Surprisingly, Newport, Rhode Island’s most visited landmark is not a building, but an ancient path called “The Cliff Walk,” a 3.5-mile ribbon of walkway winding along the eastern shoreline. Today, it is the city’s most visited landmark, attracting over 1.3 million visitors annually. Its allure lies in the breathtaking juxtaposition of dramatic cliffside ocean views on side and the magnificent Gilded Age mansions that line on the other side, offering a literal walk-through both architectural history and natural beauty.
The Breakers Mansion sitting along the Cliff Walk
The origins of the Cliff Walk stretch back centuries, with local deer, then the Narragansett Indians, and later colonial settlers traversing these coastal paths. However, the formal development of the Cliff Walk as we know it today began around 1880, coinciding with Newport’s rise as a summer playground for America’s wealthiest families. Mansion owners, while sometimes clashing with public access rights, gradually improved sections of the path, creating a unique public right-of-way over their private properties. Tunnels, bridges, and paved sections emerged over the next five decades, though many parts retain their rustic, natural charm.
This 3.5-mile path begins at Memorial Boulevard and ends at Spouting Rock Beach. The northern two-thirds of the path serve as a rather leisurely walk, but towards the end of the pathway walkers may experience rocky conditions due to the cliffs. There are four public access points along the path for those who wish to only walk part of it.
Despite its enduring popularity, the Cliff Walk has always been vulnerable to the relentless power of the Atlantic Ocean. Major hurricanes in 1938 and 1954 caused significant damage, threatening its very existence. Over the years, various repairs and improvements have been undertaken, including efforts by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1970s and subsequent funding from the National Park Service. In 1975, its significance was formally recognized when it was designated as New England’s first National Recreation Trail.
An aerial image of the Cliff Walk as it stretches along Newport’s coast.
However, the impacts of extreme weather events—most recently a significant collapse in March 2022 and subsequent failures—have underscored the urgent need for comprehensive and resilient repairs. In a landmark achievement, the City of Newport recently secured a $11 million federal Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) grant. This substantial funding, part of an overall $22 million repair and preservation package that includes state and local contributions, is the largest single federal grant ever awarded to the city.
Part of the pathway has collapsed due to recent weather events.
This vital federal investment will not only address the immediate damage but also bolster the Cliff Walk’s infrastructure against future environmental challenges, ensuring its continued access and enjoyment for generations to come. The repair efforts aim to enhance coastal resilience, safeguarding this beloved landmark that intertwines Newport’s rich architectural heritage with its stunning natural landscape.
The “Forty Steps” is a famous spot along the Cliff Walk.
Over the years, A4 Architecture has done design work for many projects along the Cliff Walk, including the Ochre Court Mansion. If you have a desire to work with our firm, please reach out to us.
Ross Sinclair Cann, RA, AIA is a historian, educator, and practicing architect living and working in Newport and is the Founding Principal of A4 Architecture. He holds architecture degrees from Yale, Cambridge, and Columbia Universities and served on the Newport Open Space Committee for many years.