Newport’s Cliff Walk is a world-renowned journey, a 3.5-mile public path that offers an unparalleled experience where the architectural grandeur of the Gilded Age meets the raw, untamed beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. For over a century, walkers have traversed this trail, marveling at the manicured lawns of opulent mansions on one side and the dramatic, crashing waves on the other. But along this breathtaking expanse, there is one particular spot that has long served as a historic meeting place and a photographer’s dream: Forty Steps.
So, what exactly are the Forty Steps? Located at the end of Narragansett Avenue, this iconic landmark is a grand stone staircase that descends from the main path of the Cliff Walk down to a series of rocky outcrops and a small bluff overlooking the ocean. It serves as one of the most popular and accessible entry points to the Cliff Walk, making it a bustling hub of activity and an ideal starting point for a scenic stroll.
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The history of Forty Steps is as rich as the views are stunning. Local tradition holds that the first staircase was built in the 1830s by landowner David Priestly Hall, who wanted his children to reach the beach below; he deeded public access to the City of Newport in 1840. By the Gilded Age of the 1880s, the steps had become a cherished gathering spot for the staff of the nearby mansions—the maids, butlers, and footmen who populated Newport’s grand summer cottages. After their long hours of work, they would congregate at the bottom of the steps to socialize, dance, and enjoy the same ocean breezes as their employers, earning it the affectionate nickname of “The Servants’ Dancehall.”
Today, the original wooden steps have long since been replaced by a sturdy granite staircase, a gift from the community in the 1990s to ensure the landmark’s preservation. For tourists, Forty Steps offers a unique opportunity to pause and descend closer to the water’s edge. It’s the perfect vantage point to feel the sea spray, watch the sailboats glide by, and capture that essential, frame-worthy photo. Whether you’re looking for a dramatic sunrise shot or a stunning panoramic view of the coastline, Forty Steps provides a dramatic foreground for the endless expanse of the Atlantic, solidifying its reputation as the Cliff Walk’s must-snap spot.
