, are both terrific places to run. Both have loop options, as well as out and back tours, and there are no wrong turns on these islands, because every mile is beautiful.
Picking Rhode Island runs at random—a difficult choice to say the least, we will go with the Newport Cliff Walk and Ocean Avenue loop; the southern portion of the East Bay Bicycle Path from West Barrington to Bristol; two Block Island runs, the Misquamicut beach run near Westerly; a downtown Providence tour; and the Kingston to Peace Dale Bike Path with an option to Narragansett Pier. There are hundreds of other options.
The Newport Cliff Walk is on the southeastern or ocean side of Newport overlooking Rhode Island Sound. As the name implies, there are significant cliffs on this end of the island, and this 3.5-mile run is, in a word, magnificent. With awesome natural beauty on one side and incredible Gilded Age mansions on the other, the miles float by. There are gardens and beautiful lawns along side, and crashing surf below. It is easy to understand why the mansions were built in such an incredible place—they could build anywhere, but chose this island.
Block Island, New Shoreham
Block Island offers a very different running experience, with many miles of scenic roads, both paved and unpaved, and over 30 miles of running/hiking trails, there are many options. Block Island, which constitutes the township of New Shoreham, sits about 10 miles off the main Rhode Island Coast at Point Judith. It is only 12 miles from Montauk Point, Long Island, New York, and much smaller and quieter than its more famous neighbors to the east. Home to the Manissean Indians for hundreds of years; its present name was taken from Dutch explorer Adriaen Block (visited in 1614). The island is only seven miles long and 31/2 wide, but packs a lot of spectacular and varied scenery, history, views, and enjoyable running options.
Providence Downtown
Running is a great way to see a city, and especially a dynamic, historic town such as Providence. And it is a great place to explore before or following your run. Sightseeing and shopping can become cross training in Providence. There are revitalized retail shops, a bonanza called Providence Place Mall, a model for any downtown; there are historic canals, and 18th century homes and shops. And there is the State House. If you have never been to Providence, you are in for a terrific treat with something for every interest. History buffs love the area, especially the state capitol. And there are many restaurants for those post run meals and refreshments. The State House alone is an attraction, and a national historical landmark. The dome is the fourth largest self-supported dome in the world, topped by the sculpture “Independent Man”. This beautiful building of gleaming marble contains the original colonial charter of 1663 from King Charles II; the large, priceless parchment is visible to all in its glass and steel vault. An array of famous paintings and other treasures, as well as famous battle flags from Rhode Island units are inspiring.
Many Beautiful Miles
As with other states in New England, there are innumerable areas, routes, and locations to run. As with the island loops mentioned above, there are many areas to explore and to log miles: The Blackstone River Valley, trails in the Arcadia Management area, shoreline runs from Narragansett to Warwick, the Greene Summit Trestle Trail through apple country, the rich history and charm of downtown Providence, the George Washington Management Area and surrounding trails in the northwest corner, and the beautifully picturesque southeast tip where Little Compton to Sakonnett Point rivals other coastal areas.
One of the many great things about Rhode Island is you can get to anywhere in the state very quickly. Runners and walkers can quickly and easily visit the famous mansions of Newport, walk the Oceanside cliffs, or stroll the beaches of South County. There are hundreds of scenic places to run and walk, and some unusual spots as well. Museums and parks abound, and are as varied as the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum in North Kingstown, to the Daggett Farm and Slater Mill of Pawtucket, also home of the Pawtucket Red Sox. Opportunities abound in the Ocean State. It has thousands of miles of “Rhode work”.
