Newport’s 3.5 mile Cliff Walk is one of the city’s defining experiences, but many frequent visitors argue it is at its best in winter. The scenery does not change, but the pace does. Outside peak season, the trail feels calmer, quieter, and far less congested than it does during the busiest months of the year.
Visitor estimates for the Cliff Walk are typically discussed on an annual basis, with figures ranging from hundreds of thousands to over 1,000,000 visitors per year. Winter, however, consistently brings a slower rhythm that allows people to experience the trail without the crowd pressure common during summer.
What the Cliff Walk Is and Where It Runs
The Cliff Walk follows the eastern shoreline of Aquidneck Island, stretching 3.5 miles from Memorial Boulevard at Easton’s Beach to Bellevue Avenue at the eastern end of Bailey’s Beach. Along the way, it passes behind some of Newport’s most prominent Gilded Age estates, pairing exposed coastal scenery with views of the mansion district.
In 1975, the Cliff Walk was designated a National Recreation Trail. It was the 65th in the nation and the first in New England. The City of Newport notes that its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is a National Recreation Trail located within a National Historic District.
Why Winter Feels So Different
Winter subtly reshapes the experience of the Cliff Walk. With trees bare, sightlines toward several mansion grounds become more open. Architectural details and coastal contours are easier to appreciate without summer foliage in the way.
The Atlantic Ocean also takes on a different presence during colder months. Gray skies, active surf, and shifting light can make the coastline feel more dramatic than it does during calm summer days. For many walkers, that mood is part of the appeal.
Closures and the Current Detour
A section of the Cliff Walk remains closed between the Forty Steps area and Ochre Court. The closure dates back to March 2022, when storm damage caused a roughly 20 foot section of the trail to fail just south of Forty Steps.
The closed segment lies between Narragansett Avenue and Webster Street. Detour signage is in place, and visitors should not attempt to access the restricted area. In April 2024, more than $16,000,000 in federal funding was announced to support repairs and long term resilience work. The detour remains in effect while planning and restoration continue.
If you park near Narragansett Avenue, walking north toward Easton’s Beach keeps you on a continuous paved section that does not intersect with the closed area.
Winter Parking Facts
From 11/1 through 4/30, the City of Newport does not charge fees at on street parking meters, although posted time limits remain in effect. Along Memorial Boulevard near Easton’s Beach, these limits are typically 3 hours where metered parking applies.
For Easton’s Beach daily parking lots, the City’s seasonal schedule lists free daily parking from 12/1 through 3/31. Daily fees apply outside that window.
Parking at Narragansett Avenue near Forty Steps carries a 4 hour limit during the metered season, with rates set by the City.
Entry Points, Terrain, and Accessibility
The northern portion of the Cliff Walk, between Memorial Boulevard at Easton’s Beach and the Forty Steps entrance at Narragansett Avenue, includes paved sections and relatively gentle grades. Visitor guidance notes that width and slope vary and that parts of the path do not meet ADA standards, so it should not be described as fully accessible.
South of the Forty Steps area, the terrain becomes more rugged in sections, with uneven surfaces and stairs. Sturdy footwear is recommended year round, and winter visitors should be alert for ice on shaded or exposed sections of the path.
About the Forty Steps
Local tradition holds that David Priestly Hall built the original Forty Steps in the 1830s so his children could reach the shoreline. The City of Newport notes that the current stone and cement steps were restored in 1980, with donor names carved into the steps as part of that project.
Planning a winter visit to Newport? Staying downtown makes it easy to access the Cliff Walk, nearby mansion grounds, and the waterfront without peak season congestion. Check hotel availability here.
