocks then we turned around. It was hot so a little harder than expected but still an excellent walk! Loved seeing the fabulous mansions and wild flowers along the path. About half way or so there are restrooms. Worth it!

Wish we weren't in a heat wave when we did this as there is limited shade but so glad we did it. We parked at Narragansett Ave by the bathrooms ($2 an hour to park). Due to the first section being closed, we had to walk a block or 2 to enter the Cliff Walk one street over (not a big deal). We paid for an app to narrate what we were seeing as we went (would definitely recommend doing this so you know where you are and what you are looking at). The views were beautiful - ocean and cliffs on one side, and the backyard of the mansions on the other. We went 3 miles along Cliff Walk from where we parked down past Rough Point to pick up the trolley back to the car (it was a 2 mile walk back to the car so we could have walked it, but the town trolley came by). The Cliff Walk varies between paved path, gravel/dirt path, and serious rocks and boulders that you have to balance and climb over. Surprisingly, there were no hand rails or clear path at times which way is the easiest over the boulders. You must be steady on your feet and a strong walker/hiker to do this.

What a beautiful to see the beauty of Newport; the water, the mansions and plants, flowers, trees, etc. We loved it, we ran out of time and didn't get to see it all, but it was lovely!

The cliff walk is an amazing experience. The walk, the water, the mansions - everything was magical. Highly recommend!

It has been some time since we have been to Newport, at least four years have passed, and yesterday it was a perfect sunny and mild day to return. How different the walk is now! The boulders have smooth surface now, the railings are very sturdy and freshly painted (except for a couple of spots), the maps are available at the Forty Steps point (point #3 on the map) and at the start of the walk (point #2 on the map) at the Chanler. From the Chanler you can walk down to the Euston Beach (point #1), if you fancy a walk on the firm sand.

The easy part of the walk allows you to see the mansions and, after a short stretch of unpaved path, you will reach magnificent Marble House and its Chinese Pagoda.

After the Chinese Pagoda, a so called difficult part of the walk begins, but in reality is is not challenging at all - just some granite rocks and no elevation change. In my opinion, it is the most beautiful part of the path where you can see the colonies of seagulls and big long beaked birds (probably, Great Cormorant) perching on the cliffs.

We walked all the way to point #15 “The Waves” and back to the Forty Steps (point #3). Can’t wait to return and we will not wait fir four years again, that’s for sure.

Great walk, beautiful views. Most of the walk is easy to moderate. Toward the end a little more challenging. 3 1/2 miles one way so 7 miles round trip.

This is the COOLEST walk. Gorgeous views of the ocean, Newport mansions, some tide pools. There are several places you can enter the walk, making it as short or long as you’d like.

Decided to stop off and walk a portion of the cliff walk in the morning to get some exercise in. Was totally gorgeous. I’d say most fitness levels would be comfortable with a good portion of the trail to at least see some of it. We had some older folks in our party and they did just fine until we got to the staircase. But they were still very impressed with it. Loved it.

Beautiful walk for a chilly, sunny January day! This time of year there’s no leaves on trees or shrubs so you can see the mansions from the walk and have gorgeous ocean views. And of course - very few people.

This is a great activity especially if you have dogs. It does not cost a thing to walk along the Cliff Walk. It’s FREE. You get to enjoy the beautiful scenery including seeing the “summer cottages”

A nice walk along the cliff but I was led to believe that there was more to see. This was not the case. We walked along the paved portion of the walk. We probably would have enjoyed it more except it was a chilly day. It was great exercise but again, not much to see.

We walked the "easy" part of the walk and didn't attempt the rocky part. But that was fine and we got to see mansions from the exterior and view the rocky sea coast.

Always worth the time to walk. Just amazing views and you can go at your own pace and take it all in. This trip we started at Easton Beach and went to Ruggles and got off the walk to go tour a few mansions and skipped the last 2 mile section.

Excellent challenging walk. We started at 40 steps and walked to the end at Bailey’s Beach. Red sections were challenging for this 60 year old but well worth it. Gorgeous views of the ocean and mansions. Walked back up Bellevue to see the front side of the mansions- equally as charming. Tiring but amazing.

Beautiful morning for this stunning walk. However be prepared that walking is only part of this experience. Many sections require traversing boulders and climbing uneven rocky surfaces. Definitely a worthwhile excursion!

The Cliff Walk was an every day event. Either early or late. It is a must do in Newport. The walk has stunning views of the ocean as well as the Mansions

The cliff walk is beautiful and breathtaking however it is not for everyone. Parts of it are closed for repair or difficult for those who are not the most nimble. However, I do recommend that you do at least part of it. Maps are available to let you know the safest sections to do.

As beautiful as advertised, definitely a must do in Newport. We split it up into two parts - North and South and did them on separate days. I think I would have liked better starting on one end and taking our time to the other end. The South end was definitely more difficult footing, but the views were fantastic. One of our friends really struggled with the rocky trail on the south end, so be aware it might not be for everyone. On the far north end, we stopped to have drinks on the Chanler Lawn; it was a great place to take a pause, have a drink, and absorb the view.

Amazing stroll along the Newport coast admiring the views as well as the string of mansions many from the "Gilded Age". Most people combine it with a tour of the Breakers mansion. A must do if visiting Newport, about 3 miles to do the complete walk.

We met of course get with us Cliff Walk now we were in Newport. We were five adults and all agreed that it was a perfect trip to take. Many beautiful buildings, and nature in perfect harmony.

While the magnificent mansions (cottages) are spectacular in their detail, creativity and craftmanship; the Cliff Walk is a wonderful reminder, as to part of the reason why these structures located here in the first place. The views of the water, and impact of the waves are breathtaking.
Whether one walks the entire length, or just accesses a few spots and immerses in the natural beauty and wonder; this is a part of Newport not to be missed.

Wow! What beautiful views - of the ocean, the waves breaking against the rocks of the cliffs, and the stupendous mansions along the way. A must do for visitors to Newport!!

Hubby and I took a short trip that included a trip to the Cliff Walk. It was a great day for this experience because the sun was shining and the temp was decent. Nothing too exciting to report on this. Nice stroll and pretty view. They do have public restrooms near the stairs, but only 1 was available for use and the line was really long and slow.

On a stunningly sunny and warm day, you can't get much better than walking the Cliff Walk! Happened to be there during the Newport Daffodil Days, so that added an extra special touch. You could make the walk relaxed or could run it for exercise. Would recommend this attraction!

We did the cliff walk in 2 days. First from Ruggles ave to the rockier shores. The next time from Ruggles to the beach. Def. two different experiences. Park on Wetmore Drive - it's free and easy to get to!

Great free thing to do in Newport! We only walked a short section near the Breakers, but I would love to do the whole trail sometime. Gorgeous scenery and lovely way to get a glimpse of the magnificent homes. We used the free trolley to drop us off and pick us up.

If you are going to do the complete Cliff Walk, definitely wear sturdy shoes and you will have to climb over some rocks. But it is a nice hike and a good activity while in Newport.

We made it to the breakers from the north starting point and it was a nice walk. Pretty crowded on a Sunday afternoon, but was still enjoyable.

Just do it! The views were amazing, and it is great exercise. If I lived in Newport, I think I would do this everyday. Most is paved, but there are some parts that wouldn't be good for people with mobility issues since it requires walking on rocks and a little climbing. Wear sneakers or hiking trail shoes.

I love walking here. So peaceful. Good paths with a beautiful view. I love being here for the sunsets. Great for those who love to run or walk

Decided to park our car at a meter near Easton Beach. paid for 1 hour so ended up doing about 50% of the Cliff Walk. Went 1/2 hour in and 1/2 hour back. Glad we were on time, the meter maid was scouting each and every car for an expiration on meter time. Very nice scenery, well worth the time and best of all, it's FREE (other than parking)! You wouldn't want a to chance a ticket here!

Fabulous historic walk in Newport that you shouldn’t miss! You get the best of both worlds with glorious ocean views , nature on one side and the mansions on the other. It was really fun to look up the history of the houses with the markers along the way. It’s a long walk and some parts are rocky so definitely wear the correct foot wear, hat and sunscreen. Due to limited Tom we only walked half of the walk and they cut up to the Main Street and caught the shuffle bus back to our car.

