Standing at the edge of the Mohegan Bluffs on Block Island’s southern shore, you face a rugged cliffscape where towering red clay cliffs surge from the Atlantic with fierce independence. The trail leading down these bluffs offers a 1.5-mile round-trip adventure, descending roughly 190 feet, winding through shaded forest paths that whisper with the sea breeze and the crunch of your boots on wooden stairs. Few hikes combine raw ocean power with accessible challenge like this one. As you follow the steps down, the cliffs dare you to respect their force—loose soil and sharp drops keeping the experience real and riveting.

At the bluffs’ base, the surf thrashes below, currents insistently pushing and pulling against the shore. From here, sweeping ocean vistas unfold in every direction, with white waves cresting beneath skies that shift color as the day wanes. The Mohegan Bluffs demand a steady foot and alert eye—wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and allow roughly an hour for the round trip if you linger on the shore or capture the sunset.

The trail is straightforward but includes stairs and narrow paths, so balance and care matter. Timing your visit to late afternoon rewards you with one of New England’s most stunning sunsets, when the sun dips beyond the horizon in a blaze of orange and pink, reflected off the restless sea. The cliffs frame this show like an unyielding stage crew.

To get here, start from New Shoreham, the island’s main town—parking and trail access are at the southeast end near the Mohegan Bluffs Preserve. Early arrival helps to avoid crowds during peak season, and bring insect repellent during warmer months as coastal bugs can test your patience.

Whether you’re after morning calm or the thrill of a fiery sunset, the Mohegan Bluffs offer a hike that is as practical as it is awe-inspiring. Take time to absorb the ocean’s voice and the cliffs’ stubborn spirit. It’s a hike that challenges you to keep pace, stay grounded, and appreciate a fiercely natural landmark that refuses to be tamed.