Time may have forgotten, but once you visit Block Island in the U.S. state of Rhode Island, you won’t ever forget. It is the best New England island you never knew existed.
Block Island is heavy on Victorian charm and its beauty will seduce anyone who love hiking, biking, boating, and other outdoor adventures. But if you’re just looking for a place where you can escape the realities of the mainland, you won’t be disappointed. You might find the ferry schedule a little tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it won’t be tricky to find activities. In fact, this is such a laid-back island that even if you choose to do nothing at all and just bask in the glow of Block Island, you won’t be disappointed.
That said, there are some activities and sights that you simply shouldn’t miss. For instance, New England is known for its dramatic scenery and you’d be hard-pressed to find something more dramatically beautiful than the Mohegan Bluffs on Block Island’s southern coast. You’ve never seen the Atlantic Ocean from a more unforgettable view than at the top of these bluffs. Descend the quaint, wooden staircase of a little over 140 stairs to a small slice of remote beach below. It’s such a serene spot that you’ll find it difficult to believe that any violence could have ever taken place here. But this is the spot where Mohegan invaders attempted to overtake Block Island in 1590. The native Manissean tribe wasn’t having that, and promptly pushed the Mohegans back—and over the bluffs that now have their name, plummeting to the sea below. No worries today, though—all you need in the way of protection here is some strong SPF sunscreen.
Almost 3,000 of Block Island’s 6,000+ acres are pristine and untouched. Three conservation groups have partnered to preserve the island’s wild state and offer scenic hiking. Block Island’s conservation groups include a conservancy that shares the island’s name, as well as a Land Trust and Nature Conservancy. This last group happily sponsors one of the best treks on the entire island within the 150 acres of the Clay Head Preserve. You can enjoy wandering the trails that go far inland, also known as the Maze, or simply enjoy the incredible views—perhaps the best in the entire region.
So, there you have it—Block Island is the best New England island you never knew existed.
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