This walk checked many boxes on my visitor checklist. We parked at Easton beach and headed out. The first mile or so of trail you really only see one mansion, the trail is bounded on one side by the water, and other by tall hedges or fences with a lot of ivy, so only peek a boo views. Also not much shade. After the 40 steps, things get interesting! Several mansions available to gawk at, nice close up and panoramic views. More shade on path, AND a portion of trail where you are scampering over artfully placed rocks, completely unsuited to strollers, canes, unsteady folk of any variety, do your research. We walked this path, then jumped out, walked landslide and did tour of The Breakers. Doable. Do take note of cliff walk entry points and parking. The bottom line, great use of time, excellent scenery, I recommend.

This is a wonderful place to walk during all seasons. The views are spectacular and the walking is fairly easy and well groomed.

Beautiful, breathtaking views, definitely worth the rugged walk. You have to be comfortable walking over rough terrain, I definitely recommend visiting this wonderful place nestled between the ocean, cliffs and mansions

One of the first things we wanted to do in Newport is to take the Cliffwalk as far as we could.
Parking is a major issue & many other reviewers give good advice. I'm afraid I can't because we parked in the wrong place & by some miracle we weren't towed! It's a long story & involves the Democratic Vice President candidate giving a speech at Ochre Court.
I spoke to a lady sitting on a bench enjoying the day & asked her about parking. She said she lives in the area & just walks from her house. She says she does know they will tow cars.
We did quite a bit of the trail. From the top of the forty steps to just beyond the Chinese Teahouse.
This is a beautiful walk & enjoyed the views very much. There are some rough spots between Angelsea & Rosecliff. The rocks are tricky to get through, but doable if you have no physical limitations.
There are public bathrooms by the Forty Steps.

It is a long walk but you don’t have to go all the way if you don’t want to. The walk is very scenic starting uphill if you start at the north end which we did. Get to see the outside of the mansions. Some people use it as an exercise route.

We went the first part of the cliff walk and agreed that that part was not a must. You can not see so many villas from the path and you have limited time, it is probably better used to come in to see a villa or have more. However reservation that we did not go the whole trip.

We visited the Cliff Walk after the Breakers tour. It is just behind the property, and you do not need a ticket. We walked just past the mansion and down the street. The name is a bit deceptive. It is an incredibly safe path. There are benches all along the path and the part we were on was handicap accessible. Do not miss this free & gorgeous attraction!

Great tour along the shore behind many of the mansions of Newport! Not too tough of a hike, and there are many different entrances/exits so people of different fitness/mobility levels can enjoy some or all of it! You can always catch a ride via Uber, Lyft, or the bus if you’ve had enough! Dress in layers so you can adjust with the conditions!

We entered to the entrance close to the Breakers and used the free parking of the mansions. We walked south until we hit the rugged part without protection. This cliff walk is nice but takes out privacy on the private estates, I don't know if the mansions are compensated for this loss of privacy

Outstanding views with so many things to see. Would definitely go back and walk the entire trail again!

My wife and I hiked the entire cliff walk from end to end on a very cold and windy day that actually made it better. The walk starts off relatively easy on smooth pavement. There are a few places that you are walking on top of concise broken rock and a few places where ice had formed.

The walk had great views of the different parts of Newport and across the bay to other towns. You will not get a good view of but a couple of the mansions but that is not what we were looking for.

Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes if you plan on walking the entire length and very warm cloths as the wind coming off the ocean drops the temperature by 10 to 20°.

We started this path first thing in the morning. By bus we are to the Easton
Beach rode and walked all 3.5 miles to the bus stop near
Bellevue Avenue. It really is a very nice walk, initially very easy and against
the end a little harder to walk. It was just beautiful all these
wesen and large plots of land to see. A dreamlike coastline. We took
enough time to do so and occasionally paused for views of the sea and the
Ambience to enjoy. It's worth it.

Nice coastal view while walking by historic mansions. Good time getting out for some fresh air in the sunshine while enjoying the views. Some parts are not for everyone but overall most people could walk the majority of the terrain.

I highly recommend this scenic walk. Absolutely beautiful! Most of it is paved. There are links to information describing each area.

Perfect way for kids to let out energy after touring the mansions. A nice paved pathway with amazing views of some of the mansions, cliffs and of course the water.

Apparently there was construction going on (not something I saw anywhere when I was researching this trip). So we parked at the paid beach and walked up. We were able to do the first part of the walk which doesn't really have any mansions on it before we ran into the construction. At that point the kids were hot and bored so we just turned around and went back to the beach. Some signage at the start of the trail would have been nice. But the views of the ocean were nice. I would probably suggest doing this in the morning if you are here in the summer because in the afternoon there was almost no shade and it was hot.

The Cliff Walk is billed as offering views of the ocean and Gilded Age mansions. However, for a lot of the walk, all you can see are the hedges on either side of you. Except for the viewing platform at The Breakers, I felt like we got better views of the mansions walking on the city streets. Also, don’t be duped into paying the ridiculous $15 parking fee for the public parking on Memorial Blvd. There’s plenty of side street parking along the Cliff Walk.

A good way to spend some time while in Newport . Overlooking the water while walking makes for some good exercise . Metered paring is readily available nearby

Took a short stroll along the cliffs after visiting the Breakers. The views are amazing both of the water and the mansions. The path was not strenuous nor crowded as we went on a weekday on the off season(Fall).

Marvelous spot of New England's most romantic walks, Newport's Cliff Walk access is free. Bear in mind that while the Cliff Walk lends itself to a stroll to take in the coastal views, conditions here and there are rough, if not difficult. Several times we had the opportunity to admire the famous stretch of the Atlantic coast that once enchanted the families of American high society. The stone staircase called The Forty Steps is a great spot to take pictures as well as Salve Regina University and the few mansions including the famed The Breakers. We started our walk at Easton's Beach given the permanent washroom facilities and stopped here and there on the wonderful path while enjoying the ocean breeze. Dogs are allowed if they stay on a leash, but bicycles are prohibited. Choose a sunny day if possible and wear sturdy shoes if you plan to stroll this 3.5-mile enchanted trail.

Such a fun and beautiful area to walk! Absolutely loved the ocean view, the view of the different Newport or Salve Regina mansions along the road, and the rocks. A must do!

We took a short walk along the cliff walk after visiting the Breakers. The scenery is beautiful and it's an easy walk in that area. There was a map at the entrance and we avoided the areas identified as being more difficult or challenging.

we did the Cliff walk on a Sunday evening. The weather was lovely - we found parking near Easton Beach and started our trek. We spent a couple of hours total walking up and down the trail. Its mesmerizing to see and hear the waves crashing on one side and the mansions, gardens and backyards on the other side. There are a lot of people traversing the path and we felt safe and have a great time, My kids walked the entire hours (aged 4 and 11) - Bring water and snacks if needed since there is not any place to buy especially if walking with kids. There are a couple of restrooms at the mid way point

Beautiful nature walking trail. Download an Action Tour Guide while you walking on the trail. You will enjoy more. Must go if you in Newport, RI.

What a great walk, along the beautiful ocean with rocks and waves, and behind the big stately homes that were built by powerful families over 100 years ago. Good place to see scenery, history and to get good exercise.

Especially like the feeling of the sea. Always brings more beauty. And also can get more relaxation

Great way to see the shore and backs of a few of the gilded mansions. Only restrooms are 2 at the 40 steps so be sure to use them there if you need be. Ended up parking on Narragansett Ave but parking is limited. Recommend parking on Ruffles St as no one was there. There is a block long detour at the 40 steps while they work on repairs. Nice easy walk (about 3.2 miles and to end).

Loved the whole experience with a combination of easy walking, a little stair climbing and then some maneuvering on rocks. The scenery was spectacular and even though there were plenty of people on the trail, it never felt crowded. There were restrooms to use about 3/4 of a mile in, but if you plan to go the entire length, there's no other ones after that. Definitely a must do activity when in Newport.

Even on a busy Sunday in the summer, it was easy to find parking and enjoy this walk. There is little shade, so be prepared for sun! Great views of the ocean and mansions. Well worth it!

Beautiful walk. We walked here from our B&B. I thought we would walk the whole thing but I missed the part that the last part is more like rock climbing. Stunning views. Glad I did it, but next time I will turn around at the Chinese House.

We recently walked the Cliff Walk. My wife and I are in our early sixties and in average shape for our age. The walk was not too strenuous. Very exhilarating. We must caution though - everything we read about this attraction indicates you get good views of the back sides of the mansions. This is not true. Most of the mansions are blocked by 10 ft hedge rows. You have a constant view of the ocean, which is lovely, but very limited views of the mansions. If you want some exercise and a nice view of the water, this is it. If you simply want a free peak at the mansions you will be disappointed.

