wellness
Newport Parks Department Ranks Top Walking Trails by Distance and Difficulty
The Newport Parks and Recreation Department released its annual trail rankings this week, sorting routes by measured distances and terrain ratings.
How we reported this
Newport Parks and Recreation released updated ratings for five local walking trails on July 8, sorting them by exact distances and difficulty levels from easy to advanced.
Residents have increased outdoor activity this summer after the city launched its Newport Moves wellness program in May 2025. The effort tracks participation through app check-ins at trailheads and partners with the local YMCA to promote consistent exercise. Warmer weather and longer daylight hours have drawn more people to paths that avoid crowded indoor gyms.
Two routes stand out in the new guide. The 1.8-mile loop through Miantonomi Memorial Park rates as easy, with mostly flat gravel and paved sections along Memorial Boulevard. The 4.2-mile out-and-back on the Sachuest Point trail near the Point neighborhood carries a moderate rating due to some rocky sections and elevation changes near the water.
Short and Accessible Routes
The shortest option covers 0.9 miles inside the Easton's Beach area, starting at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Ocean Avenue. This path stays on boardwalk and packed sand, suitable for beginners or families. A second easy trail runs 2.3 miles along Thames Street and into the historic Point district, passing the Newport Public Library branch and several small parks maintained by the city.
Trail counters installed in March recorded 12,400 passes on the Miantonomi loop during April alone. City data shows average daily use rose 28 percent compared with the same month in 2024.
Longer Challenges for Experienced Walkers
Walkers seeking more distance can tackle the 5.7-mile moderate route that begins at the end of Bellevue Avenue and follows the shoreline before turning inland near the old fort site. The most advanced option stretches 7.1 miles with steep sections and requires good footwear, according to the department's difficulty scale.
Participants in the Newport Moves program can join free guided walks on the first Saturday of each month. Registration opens through the city website, and the next session starts at 8 a.m. on August 1 at the Miantonomi trailhead. The department advises checking the city app for real-time trail conditions before heading out.