
Welcome back to National Parks and other public lands with T!
The Cliff Walk➤
The Cliff Walk, which begins at Easton’s Beach, is a National Recreation Trail which runs along the shoreline 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.
Hurricane Sandy washed away The Cliff Walk in 2012. After $5 million in restorations, Newport reopened the trail in 2014. There are still some unpaved, rough sections.

Easton’s Beach➤
Easton’s Beach is a 3/4 mile long surf beach at the north end of the Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island. We entered the trail here and saw many surfers riding the waves.
The beach is named for Nicholas Easton who was one of the first settlers in Newport in the 1600’s. He served as an early colonial Governor of Rhode Island.
In the early 1900s, middle-class families began taking vacations. The wealthy were using Bailey’s Beach at the southern end of the Cliff Walk. Easton’s became the popular swimming destination for the middle class.

Newport Area Posts➤
- Beavertail State Park
- Beavertail Light
- Cliff Walk
- Easton Beach
- Ochre Court
- The Breakers
- Newport Historic District
- Touro Synagogue
- Old Colony House
- Fort Adams
- Brenton Point
- Marble House
Location: Newport, Rhode Island
Designation: National Recreation Trail
Date designated/established: 1975
Date of my visit: October 2, 2021

I do hope in October you were able to venture a mile or so up the coast to Sachuest Beach ( locally named Second Beach) and the adjacent Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. Surfer End on Second Beach will host a couple of dozen skilled practitioners when the surf is up even in the winter. The mile and a quarter beach is almost completely undeveloped.
The wildlife refuge features some of the most beautiful vistas in New England along its paths. This winter two snowy owls are visiting along with the usual contingent of other raptors, a variety of waterfowl, and three or four dozen whitetails.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t go to the refuge because we had our dog with us
Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures and posts. I always enjoy when they pop up in my emails. If you ever venture this way again, Second Beach hosts lots of friendly dog walkers every day. Even in January unless the North Atlantic winds numb your faces. Even then some stalwarts can usually be found.
Sadly, my Trudy doesn’t seem to enjoy traveling so much now that my little dog is gone. Lily apparently was brave enough for both of them. Trudy is fearful of unfamiliar situations now. I don’t think we will bring her to Rhode Island again. If I get back up there, I’d love to go inside some of those fabulous houses and explore the nearby wildlife refuges.
Thanks for reading and commenting…I’m so glad you like my posts!
Easton Beach is (or used to be) known as First Beach. Good post.
Thanks!
Looks fantastic. Beautiful sweep of beach.
Thanks!