3.5 mile one way Beautiful free mostly paved with a bench here and there trail overlooking the sea! incredible peaceful lovely!
Nothing like it anywhere else!
Thank you Newport!

We are in our seventies and we were able to walk from the North end to Wetmore Avenue where we were able to get back on the free trolley, #67. That is not the entire Cliff Walk, but it was was beautiful and interesting.

Just allow yourself enough time depending on your abilities. It is paved and fairly level for much of the way. There are several places to exit and get back to a place where you can get the trolley.

Enjoyed the walk. Wasn’t quite prepared for the rocky surfaces but was completely safe. Views were beautiful. Part of the walk was closed but enjoyed. Bring water.

I planned our vacation with the Cliff Walk as the highlight and was not disappointed. For the sure-footed, I recommend taking the free trolley from downtown Newport to the South Cliff Walk entrance. It's rated difficult in the first section, but wasn't a problem for a couple just shy of 60. We walked the full length to the North Entrance in about 2 1/2 hours, with plenty of stops along the way for photos. The views are amazing, with the ocean on one side & mansions on the other. We then walked a few blocks to lunch & ambled down Thames Street for shopping & more sights along the harbor.

Nice, breezy walk. You can see some of the mansions...some are hidden by fences and bushes. They are incredible to see! The rocky part isn't too difficult to traverse. There is a little tunnel to pass through if you make it as far as the Chinese Tea House.

Great walk; highly recommended when the weather is nice. Shortly after the Breakers, the road becomes more treacherous…so if you have a stroller, just keep that in mind (you probably won’t get through past the Breakers).

Beautiful spot to see the water, cliffs and beautiful mansions that line the walk. Wish it was warmer when we went, but the views were great!

The views alone are worth spending a couple hours to walk. However, a couple of considerations.
1. Have a bathroom plan if you walk most or all of the path, as their none on the trail. Consider visiting one of the mansions, using their bathroom, and then start the walk from there.
2. Park at the south end trailhead to more crowds, see more nature, and to avoid the closed & detour section. To hit the mansion views, park at the popular Narraganset trailhead. The detour takes you around the Regina university.
3. Avoid strollers, particularly near the breakers area where the path ends and a rough rock path continues for a time. The main path also narrows at certain sections

Excellent self-guided tour! it tracks your location and start narration at a right spot. informative but not overwhelming. do wear comfortable shoes!

Something that was on our vacation list to do and glad we took the time to do it. It was absolutely worth the effort and time by far. Special attraction during our time frame was "The Great Elephant Migration." That even added so much more to the Cliff Walk. If you get there earlier parking along the street is available. The path is narrow so don't plan on a fast walking pace. The rocky part really can be challenging. If you don't have good balance I wouldn't chance it. We did the whole walk but took the free #67 Bellevue trolley back and got off at the Salve Regina University and walked the rest back to beginning from that point. More because of the timer on the parking situation. Yes, we had a 3 hour limit time and used the whole 3 hours. So, watch your time when doing the walk.

This is a very lovely seashore walk along a paved path (the portion we walked on) with views of the ocean & lovely mansions along the way. We started off at 40 Steps walking down to the sea and read the interpretive signage about Cliff Walk. We headed east and went as far as you can go on the paved path. The Visitor Center in town recommended we stay on that route as the unpaved portion is rockier and visitors are more susceptible to falls (ok for younger visitors —not so much for middle age to older visitors). Being from California, we enjoyed seeing east coast surfers along this rocky shoreline & even chatted with one!

Beautiful! Must do in Newport. The first half of the walk is really easy (good for strollers); the second half isn’t as accessible, but still not necessarily hard (just need to watch your step more as you’re walking over rocks, etc.). Most people wore athletic attire/shoes.

The cliff walk is a beautiful and easy walk on a paved sidewalk; we had a friend that we were pushing along the way in a wheelchair. it is not a good view of the local mansions at least on the half of the path that begins near the public beach. Beautiful views of the ocean all the way around, but if you are looking for unrestricted views of the mansions along the way, go look at them from the street side. You can access the cliff walk at several streets. We accessed it very near the public beach and street parking was impossible. To park at the public beach was $25 and then you walked uphill about a quarter mile to the cliff walk entrance.

Must do attraction in Newport! Beautiful walk, and picturesque scenery. Great photo opportunities! Most of the walk is easy enough as it is paved *Note there are parts which you have to walk over rocks and uneven ground, and while we were there, some construction going on.

If the weather is good this is a beautiful walk along the shore with glimpses of various mansions and their sea view gazeboes. As you get further south it gets less crowded. Because of the numerous sections where you pick your way across the boulders this is not for little kids, strollers or those with mobility issues. There was one unlit, wet tunnel in this season that was a bit tricky.

Incredible views, terrain was explained well when listed rough at times so must be in shape to do entire walk but exciting & worth it. We chose to start at harder South end to finish with the easier walk.

We started at the 40 steps and walked to Easton beach. the views were awesome, but be aware that we had full sun the entire walk so dress appropriately and bring water. A must do if you have time.

This is a must-do in Newport. We only walked part of it but totally enjoyed the time there. Beautiful coastal scenery and a relaxing walk from near the Chanler House to the Forty Steps. It was blocked off from there and we did not look for alternative routes. Took the free trolley #67 back to downtown. All very easy.

Be prepared to walk the cliff it is a 3.5 walk/hike, and you should dress appropriately depending what time of the year you visit especially if you are going to walk the difficult terrain. The scenes are breath taking as you walk the cliff. I give it 4.5 only because there were a few detours from the cliff. I guess a few areas are closed.

3.5 mile walk along the eastern shore of Newport, the Cliff Walk itself is free, but you'll need to find parking. There are side streets you can park on nearby (free mostly), or you can park at Easton's Beach. The fee there can be hefty, depending upon the day of the week. Also, realize that if you do the entire walk, you end far from where you start, and so planning a bus route is ideal, or having someone retrieve you works as well. Or, you can simply retrace your steps.

Most of the walk is along a well-maintained trail. If you start at Easton's Beach, the first 1.25 miles is easy enough. There is some elevation change, but it's slight. Once you pass Ruggles Avenue, there are sections of the walk that take you over rocks. In most of these spots, there are large, flat rocks that are fairly easy to navigate. You will see lots of folks challenging themselves with tougher routes. If the rocks are wet, you need to be very careful because they are slick.

At Forty Steps, you can walk down close to the ocean. Often, there are fishers, and the surf comes in and makes for nice scenery over the rocks. Frequently, tourists and walkers venture out over the rocks. You can find a nice place to sit on the rocks here and enjoy the view of the sea. Again, follow the rule that if the rock you want to step on is wet, consider not stepping there at all. Falling into the water will result in a very difficult self-rescue, serious injury, or worse.

Accidents happen. On our trek, we watched paramedics assist an injured individual who had fallen. Some of the rocks are sharp. It's not infrequent that in the challenging areas, there are falls. If you have balance issues or are not sure-footed, you should not attempt this tougher portion of the trek.

Understand that if you've got good balance and can make a 3.5-mile walk, you can handle this walk very well. There are a couple of tunnels beneath rock (use your phone as a flashlight if you find them too dark), but they are not long and the path is still fairly smooth.

As a treat, you'll get a nice view of the Chinese Tea House at Marble House along the walk. The view of the Breakers is quite nice as well.

Many homes remain private residences and they have planted vegetation and/or maintained it such that from the Cliff Walk, you cannot see their homes. Some walkers find this frustrating but do consider whether you would want to have your morning coffee with a few hundred gawkers staring at you each morning. Regardless, you get many long-range stunning views of homes and outcrops, and often you can see many of the private homes.

The walk ends over a rocky area and then a dirt path to Coggeshall Avenue and Bellvue Avenue. (There are bus stops within the area (seasonal) that can route you back close to the Easton Beach area. Allow for time.

RESTROOMS: There are restrooms located at Forty Steps. Sometimes the lines are long but know that there are restrooms about a mile into the trek from Easton Beach.

It's a beautiful walk, especially if the weather is nice. It can get a little crowded (so if you are trying to run the path, go early).

