Clay Head Preserve - New Shoreham, Rhode Island

Massbaum

Our favorite nature trail on Block Island!! We just discovered this spot today and what a special place it is.. We read that it was difficult to find because there aren’t any signs on the road, but that’s exactly why it’s so private and serene.. Once you find Clay Head Road just take it straight to the end.. You’ll find a small dirt parking area, and from there the entrance to the trail is clearly marked.. The area is clean and well kept, with the main trails regularly mowed.. It’s a short walk down to the beach from the parker my area (it took us maybe 10 or 15 minutes with 2 children).. The shore and the views are absolutely spectacular.. We watched the Connecticut ferries coming and going while we played on the beach and made balancing rock sculptures.. We saw less than 10 other people the entire time.. What a lovely way to spend one of our last day on the island.. We’ll definitely be coming back to Clay Head tomorrow, and again on our next trip!!

Thomas O.

The staff at the Inn we stayed at on Block Island told us to walk the Clay Head trail. Google maps can get you to the dirt road that brings you to a parking area. I would recommend an SUV as it can get a little bumpy. Great walk with some awesom lookouts over the clay cliffs. The trails are immaculate and even when you cannot see the ocean you can hear the waves roaring in.

Emily W.

We stopped after biking all over Block Island and were looking for a quite spot to sit for a bit. This was it. The beach was scenic and not crowded. We didn't walk the trail (tired legs) but it sure looked nice ,was longer than I realized. A destination for another visit.

B C.

Nice walk to the beach to catch an amazing view of the ocean. The wildlife makes the trails a nice escape while in between greenery

*Mopeds NOT allowed on path (marked by sign on post) but people can’t seem to read…

Michael S.

I enjoyed Clay Head most out of the trails and sights of Block Island. It is very rustic, somewhat challenging but view from several bluffs and side adventures in the mazes are worth the effort.

Carly

Had the whole beach to ourselves! The trail to the beach was easy in my sandals; we personally did not find the trail to the cliff so will do next time. Such a beautiful and more secluded trail of Block Island.

Ilona S. W.

Amazing place but .. IMPORTANT. Be extremely careful when walking on the trail in the forested areas. My husband and I stepped on a Lone Star tick larva BOMB...shoes, socks and inside of socks covered in hundreds of ticks. Luckily we noticed while we stopped to sit and drink water. It looks like you're covered in grains of sand but it is Lone Star ticks... We quickly walked with our shoes into the ocean, the salt helped stop then a bit, used sand to scrub our legs down. Luckily we were staying nearby, got back quickly, put shoes and socks in bag full of isopropyl alcohol. Scrubbed ourselves with heavy duty soap until they were all gone. Finished off with some hand sanitizer on skin just ok case.

Posted photo is after my shoes and socks were off once home.. the ocean got a bunch off but many remained as you can see.

Other photo is close up I took of one with my macro lens to confirm it is a lone star larva (6 legs, not yet nymph). These are very aggressive. Please fully cover yourself before hiking and spray clothes/shoes/pants with DEET. We did not spray, and stayed on trail entire time. Learned about tick bombs today as well .. other than that .. gorgeous hike.

Brian S.

Breath taking views. Wide, well groomed hiking trails. Beautiful fields, woods, cliff walk. Loved it.