Block Island has 25 miles of trails through grassland and shrubbery that will give you access to some of the best sightseeing the island has to offer. Almost half of the island is preserved land, which creates many trails and beautiful views. There are no difficult hikes on Block Island, so feel free to bring along inexperienced hikers or children.
The Greenway is a 12-mile trail that covers much of the southern half of the island. On this trail you will pass through many revered natural areas including Rodman’s Hollow, the Enchanted Forest, Nathan Mott Park and Turnip Farm. Rodman’s Hollow is a 128-acre wildlife refuge with many trails, offering views of the Atlantic Ocean and the opportunity to observe a variety of plant and animal life.
One of Block Island’s must-see landmarks, Mohegan Bluffs, can be reached on the four-mile Mohegan Bluffs Trails. The Bluffs rise 200 feet above the ocean and offer one of the most magnificent views on the island. A wooden stairway leads downward to the beach where there are picnic tables, benches and swimming and fishing areas. Just before you reach the bluffs you will find the Southeast Lighthouse, another historical landmark. The lighthouse was built in 1875 and can been seen by ships up to 35 miles away.
On the north side of the island, the Clayhead Trail gives hikers an opportunity to observe the Clayhead Bluffs. They rise 50 to 100 feet over the surf and stretch two miles along the island. When you arrive to Block Island by ferry, these are the bluffs that greet you. The Clayhead Trail is also one of the best places for bird watching, with up to 100 species seen at any given time.
The Block Island National Refuge Trail connects to the 25-acre Hodge Family Wildlife Preserve. This preserve has several dirt trails and is home to many bird species. The Block Island National Refuge Trail will also lead you to two of Block Island’s points of historical interest, the North Lighthouse and Settler’s Rock. The North Lighthouse was built in 1867 and Settler’s Rock is where the island’s original colonists landed in April 1661.
Ball O’Brien Playground is located before you reach Champlin’s Marina. It is complete with basketball and tennis courts, swing sets, a slide, jungle gym, and a skate park. Ian Kortbek Memorial Skate Park has concrete and wooden ramps, ideal for all skateboarders.
Get active and get the gear to go with it. Block Island Sport Shop has all of the outdoor, surf, skate, running and cycling gear that you will need. As a bonus, the staff can provide you with ideal routes for hiking, running, swimming and many other recreational opportunities.
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