The walk is so beautiful along the coast. I would recommend going in the morning when less crowded and cooler in the summer. We did the entire walk and it does get challenging towards to the end. The rocks can be difficult to maneuver and at times I was a little nervous.

So my family visited the cliff walk in June of 2024 and I have to say it was beautiful is because as you walked and seeing the Atlantic ocean from the cliff is stunning. Yes, as you walk the water breeze just blow in front of you is amazing. Also the views is absolutely stunning and I truly like it for sure and I never thought that I can see then nature and it beauty from walking up the narrow stripe of the trails and see the views. There were some little trails where you can walk down there to see the water closer, but my family never did. But seeing from above the high trails it is nicer and we took some photos of the view amazing. I highly recommend to check it out for yourself and see what the nature has to provide.

No map along the way. Just permanent signage explaining each location. Very few exits and not clearly marked. We missed the (poorly marked) last exit and ended up climbing rocks which was very dangerous. All of the fancy mansions had fencing, and some barbed wire, to keep people from exiting the cliff walk. See my photos. We finally came across someone with a paper map of the walk and figured out how to exit. With all the truly excessive money in the area and the volume of tourists they should spend a little bit of money to install permanent maps along the cliff walk.

Really lovely walk providing the weather is ok. Gives you the chance to see tha back of some of the mansions as well as the fantastic views.

The views of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the rocks are incredible. I loved the combination of the ocean on one side and the grand mansions on the other.

We went to this cliff walk by ourselves couple of times and it is very nice cliff walk with very well maintain the road, plants and always very clean.
If you walk all the way to the end you can see much better views and very peaceful.

We had a nice stroll along the cliff walk but it wasn't all we had hoped it would be. We walked a large section of it from Webster st to somewhere around Sheep Point. The rocks in the "rough" sections are large, flat and easy to step across... my wife did it in flip flops. There are several beautiful spots along the way but overall it was a bit underwhelming. For one, not sure if this was just the day we were there but it stinks something awful! In most spots the "cliffs" aren't very spectacular at all they're just large rocks placed to prevent erosion. Overall it was nice... just not great.

The Cliff Walk is a wonderful trail that you can hike for several mile along the
shore. You have water on one side and the mansions on the other. Beautiful views. You should definitely do it if in Newport, RI.

This is a walk that can be daunting for kids as well as adults who may be challenged by age or infirmity as it requires balance and agility to get over some of the rocky areas. It can be fun and the views are exactly the reason so many Gilded Age wealthy built their "cottage" summer homes here. You can walk along and look up at some of them. Many of the buildings have been masked by landscape plantings but the water views are terrific on their own. Their are only a few places to enter and exit so prepare for a trek.

What a beautiful way to see a beautiful coastline and gorgeous estates! We underestimated how long it would take, so we didn’t get to experience the more rugged part, but we still enjoyed it. We happened to go at high tide, so the waves were breaking on parts of the trail — lots of fun for the children, so do plan to get wet in those spots (if it’s high tide).

The walk provides some amazing scenery. It is a mix of paved and unpaved paths in addition to completely unmarked rocky areas. Be sure to wear proper footwear if you intend to walk the whole thing. It took several hours to walk it in its entirety and back, but it was worth it. It gets you very up close and personal with the ocean, which is especially cool if there is significant wind. You also get to see some of the most ridiculously large mansions on the east coast.

Pleasant walk between the sea and old mansions. You shouldn't miss this if visiting Newport. Free street parking was available.

The Cliff Walk is beautiful, scenic and serene. It's lovely to watch the water as you're walking but we made the mistake of going right when it was blazing hot after a mansion tour. So make sure to carry sunscreen, stay hydrated and carry yogurt or something fresh to keep you going. You can walk to the Easton Beach if you continue walking (check Google Maps). Carry a picnic blanket just in case you want to sit down and take a break while walking. I recommend doing the walk before or after seeing the mansions. We walked for about 25-30 minutes after visiting the Breakers and were almost at the Easton Beach.

This is a nice place to just take a walk during the early evening when it’s not hot but nice and breezy. The only issue is you need to find a way to get back to your car or your location. If you locate the trolley it should be able to take you where you want to go

We didn’t do the full 7-mile round trip, but did a good portion of the walk. It is quite pretty and relaxing with the sound of the waves and smell of the ocean. But we came during the off-season. I can only imagine how awful it would be during the summer when all the tourists are there. I would avoid between April - September.

What a well spent afternoon workout. You can go at your own pace or race the walk. It gets tough in parts but with each turn there is a more spectacular view. A must see and do. And I promise that dinner will taste better after working up an appetite fron this walk.

At no time in my life I felt as much as a peasant as here. This is a great hike with great views: on one side cliffs and ocean, on the other side mansions. It is not hard to see why these rich and famous people wanted to build their palaces in this place.

Incredible views. Section closed due to conditions but detour signs well marked. Love seeing the college campus and mansions.

Decent free activity in the area. Good views, but not great compared to elsewhere in the northeast (Maine). It was moderately crowded - we could still go at our own pace and pass people (or be passed), but there were definitely a lot of other people out there walking.

We walked the paved portion of the cliff walk and parked near 40 steps. It took about 30 mins from this point to the beach entrance at a leisurely pace. Nice views of the ocean and water front properties. If you are looking for a nice stroll this is it. We parked on the street near 40 steps and paid near the entrance.

We had a wonderful time walking the Cliff walk… the views are spectacular and the mansions along the way are amazing to see. We got back to our car just as the sun was setting… absolutely beautiful!

My wife and I enjoyed walking the easy/paved 1.25 miles or so of the Cliff Walk. I wasn't aware of the history of the Breakers - interesting, particularly the past few years' debate on the new welcome center. We stopped by Newport en route from Cape Cod MA to Bedford PA.

You can get your exercise and see the beautiful property at the same time. This is well worth your visit. You don't have to walk a lot to get a great experience. We stared near the Breakers

One of the things we were looking forward to during our Newport, RI "Christmas Vacation" was the 3.5m "Cliff Walk". We love to hike and its been a while since we brought our dog hiking. The hike is lined with views of Block Island Sound on one side and the mansions of Newport on the other. For the most part it is an easy hike. HOWEVER, there is a few significant stretches that are very rocky and may be challenging for some. Wear appropriate shoes! The hike, back and forth, took us about a little under 3 hrs.

We did the Cliff Walk and honestly found it a bit disappointing. If you’re a person who doesn’t have a lot of access to eastern coastline, you may enjoy it. But we’ve seen far prettier.

The mansions along the Cliff Walk aren’t even fully visible to you - in fact it’s obvious these high-end properties are doing everything they can to keep Cliff Walk pedestrians OFF their property, nor do they want a bunch of nosy tourists even able to VIEW the properties.

The walk is paved in some places, with the walkway and fencing built into the side of the rocks, while in other area you’re required to climb over boulders along the shoreline. So while this isn’t a super challenging hike, I would caution anyone with stability issues from walking the entire route and also, you definitely don’t want to bring a stroller. If you have small children this probably isn’t a walk for you unless you’re okay carrying the children through the rockier portions of the trail. The trail map denotes which areas are more challenging, so you could also do a partial walk.

I found photo opportunities to be few, because the walkway and fencing along the shoreline tend to ruin the view.

Some reviewers seem unhappy with the detour currently in place (just south of the 40 Steps), but it’s only for one block and honestly wasn’t a big deal.

The RIPTA public hop-on/hop-off trolley can be used to get there and back; take route 67. Just be sure you’re familiar with where the stops are for the way back.

The views from the cliff walk are incredible! So many spots to take beautiful pictures. The walk is difficult at certain areas. It's easy to be deceived by the nice paved areas on the north end of the walk. That's not the case through the entire path. The south end is uneven rock in many spots so wear good shoes. But if you're up for a bit of an adventure definitely check it out!

Nice walk in the brisk winter. Places to sit and rest. Parking at Eatons Beach area (since it was off season)

Beautiful walk above the water. See mansions and the Great Elephant Migration exhibit made from Lantana Camara! We walked the trail at 7 am before the heat and with few people. Parked at East Beach. We went to where the trail ends at the big rocks. They were a bit slippery so we chose to turn back. Well worth the stop.

A must do! Just beautiful, walking alongside of the shoreline and cliffs that run behind the mansions.

We walked the full Cliff Walk trail one way, starting at the northern end (parked at Easton's Beach), and ending at the southern terminus (near Bellevue Avenue). That segment took us about two hours, and then our return walk took about another hour, but we returned along Bellevue Avenue.

