One of the most memorable places to take a leisurely stroll or hiker’s jaunt in “The Ocean State” is along Cliff Walk, Newport’s scenic seaside trail. Enthusiasts along its path will get a glimpse of those renowned Newport “summer cottages"--mansions built during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century by some of America’s wealthiest families. For one, “The Breakers,” originally built for Cornelius Vanderbilt, a rich industrialist and financier during the Gilded Age.

In 1975 Cliff Walk was designated as a National Recreation Trail, the 65th in the nation and first in New England. Newport’s scenic trail is unique in that it is a National Recreation Trail in a National Historic District.

The walk starts at the western end of Easton’s or First Beach at Memorial Blvd. and runs south with major exits at Narragansett Ave., Webster St., Sheppard Ave., Ruggles Ave., Marine Ave., Ledge Rd.-- and ends at Bellevue Ave. at the east end of Bailey's Beach. The walk entails 3.5 miles (7.0 miles round trip) with about two-thirds of the trek considered easy to navigate.

Parts of the southern half of the walk constitute a rough trail over a rugged shoreline. You pass at your own risk on the walk, which is a public right-of-way over private property.

In spots just a couple of feet from the path there are abrupt drops of over 70 feet! Wild bushes and weeds often hide this danger. As you walk further south you have to scramble from rock to rock, so proper foot attire is mandatory and caution is a must as rock surfaces may be slippery. Beware of poison ivy along the path.

Still game? Personally, Cliff Walk is on my summer list of ventures. I literally love stopping along the way to smell the sea roses which grow rampantly.

As you enjoy the sea air and heady scent of wild roses prevalent along the path, you will eventually come to the Forty Steps at the end of Narragansett Ave. which lead down to the side of a cliff to afford one a spectacular sea view. Your walk along the middle section of the path will take you by Salve Regina University and The Breakers where the trail becomes more challenging. You’ll pass through a tunnel before coming to Anglesea Mansion, Marble House, Rosecliff, and the architectural splendor of the Tea House built by the Vanderbilts.

The Tea House Tunnel serves as a portal to the most rugged part of the journey should you choose to go forward.

One of the most unique experiences is that of blazing your own trail through Cliff Walk in Newport while ambling along the shoreline past architectural marvels of an opulent Gilded Age. You just might happen to catch a glimpse of an elegant soiree taking place inside one of the mansions.

Enjoy a virtual trek along Cliff Walk by watching the video.