On my recent visit, my mother and I decided to walk a portion of the
Newport Cliff Walk that we hadn't seen in awhile. We started at the 40 Steps, which are located at the end of Narragansett Avenue.
Parking is allowed on both sides of the street
We started off good:
Beautiful, sunny day? Check.
Camera to take some great photos? Check.
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers? Oops!
Learn from my mistake: Don't walk the Cliff Walk with sandals on! It's not that bad in the beginning, but once you get to the really rocky parts (and more than a mile into it), you'll know what I mean.
Despite the discomfort at the end, the walk was still worth it. No matter how many times I come out here, I'm amazed by the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Newport's rocky coastline.
Check out the map below for directions and entry/exit points
View Cliff Walk in a larger map
This is a good spot to stop and take a break. From here you can watch the waves crash into the cliffs below or peek over the fence and get a good look at The Breakers mansion, former summer home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II (great-grandfather of CNN's Anderson Cooper).
The Breakers
Not bad for a "summer cottage"
This is one of the few beaches around the Cliff Walk. As you can see, there's not really anywhere to put a towel down and relax. But if you're looking for a spot to take a quick dip, this will do.
One of many homes with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean
Setting up for a wedding ceremony on the lawn of Astors' Beechwood mansion. This is one of the final events to be held here since Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison has purchased the property.
Approaching the Chinese Tea House on the back lawn of Marble House mansion.
The tunnel goes underneath the Tea House. It's not very long, so if you're afraid of the dark, there's nothing to worry about.
Click here to learn more about Marble House and the Chinese Tea House
Don't be afraid!
What you see here is just about the entire length of the tunnel
Ahhh, the light at the end of the tunnel!
Make a right turn at the end of this path...
...and you've got one more tunnel to walk through
Once you make it through this one...
...you'll be able to see Doris Duke's Rough Point in the distance.
Although it's not the safest thing to do, if you find the right spot, you can go for a refreshing dip in the cool water below.
Just be sure to choose your spot wisely. As you can see, there's another set of rocks just to the right of where this guy was jumping in.
If you're going to jump off of these rocks, PLEASE BE CAREFUL!
Now you're approaching Rough Point, summer home of tobacco heiress, Doris Duke. If you're tall enough, you can get a decent shot from this side. If not, keep going...
...and you'll get a nice clear shot like this
Another beautiful home, with plenty of windows to take in the view
There's an exit here at Ledge Road, or you can continue on to the end at Reject's Beach. Walk up Ledge Road and make a right to get back on Bellevue Avenue.
From here you should be able to catch a trolley back to wherever you parked, or you can get dropped off at one of the Newport mansions for a tour.
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