The hike had good views of the ocean, but in particular, unique and exclusive views of many of the famed Newport mansions. There are numerous mansions along the trail, many of which have unique or notable architectural features.

The trail itself is a combination of improved surfaces, but also has sections (mostly towards the southern end) that were literally just boulders. Plan accordingly based on your physical condition and also give consideration to footwear. We also prepared by taking (and drinking) plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, and also hats/sunglasses - this important because if it is a sunny day, you will have little to shade most of the way. There are also not many facilities along the way.

Magnificent walk of almost 3 hours along the seaside. Sneakers required because the terrain is not always smooth!
A guaranteed breath of fresh air and a good swim in the sea upon arrival on a beach, a small part of which is public. Dangerous for young children at high tide.
Bus 67, which is free, takes us downtown.

What a beautiful walk! Even though part is closed due to damage, I thoroughly enjoyed walking and seeing the awesome views of the cliff and water.

A definite scenic hike. There are parts that are a’walk’, and parts that are definitely ‘rugged’. Just be fully aware, have proper footwear , understand the full mileage out - and back — and ENJOY.

We did this in two sections. The section closer to the beach is much more level and paved. Beautiful views and lets you walk right over to the beach. This section though does not pass as many of the mansions. The section that begins closer to Thames street (but not that close) is much more rugged, with some rocky areas to negotiate. Not particularly hard but definitely not for anyone with mobility issues and you need good footwear here. I will say, this section is well worth the effort as you get stunning views of the water and the backsides/yards of many of the mansions. Loved both!

The Cliff Walk provides awesome views of the Ocean and some the Mansions of Newport. Finding a place to park near the Cliff Walk on a Sunday afternoon was bit of a challenge. We could not find a spot near the forty steps and had to park further south. Where we ended up parking was in an area of the walk that was not smooth. We had to walk across boulders and rocky terrain to get to where the walk smoothed out. Stollers and wheelchairs in the area would not work. The one rest room area along the walk had a long line.

Incredible walk with awesome scenery. Part of the walk was closed due to maintenance but we were able to walk of the paved area up to the beach area. Views were beautiful.

Such a beautiful thing to do, some sections of the paths are more accessible than others, don't foret to do the 40 stairs.

Most of the walk, you could not see any of the mansions. This was the reason we walked the cliff walk, which was to see the mansions, but most are hidden on the cliff walk. We had to drive on the road to actually see most of these great houses.

Dont miss taking at least a portion of the Cliff Walk. The Atlantic on one side the incredible mansions on the other.

Dramatic, serene and impactful.

You owe it to yourself to experience the Cliff Walk

Absolutely breathtaking, a must if you are able and in Newport. I loved that it wasn’t all paved and there were some rocky/boulder parts to get over!

The cliff walk had amazing views! It was challenging at times but mostly an easy walk. You have the option of turning around or getting the trolley at the end and returning to down town. Great experience!

My husband and I had a beautiful morning walk on a morning in early August. It was somewhat crowded, but still very enjoyable. The first part is super easy, but then gets a little more challenging with sections where you have to scramble over rocks. It's worth it, but know that it's more than just a stroll. The views of the ocean and the mansions are magnificent.

very nice way to spend the morning, the views of the water are spectacular, didn't feel like you were hiking the cliffs, paved walkways.

The cliff walk offers a prime opportunity to view additional mansions and breathtaking scenery. These mansions are truly magnificent, boasting impressive construction, particularly considering their age. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and captured numerous stunning photos. If possible, take a mansion tour. We toured The Breakers and found it fabulous, well worth the time and price for a glimpse into history.

A great walk to see some amazing views in Newport! We did the Cliff Walk on the morning before touring The Breakers. The views was breathtaking! Our dogs loved it too!

This can be a great experience however you must plan or face extreme frustration. There is little to no parking available so I recommend a taxi or Uber to the entrance. The very few spots are metered and restricted to 3hrs.

So plan and then enjoy a great scenic walk

This was a nice long walk (about 2 1/2 hours) along the shore line viewing the homes. I would do hit again. There were parts though that were a little challenging as there was no path and very large rocks. I am 60 and in good athletic shape. A younger person would have no problem but older persons would struggle

it was very busy while we were there walking a portion of the walk. It is not paved the entire length of it, so be mindful for those who may not be steady on their feet. I do wish it was a bit wider so when people stop to look at the ocean there is still enough room for people to pass by going in both directions.

A lot of the info on the walk states that there are no restrooms, but there is a restroom building about half way through!

Beautiful areas with great views. Be careful on the rocks. We had to turn around. They are not as easy as they look, and if you fall, it is really going to hurt.

The cliff walk was a great way to start the day. A spectacular ocean view combined with a vigorous walk of over two miles. The homes are extraordinary and ocean views exceptional. A must do while in Newport.

Amazing views of the Atlantic and surrounding wildlife! Take a leisurely stroll, or do a fun run along the cliff walks. There are plenty of opportunities to take photos along the way as well and benches for you to sit and take it all in.

somewhat hard to find and park and there is a detour section through a residential neighborhood. the walk itself is scenic but can be exhausting

The breakers are over the top in richness but f those times. So opulent and you can spend hours just looking over every room to see the details in the carvings and the attention taken in building and designing this mansion is indescribable.

This is a great walk along the cliffs behind many of the beautiful mansions with incredible views. There are parts that are a bit tricky and rocky but passable with care. Parking can be tricky especially if you are not entering anywhere except near memorial drive. It’s a great way to pass a few hours and really not necessary to walk the entire walk as there are several entry points.

We had a fantastic
Time in Newport ! The cliff walk was beautiful. We enjoyed the walk as well as the mansions. The Breakers was amazing. We also enjoyed the Marble House. Several of my docents recommended The Guilded Age which was awesome!

I'm from the South, where we visit the beach to tan, build sandcastles, search for shells, and splash in the ocean. Even during the summer, the Northeast is much too cold for most of that, but I could watch the waves crashing onto natural rock formations all day. It was like nothing I'd ever seen in-person - like The Little Mermaid, but in real life!

This is a fantastic thing to do in Newport. I'd say if you can walk 3.5 miles, it is a must do. The walk is entirely along the water, and the views of the minions along the way are excellent. You are practically in their back yard! Don't miss this.

Some of our group had been to the Cliff Walk previously and others had not. Both enjoyed the experience. You can choose to go as far as you feel comfortable, or just sit and do some people watching with a terrific view as well.

We heard about the Cliff Walk online so we went and parked at Easton Beach and started our way on the Cliff Walk. 2 Adults and 2 young children, this was touted as the easiest part of the walk and best section to do with young ones. We did enjoy the beautiful views and path and ease in walking this section! We reached the 40 Stairs point and walked down them and even a little on the rocks by the ocean and it was a gorgeous site, but had lots of tourists in this area. Unfortunately, because the next part of the Cliff Walk had disintegrated/eroded, it was closed, and it made it be where we had to turn around and return back to Easton Beach and our car. We had a very short 2 day trip and so I wanted to get back to complete the rest of the Cliff Walk, but lack of time and understanding of where we would be able to park to continue the walk, preventing me from completing more of it. I will definitely want to go back the next time I am in Newport, RI, and hopefully the closed section will be rebuilt by then.

Beautiful walk along the water with the view of the Newport Mansions. It isn't a difficult walk and is definitely worth it.

This place was reccomdmednd by a friend and I am so glad we went. We (my husband, our 12 year old son, and myself) did not complete the entire walk as it is 6 miles round trip. We parked at Easton Beach, which had lots of parking and walked up to the entrance. The views were amazing and so were the mansions located along the route. One part of the route was closed so we followed signs for the detour. There are bathrooms located after the detour. There were spots to sit and relax along the way that we took advantage of to take in the beautiful views. We took so many pictures! There is one part of the trail that has you walking/hopping along big rocks, but it was not difficult. Just watch your step. There is a tunnel right before you get to the Chinese Tea House. That is as far as we got and decided to turn around and go back to the beach to the car. There is parking available in small lots or on the street by the hour that run close to the trail. Since we had my husbands truck, we found the side streets and spots were too small. The parking spots are perfect for smaller cars. I highly suggest walking the Cliff Walk if you go to Newport, if not the whole trail then at least part of it. You won't be disappointed. It's beautiful!

