Frequently Asked Questions

For the most part, the trail is suitable for any casual walker, but some parts may be more narrow with steep drops or sharper inclines. Overall, the trail is moderately difficult. 

We recommend wearing comfortable athletic clothing and sneakers or hiking boots with good traction and support, as some parts of the trail can be rocky and uneven. Check the weather before arriving at the Cliff Walk to see if you need to bring a light jacket. Also, we encourage you to bring along sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

Cliff Walk parking prices vary depending on where you choose to park. There are several parking lots and street parking options available nearby, with fees ranging from around $10 to $20 per vehicle. 

Per the city of Newport’s website, parking for the Cliff Walk can be found on Memorial Boulevard at Easton’s Beach, as well as at Forty Steps, at the end of Narragansett Avenue. At Forty Steps, a pay-by-plate machine provides parking for up to 4 hours. Motorists are simply asked to enter your license plate number and make your payment via credit card, dollars, or coins. Parking along Easton’s Beach is enforced daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with hourly rates of $2 per hour. From November 1 to April 30, there is no fee for parking at meters, but a 3 hour limit is in effect until 6 p.m. daily. 

During peak season of May 1 to October 31, metered parking is in effect 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The meter cost at 40 Steps is $1.25 per hour with a 3 hour limit. The Beach meters on Memorial Blvd are $2 per hour with a 3 hour limit. All meters accept coins or credit cards.

The time it takes to complete the Cliff Walk in Newport depends on your pace and how much time you spend exploring and enjoying the scenery along the way. On average, it takes about 2 to 3 hours to walk the entire 3.5-mile trail one way, but this can vary.

Some of the Newport mansions from the Cliff Walk, as the trail runs adjacent to some of the historic properties, offering scenic views of the mansions from the ocean side. However, access to the interiors of the mansions typically requires separate admission and may involve a short walk from the Cliff Walk trailhead.

The Cliff Walk bathrooms are primarily located at the trailheads or near any visitor centers located at the mansions.

Compared to weekends, weekdays tend to be less crowded for the Cliff Walk, especially during early mornings or late afternoons. However, it’s always a good idea to check for special events or holidays that might attract more tourists.