The spectacular Cliff Walk in Newport winds its way along the rocky, jagged shoreline of this historic and scenic summer enclave, combining breathtaking vistas of the ocean and stunning mansions.  Our approximately 6 mile hike will begin with the Cliff Walk itself, 3.5 miles hugging the bluffs on the Atlantic and viewing the staggering mansions of the immensely wealthy of the Gilded Age, the 1% of their time.  We'll stop for our lunch and a swim at Reject's Beach, a beautiful white sand swimming spot known mostly by locals.  Then we'll walk back through the Bellevue Avenue area viewing yet more incredible Robber Baron mansions, wandering through the manicured grounds of Marble House and The Breakers, where we'll be able to stop for a tour of this famous Vanderbilt family "cottage" ($19.50 charge of the mansion interior tour).  Our hike will then pick up the Cliff Walk again for our journey's end.  Optional early dinner in Newport where we can reconnoiter and discuss our Cliff Walk adventure.  Please bring lunch, plenty of water and a bathing suit/towel for the beach swim.  Sadly, a steady rain will cancel his hike.   

We will meet at the trailhead for the Cliff Walk, located several yards to the left (east) of entrance to The Chanler at Cliff Walk, 117 Memorial Boulevard (Newport, RI 02840), a swanky hotel. 

Driving directions from Boston MA: From I-93 South or North, take Route 24 South to RI Route 114 South to Newport.  In Newport, take a left onto Valley Road/Route 214, drive 2.2 miles to right onto Memorial Blvd./Route 138A North.  The Cliff Walk trailhead will be 1.2 miles on your left.  Best (and free!) parking is about 0.5 mile up Memorial Blvd. on the several side streets off the south side Memorial to the east of Bellevue Avenue (Annandale Rd., Freebody St. and Middleton Ave.).  It's a 5-10 minute walk from these locations to the trailhead.  Alternatively, you can park in the Easton's Beach parking lot, just to the east of the trailhead but this costs $20!