Very nice views of the Mansion and ocean. Half way of the cliff can be done by anyone, the other half is not suitable for pushchairs or people with difficulties of walking. Takes a good 2 hours to do the whole cliff. There is a minibus to get back.

Nice, scenic walk along the ocean. Some parts are medium to difficult to navigate. Part of the walk requires a detour. May not be ideal for the elderly.

We greatly enjoyed the cliff walk. It is fun to see the homes from a different angle. In addition, the views of the ocean are top notch. We parked at Easton beach and walked up, but I’d probably choose a different parking spot with small children-you walk on a sidewalk along a main road. We enjoyed using our phone to scan the QR codes along the path. Each code has information on the homes and different points of interest. 40 steps has restrooms. Be aware that a portion is closed and you have to detour through a neighborhood.

If you want to see the houses, opt for the house tours. Many of the houses on the cliff walk are obstructed by fencing, shrubs, and landscaping. You can't blame the homeowners. But, if you are looking for a walk along the ocean, then do it! Some of the walk is paved, and some is traversing over large boulders (not the easiest). We took an uber to/from the cliff walk to avoid the parking hassles. We started at the 40 Steps area and walked to the end.

Absolutely loved the cliff walk. It started out as an easy walk on a paved path, but there are many rocks and boulders at the southern part. Just have to be careful and be prepared to do a bit of scrambling, and wear sensible shoes! It was a lovely, breezy day out and the scenery couldn’t be lovelier. Bring water and some snacks and enjoy the wonderful views of Newport. We parked at Naragansett Avenue near 40 Steps and were lucky to find a space. There are restrooms at the area. I’d advise starting at Naragansett Avenue and turning rightwards toward the mansions. We turned left by mistake and walked toward Easton beach initially and there’s nothing much to see there, and the beach had a nasty sulphuric smell. Luckily a kind local told us we were headed the wrong way, so we turned back. Highly recommended if you are in Newport. The views are dreamy and I wish I was back already!

Just an awesome way to view the ocean, as well as the mansions in the area. We picked up the Cliff Walk near the Breakers mansion, then walked along to ocean - taking it all in. The walk can be rough in spots (you'll see this in one of the pics) but it's pretty level with little elevation gain. You won't want to miss this, especially if the weather is nice, and the sun is either coming up or setting.

This is the best place to stage a very long walk to see many of the extraordinary mansions that were built along the sea. You will be up on the cliffs overlooking the water, so you get great views on both sides. You can spend a lot of time on this walk as it is extensive.

The Cliff Walk is on every Newport RI to-do list I’ve ever seen…and rightfully so. The free 3.5 mile walk along the RI coastline offers some amazing views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Newport Mansions. The walk begins at Memorial Blvd. and Eustis Avenue and ends at Bellevue Avenue and Coggeshall Avenue. The estimated completion time for the 3.5-mile walk is 2.5 hours at moderate walking speed. Though most of the walk is easy, there are some hills, staircases and uneven surfaces at times. So remember to wear comfortable shoes!

There are a few places along the walk that are highly visited: Forty Steps, Ochre Point, Belmont Beach, Sheep Point, Rough Point and Lands End. You may want to check out those along the walk…or in some cases, drive and park close to those sites. Metered ($1.25 per hour payable by credit/debit card) parking is available at the Forty Steps location along Narragansett Avenue and at the First Beach location along Memorial Blvd. There are also public restrooms at the forty Steps (Narragansett Avenue) location.

This is a must do if you’re in the Newport area and you can make it as long as an adventure as you like. We parked over in the beach area and then walked up. Parking was about 20 if I remember correctly. The views were absolutely stunning. We didn’t see any of the mansions, simply because we didn’t go that far, we went all the way to the public bathrooms area and then turned back. It was fairly busy, but honestly, it wasn’t bad to hike at all because we never had people in front or behind us, we were able to take our time. Would definitely recommend!

Absolutely gorgeous! 3.5 mile walk around the ocean and mansions. It was a perfect day for a walk and to enjoy nature. From the 40 steps, to walking by the Breakers, and Salve Regina University, it is just a beautiful place for a walk and to enjoy nature and meet new people. Towards the end of the walk, it gets more challenging as you have to walk over rocks. Some people continue on over the rocks, others turn around and go back the way they came, and still others do what I did and do some of the rocks, but when it gets rougher, cut up to the street and walk Bellevue back through the heart of downtown Newport! Another nice thing about the walk is there are clean bathrooms along the way, close to the 40 steps!

We started at the beginning of the Cliff Walk and headed towards The Breakers. It was easy walk, and the scenery was beautiful., however, you can't really see the houses. They understandably camouflage their houses very well to keep people from looking into their backyards. I don't blame them but I wish we could have seen more. We did not continue on the walk past The Breakers so I can't speak to that part of the walk.

Wonderful!! Love it every time! I have done this walk solo, and with friends. I recommend going early for a little more serenity.

This was fun. We started at one end and walked to the other (slight detour where it's washed out). It's only 3.5 miles but can take awhile depending on your agility, lots of sections have large flat rocks but some sections are jagged and/or slippery. Noticed one woman wearing flip flops-do not recommend this! There are some paved and some dirt sections as well so everyone can do at least part of this walk. The tunnels are cool. Lots of people so be mindful of others taking it slower, you can always ask to go around instead of walking on someone's heels like a few did to us when we were just wandering slow to enjoy the view. Took the free trolley back to the other end instead of walking it again which was really nice!

I love Cliff Walk, but only in the off season. One of the best activities in Newport! Please try and maintain distance if you walk there.

The cliff was a good walk. However during summer it can be very hot. Lot of good picture spots..you can walk down in several spots. Also there are steps at the end to walk down to rocks. Also areas to take bus or trolley back

Stunning views, great experience and a must see in Newport! We started by the 40 steps and walked to Easton’s Beach. Unforgettable and would do it again!

A beautiful walk behind the gilded age mansions. The views of the water are fantastic. You must walk down the forty steps down to the water. Also google the forty steps to learn the history.

We did the cliff walk in the last throws of Hurricane Ian so it was a bit wet and blowy. The first part of the walk is quite pleasant and easy to do but it was getting late so we didn't continue round on to the more difficult section.
Yes, it's a nice thing to do with great sea views but it could do with more interpretation along the path. There was a system of QR codes to read about points of interest but as we're from the UK, we'd have incurred huge roaming charges if we tried that. So it could have been a bit more inclusive.

This was a wonderful walk! We parked by the northern entrance, close to the first point when walking. We visited the Breakers. We had a lovely afternoon! Then we ubered back to our car 😂

Always great walk and cannot beat the views. What else can you say? Start on the Easton beach side. Easier to get to and park.

I would imagine most of the reviews here are similar. It is a great view on both sides of the walk. From the ocean on one side and the mansions on the right, it is hard to go wrong here.

The path is paved, easy to walk and you can walk as much or as little as you want. Bring your own water.

Very frustrating. Many mile walk and the water fountains didn't work along the trail. Feel the City of Newport likes tourist dollars, but is cheap at providing services, such as water on a trail and available bathrooms.
Bring your own water!
Spectacular views!

Cliff Walk was one of the highlights of our trip. A lovely walk surrounding all the major mansions of the Gilded period. Easy straight path. The water going up against the rocks is beautiful on a nice day. Families and adults of any age will enjoy this. And, it’s free!!

This walk was not what I expected. Yes, there were beautiful views of the ocean, but that's it. You really can't see much of the mansions, just their hedges. I don't blame them, but it shouldn't be advertised as such. We made the mistake of parking at the beach and paying. It was a waste of money. We gave up when we got to the 40 steps, and more enjoyed walking through the shady neigborhood. The Cliff Walk was crowded, hot, and expensive. Won't recommend.

Well worth the trip to the other side of the peninsula to take in the Cliff Walk. For the most part it is an easy walk on concrete path with views of the sea on one side and the magnificent array of houses on the other. There were some small parts of the walk which might not be fully suitable for elderly/ mobility restricted persons but you would still get a great walk in without attempting to cross this stony/ rocky area. Very well signposted with rest rooms available midway through. Overall I would imagine walk to be 3/3.5 miles. You see some of the famous mansions on the walk. Not sure can you get off the pathway to tour these.

On a nice summer day was not what we had heard. Lots of overgrown plants blocking view and portion of the central part was very tricky to walk. Going over the boulders used to prevent erosion was not fun. Definitely not for the older folks. Maybe the southern part is better ?

