Explore the Hiking Trails on Block Island
Because of this, hiking is a very popular activity on Block Island, practiced by residents and visitors alike. Hiking along the roads allows you appreciate the natural beauty of Block Island and the many Victorian and New England style houses and buildings. Hiking along the roads of Block Island will bring you past various points of interest that just can’t be appreciated when traveling in a fast moving car or moped.
Just up the road from New Harbor, you’ll pass the Island Cemetery. Feel free to continue your hike onto the cemetery grounds. From the high hills within the cemetery you have a great vantage point from which to view the North Lighthouse and the Rhode Island coastline.
To reach the North Lighthouse, you would travel on a single road all the way to the northern tip of Block Island. This road is a few miles long, so you may want to actually choose a bike or moped. When you reach the end, there will be a parking area, and you can continue hiking to the North Lighthouse. From the beach and the beautiful dunes that surround the area, you be able to relax and enjoy the ocean scenery, as well as view the North Lighthouse up close. Be sure to look for the Labyrinth, the Maze, and the Clay Head Trail on your way back from the lighthouse, as they are all wonderful places to explore and relax under the afternoon sky.
Exploring the many dirt and gravel roads that branch off from the main roads will also lead you through large open fields bordered by old rock walls, peaceful meadows, serene lakes that sparkle brightly in the sunlight, and small ponds dotted with lily pads and populated by colorful dragonflies.
While hiking on Cooneymus Road, you’ll pass a majestic view of Rodman’s Hollow, a deep ravine filled with woodland growth. I highly recommend exploring Rodman’s Hollow on your visit to Block Island. It is a wonderful hike on a sunny day. Walking through the quiet woods is calming and relaxing, and eventually you will arrive at the beach, where you can continue hiking along the sand while listening to the gentle waves lapping at the shore.
Hiking along the many beaches is always an enjoyable experience on Block Island, especially near the Mohegan Bluffs, located just beyond the Southeast Lighthouse. You can access the beach here either through Rodman’s Hollow, the long staircase leading down to the beach from the overlook near the lighthouse, or through other various hidden trails. But there are many beaches practically surrounding Block Island for you to discover and enjoy. Some may be crowded, but on others, you may be the sole inhabitants, and you can relish the scenery and the tranquility.
Another illuminating walk is along the Fresh Swamp Trail, which leads through both light woods and dazzling meadows, and is ideal for bird watching. Other areas of note include Fresh Pond Greenway, and the Hodge Family Preserve, a huge field that is absolutely gorgeous on a bright day.
Together, most of the 25 miles of hiking trails make up what is referred to as the Greenway Trails. You may not be able to wander them all in just one visit, but the return trips to Block Island, Rhode Island are always worthwhile, and you’ll always discover new places and things. Be sure to pick up a free guide to Block Island when you arrive for a map showing the locations of the various trails.
