Kidding Around The Block

Hiking

Hiking the beaches, roads and trails is a great way to see the island!

Despite having just 10 square miles of land, Block Island features an amazing number of excellent short hikes.

In fact, hiking may be the most popular activity on the island. A well-maintained trail system includes 25 miles of walking trails, or Greenway Trails, features access points marked with small granite monoliths. Hiking trails are described below and can be seen on the center-page map. The Nature Conservancy sells detailed maps at its office on High Street, but these trails are well marked, so go take a hike!

Trail Hikes

Clayhead Trail and The Maze

Some of the island’s best views are along Clayhead Trail. A half mile into the trail, walkers will find an intersection. Right will take you to a wonderful sandy beach; left will lead you along the picturesque bluffs. At the top of the trail is an area informally known as “The Maze,” where walkers can wander through interconnected, unmarked pathways. To explore The Maze, just take any path heading westward; it’s a fascinating area. If you are short on time, be mindful of your turns, as you can quickly get lost. To reach the trailhead: Look for a small marker at a dirt road heading east off Corn Neck Road. The marker is opposite a big farm house, three miles from the four-way intersection in town, where Corn Neck Road begins. The parking lot and trailhead are at the end of this bumpy dirt road.

Elizabeth Dickens Trail

This trail is named after “the bird lady” of Block Island, who taught ornithology and natural history to BI school children and is credited with instilling Block Island’s conservation ethic. The trail traverses open fields that run to the edge of the bluffs. The trailhead is not easy to find. Turn onto the dirt road (Dickens Road) at the west end of Cooneymus Road. Take your second left onto a narrow dirt lane and continue for an eighth of a mile. There is a small parking area.

Fresh Swamp Trail

A combination of trees and open fields makes this trail a good place to observe raptors such as the northern harrier. The quiet and scenery is invigorating. The trail begins east of Fresh Pond on Lakeside Drive; look for wooden steps heading over a stone wall.

Be mindful of ticks. Deer ticks, common on B.I., can transmit Lyme disease to humans. Check for these tiny pests after your hike. Long pants and long sleeves help keep them off your skin.