Our family, 2 adults in our 50’s and a teen, 19, walked the green part of the path. It was a fairly moderate strenuous walk for us but definitely doable. Beautiful scenery and views along the whole way. The walk is in fact free. However, if you park at Easton’s Beach, it is about a half mile walk to get to the start of the Cliff Walk AND there is a $25 fee to park. So there is in fact a cost to park then walk unless you can find a free place to park, which we could not. ALSO….please note…there is a website out there that falsely states the free trolley will return you to the starting point of the walk. The trolley does NOT return to Easton’s beach, rather it only returns to 40 steps. We learned this from an extremely rude trolley driver who yelled at us for even asking and clearly was tired of tourists for the season. I am sure the majority of Newport appreciates tourists, and the revenue they generate and that this one driver is not representing the majority. Nevertheless the Cliff Walk is worth the time and beautiful views. But just research where to park, there will be parking costs and be prepared to walk roundtrip plus extra if you park at the beach.

A wonderful 3.5 mile walk (one way) down the coastline. Best experienced when it's a bit less crowded -- during the week, off-season. A few places toward the middle and southern end of the trail require balance and a bit of scrambling over uneven rocks, but mostly a nice stroll. Scenery is spectacular.

I have always loved this place. A gorgeous walk along the ocean. Went here several times before but just be aware that they are now doing repairs to part of the walk. We entered on Narragansett Avenue near the 40 steps. Parking is along the side of the road and it is "Pay by Plate #". They do have bathrooms there as well. The route we took was pretty easy. It ended up by Easton's Beach at the beginning of the cliff walk. Total time we walked was 40 minutes. Quite relaxing. Will return again.

The walk is mild until probably Breakers.
Beyond which could be rough, litterally. So wear good shoes and enjoy.

The end of the walk, 250 yards into Bellevue, bus #67 was nice and fast way to Wharf area for lunch.

It takes about 3 + hours to finish the walk, add one more if you are visiting the Breakers, ($29).

Parking at the entrance near Easton Beach are metered to three hours maximum, beyond which a $40 ticket will be added to your windshield as the aftertaste for you to take home.

Those parking spaces are probably the most profitable real estate even in Newport.

We come to have a good time, to spend in the shops, and in the restaurants, but of course who would not welcome a bit of extra fine.

So parking AT the beach parking at pay for beach parking will be safer. Or plan and consider other options.

The Cliff Walk is a National Recreation Trail which runs through a National Historic District in Newport, Rhode Island. Ocean views abound throughout the 3.5 mile walk. The trail also passes by some of Newport's famous gilded age mansions.
We entered the walk by the Chanler Hotel. We had our dog with us and encountered many other people walking with dogs along the way. We explored the grounds of Ochre Court (now Salve Regina University), walked around the Breakers and watched the surfers ride the waves. Shortly after the Breakers, the paved walked ended. We didn't want to rock hop with the dog, so we exited the path at that point.

We love sitting on the great lawn in the white Adirondack chairs, cocktail in hand, watching the sail boats go by. The place is pricey for lunch or dinner but we could afford the cocktails.

I grew up in Newport and walking the cliff walk has always been my favorite thing to do. If you know where to look for free parking, the walk is completely free. It has been well-maintained over the years with lots of Federal money to shore up the cliff. However, a section of the walk near Salve Regina College has recently given way. The wash out can easily be bypassed by walking a block inland and coming out on the other side. There are parts of the walk that are intact but a challenge to cover. This is especially true of the section between the Breakers and the Marble House and the end near Rough Point. A little more than half of the walk is easy to walk and some parts are even wheelchair accessible. The walk has views of the open ocean, the mansions and points of land in the distance. Most parts are about 30 to 40 feet above the surf. There is one short stretch where one may go for a swim.

Beautiful views and most of it is very easy to walk. We visited this winter (Feb.) and it was so clear to view the other coasts. This walk is a must while visiting Newport. Our suggestion is to visit The Breakers Mansion and take the tour and then leave your car in the parking lot and walk to the entrance to the Cliff Walk which is a block away. By the time you finish the tour and walk you’ll be ready for a late lunch! Enjoy it.

Great walk along the cliffs and views of mansions. Not strenuous but some of paths are over rocks and not recommended for very small children, elderly who aren't stable/ sure footed, or walkers/ strollers. Took my teens and family and we all loved it.

Visited on Monday, 9/19 and walked the entire distance from Memorial Blvd (Easton Beach) to the end at the south end (beach), and back again. Parking on Memorial Blvd was $2/hr with a maximum of 3 hours per vehicle. Parking there can be limited at peak days and hours, so a lot of people took Uber rides or were on tour buses or trolleys. Walking south, the first 1 1/2 miles or so were paved but then there are unpaved sections and more difficult areas walking on top of boulders where you have to be careful with your footing.

The views are stunning and very photogenic so bring a camera. You not only get great views of the ocean and coastline, but you get to see the back of historic mansions that border the coast. The walk will also take you through 2 short tunnels where it can be rather dark, so a small flashlight or cell phone light could come in handy. Also, for footwear, sneakers will be OK, but I recommend wearing good hiking shoes with better ankle support if you are planning to walk on top of the boulders. Almost all of the walk is unshaded, so consider bringing suntan lotion. In addition, consider bringing water to stay hydrated during hot days.

Due to damage on the walkway, a small part of the trail is closed and there is a short detour directing walkers off the trail to walk on Ochre Point Ave. around the damaged area. The entire hike for me lasted 2 hours, 50 minutes but I hurried in order to get back to the car before our 3 hour parking limit expired. I

Walked the full length of around 4 miles during a brief visit on cruise.
Fantastic scenery with great views of the coastline and incredible mansions that line the coast.
The path was good except for a couple of sections that were very rough and very difficult for people who are not fully mobile.

A good walk combining views of the ocean and the mansions.
Could be for 1.5-3 hours depending on walking speed , stops and which sections you do.
The trail is a mix of pavement, gravel and flat boulders but there are maps near the entrances that show the condition along various sections.
Bring sunscreen as there is little shade.

Started at the beach. The forty steps is at the other end of the cliff walk and is a great place to watch the sunrise!!! Beautiful mansion views.

Beautiful views of the water and cottages! Walkway is well maintained, lots of place to stop and rest or take pictures. And it’s free!

We enjoyed the cliff walk. Started at 49 steps (near Salve Regina university) and walked up until Ledge Road at The Wave. It was a great walk, mix of paved, gravel, rocks and boulders so you should wear good shoes. It was fun, great views, rained on us at the end. We took the free trolley to the first entry and from the last point. Glad we did it

My family and I walked the Cliff Walk until the part where the path ended and the rocky part began being as we had dogs with us. There is a small detour at the beginning due to some construction being done. Our senses came to life taking in the sight, sound and the smell of the ocean air. The Cliff Walk passes by some gorgeous mansions. Some are easier to view from the path than others. It was a lot of walking but worth it at the end.

We had a wonderful walk. Some parts are difficult especially Rough Neck. The lower part is more of a scramble than a walk at some points. We made it, but we did return to our car parked at the Breakers by way of Bellevue Ave and not Cliff Walk. We walked from just south of the detour to Ledge road. The weather was great, for January. 40s and sunny. No egress along the route . Keep in mind, many of the houses along the route are not Preservation Society houses and the owners deserve their right to privacy.

We walked from the college back toward the start of to Cliff walk which was nice. However was hoping to see more of the mansions and that 1/2 mile is closed so disappointed. The portion we walked was smooth. Used paid parking app and no trouble with access.

Please do it! The view is amazing, it has benches along the way and a bathroom halfway. Don’t go beyond the paved path with strollers, canes or if you have difficulty on uneven terrains and climbing because it gets rough. We did it 5 times over the years and love it. We walk to the mansions road and hop into a trolley or get an Uber back to the hotel. Uber takes a while though. We bring water and snacks and stop as needed. When our kids were little, their fave part was the tunnels. Bring a flashlight for the dark one. They will love it! Enjoy it!

Great walk! We downloaded a walking tour app and it was informative and easy to use. We walked the entire length of the Cliff Walk (3.5 miles)). There are some challenging spots where you have to walk on rocks and boulders rather than a smooth path. Make sure you have the right footwear for these areas!

So beautiful highly recommend the cliff walk! The views are spectacular nice to see happy faces & dog friendly

Great walkway but no longer all the way open There is current information as to what are the best starting points to maximize the walk and the view.

