As we continue our way up the east coast, we added two new states to our journey: Rhode Island and New Hampshire. Newport, Rhode Island had one of the most beautiful walks we have every been on. The Cliff Walk is a 3.5 mile path with spectacular ocean vistas and views of the Bellevue Avenue Mansions. We started at “Forty Steps”, a famous gathering place in the late 1800’s that used to have rickety wooden steps to the water and now has 48 granite steps to the beach. The walking path has many different surfaces throughout the trail, and at some points is very rocky and you need to climb on boulders. There is a beach at both ends of the trail; Bailey’s Beach and Easton Beach, which were gorgeous as well. There is also a wonderful ten mile ocean drive that takes you through town, past more mansions and breathtaking views. Midway through the drive you pass Brenton State Park, where Narragansett Bay meets the Atlantic, and people love to fly kites. Fort Adams State Park was located just a few miles after ocean drive. It is located at the mouth of the Newport Harbor, and has a panoramic view of Newport Harbor and the East Passage of Narragansett Bay. It was fun watching the sailboats and taking a leisurely stroll on the Bay Walk in the park.
Our next stop was Swanzey, New Hampshire, a quiet little town on the the Ashuelot River Our campsite was located right next to the river, Melville Pond Recreation Area and the Dickinson Memorial Forest. We enjoyed biking and running on the the Ashuelot River Trail, which was less than a mile from our campsite, and connected to the Cheshire Rail Trail. We also explored the areas six 19th century covered bridges, which are always interesting to visit and learn about their history.
Next stop: Vermont!
Ocean View
Bellevue Avenue Mansion
View from the Cliff Walk
Forty Steps
Tunnel on the Cliff Walk
Another Newport Mansion
Bayside
State Park
Bay Walk