Beautiful ocean/ beach views. Well kept trail along the easy green path. Didn't go along the path when it became red/orange difficult path.
Disappointed you couldn't see most of the big mansions.

This is a great walk along the cliffsides, overlooking Narraganset Bay. In many places you can get close to the water, accessed by large rock outcroppings. It isn't strenuous, being essentially flat for the entire duration. The Southern portion does have some rocky and uneven surfaces so just be sure that you can accommodate that portion. Regardless, there is a significant portion, probably 80%, that is paved and/or flat. Good access point is at The 40 Steps, from which point you can go left/North 1/2 mile to Easton Beach, or right/South approx 3 miles to Baily's Beach. The latter takes you by many of the shoreline mansions. There are QR Code trail markers that provide information on the sites on that part of the trail. Only thing that keeps this from being a 5 is the parking. As with all things in Newport, parking is a BI*** There is limited street / paid parking at The 40 Steps. Beach parking at Baily's seems more available than at Easton's Beach. Regardless, the earlier you get there, the better. Or, use public transit which runs regularly to multiple points close to the walk. Also note that the only public restrooms are at 40 Steps

A wonderful walk, with the ocean as the backdrop. We had the good fortune of sunny skies and a nice breeze, and the nice thing about the walk is you go just as far as you wish and then turn around. At the time of our walk, there was a detour that took you off the trail for one block, no big deal at all.

The mansions are pretty amazing. Those mansion grounds and the campus of nearby Salve Regina University are quite spectacular.

Beautiful views of both the ocean and the cottages. You can listen to the audio tour highlights posted along the way, which was nice to have if you weren't visiting the homes. We appreciated the trail maps at the entrances that indicated which areas were easy, moderate or difficult and the fact that when they say "difficult" they mean it. It was no problem for us to walk on the unmarked rocks and to climb on boulders, but I would not want to bring a child along those areas and definitely not a stroller, either, so it was great to have the warnings. It's really a hiking situation in those difficult sections and a lot of fun, but I can see where there is a high probably of injury for people not paying attention.

This is, by far, the best thing you can do while in Newport. Free, beautiful, and soul-healing. The section from 40 steps south for one block is currently closed. Detour is well marked and not an issue.

We walked the whole Cliff Walk & loved it! The views of the coastline get better the farther you go. Wear good shoes. Great photo ops too!

A truly magnificent view. This is the place you walk around around and say I've died and gone to heaven. This little gazebo is part of a house if you see it is drop dropping in amazement like the many other mansions on the cliff walk. If in Newport it's a must see. there is one portion of the cliff walk that collapsed but if you enter by the Breakers it will take you away from that section.

Nice way to get close to the water, great views and you have to do the Forty Steps stop on the Cliff Walk! Its awesome! It's a little challenging!!

It starts out super easy, and then you get to walk across big, flat rock, then a tunnel, and then some pretty trick terrain. I loved it; my husband - not so thrilled. The first time, we walked the whole trail on a cold, overcast day. The second time was a beautiful, sunny day. The waves were crashing, the surfers were surfing. It was awesome.

Went after the breakers and walked to the marble house. Easy walk. The tough part is not scrambling - just spaced rocks.

Gorgeous walk along the coast. Paths make it very easy to travel along. Even the spots where the path stops is not difficult if you are able-bodied. Get there early and it's very peaceful.

This is an easy walk with plenty of places to take photos off the main path. We strolled down to rocks and the staircase to take some incredible views of the ocean expanse and city. The second half of cliff walk had the mansions and there are bathrooms in the middle of the walk. This is easy for kids and less avid hikers.

Nice walk along the Cliffs of Newport. Cottages on one side ocean on the other. It was a little foggy today but still very nice. There is one part that is over the rocks so we passed on that part. Did see some surfers giving it go in the fog.

We went on the cliff walk this past weekend and it was one of the highlights. We lived in Newport when I was very little and I always enjoyed going on this walk. They have done a good job of making it walking friendlyZ we didn’t do all of it but stopped at the detour. A must do if you are in town

A very peaceful place to walk at your own pace. Benches provide a place to stop and soak in the views of nature. You cannot access the cliff walk from mansion properties due to fencing. Access is through nearby side streets.

Great Experience… my husband and I had a spectacular sunset in Cliff Walk. The views are amazing. The people in the area very friendly. Definitely, we are come back to Newport.

Amazing views, highly recommend! We didn't get to walk as far along this route as we would have liked. Definitely do this!

Enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. It really allows you to appreciate the water, the coastline, and the various architectures. Walked until the path got rocky and then turned around. I would recommend for those visiting and looking for something relatively active to do.

Easiest parking is at Easton Beach, in the metered parking along Memorial Blvd. It's free starting Nov 1 to May 2022 (I forgot the exact date) so it was a plus that I didn't have to pay.

We hadn't been to the Cliff Walk in years; so since parking is limited, we searched for transportation that would be easy to manage.
We found the perfect solution.
Park at the visitor's center and take the free trolley. Ask for a receipt from the driver as you board. Now your parking for the day is only $5.
We jumped off the trolley at Salve Regina U, walked a short distance to the cliffs and saw the amazing elephant sculptures.

We parked at a nearby beach and walked up to the Cliff Walk. The part we were able to go on was paved and had a nice view of the beach and ocean. You could not see any of the houses along the walk. Apparently the houses you can view are all along the "rugged" part of the trail which was closed while we were there.

All you need to do is pay for parking. Metered parking spaces are tight but available. Park a few block away for free. Had App for an audio tour. Maybe $2. Have paved and rock areas. Wear walking shoes.

You can complete all or part of the Cliff Walk. The views are stunning.
The Cliff Walk ends near a sandy beach at a private club. This was the prettiest side of the Cliff Walk that I saww

The tour generally starts with paid parking on Narragansett Ave where folks descend the Forty Steps to the walk. However, this past March, 2023 this first cliff walk block is detoured, so you have to walk back to Ochre point avenue and then head down to the cliff walk using Webster avenue on the next street. Rather than do this, park right on Webster, adjacent to Salve University, and save some useless street walking and cost for parking. As seniors, we limited our walk to only the paved section, and doubled back to our starting point; this provided great picturesque views of both the ocean and wonderful mansions including The Breakers, Vinland estate, and Salve University. There are some benches along the way to rest and take it all in. Watch for a small plaque dedicated to surfer Ryan P. Roberts on one of the shore boulders.

Great walk ; a must do ! Took us approx 2 hours . We took the free trolley back … that’s really a godsend ! It would be tough to walk back along the path all the way to the parking lot ! Great views and lots of photo ops . Carry lots of water in the summer and wear a hat ! I think it’s advisable to do this walk in the evenings in summer with the sun on the western side !

The smell of sea air, the rocky coast, I could have been California coast except couldn’t find tide pools. Nice walk. Some shade, sun, rain, wind. We walked some before lunch and some after. Part of the walk has fallen into the sea. That part was barricaded off, no concerns there.

Beautiful views and lovely walking! After some research, I learned that the Easton parking can get pretty expensive, so we ended up parking at Forty Steps and it was only $4! Just parked on the street and paid a meter at the entrance of the walk. The paths were great for stroller friendly families, and when we walked down the steps, we just carried our baby to see the lookout, but others could go down to the cliffs themselves and hike around if desired. It was a beautiful day, not super busy, even in mid-October, and we had a great time.

Its a must see when visiting Newport. Walk as little or as long as you'd like. Just remember you need to walk back to your vehicle! :) The scenery cannot be beat.

Fun walk, parts are challenging The scenery of the water is classic New England. Do a little research on You Tube to get some good tips to make it a good experience. Would not do if rocks were wet

This truly is a wonderful experience - beautiful ocean views on one side and historical grand buildings on the other. Can walk all 3.5 miles or turn around based on personal endurance.
An amazing and stunning place to experience the Atlantic coast at its best!

Walked the cliff shores and saw the gorgeous mansions. Took many pics of them and the sea. Lotsi of little caves and trees. Did not go to the end, where there are 90 steps to signal the end of the trail. Lots of places to sit and rest, if you need to.

The view of the rocky coast are wonderful. There are portions that are not paved and you have to navigate rock strewn paths, but even this 67 year old made the entire 3.5 mile trip in 92 degree heat. Don't forget to take some water and leave your dog at home if you aren't gonna pick up after it.