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A chill seaside trail through a wildlife refuge with a ton of birds and excellent ocean views.


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Map Key

2.7

Miles

4.4

KM

100%

Runnable

34' 10 m

High

15' 5 m

Low

58' 18 m

Up

57' 17 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (0°)

4%

Max Grade (2°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The refuge is closed from sunset to sunrise.

Overview

The Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge offers gentle trails, an abundant variety of bird species, and outstanding, sustained views of Second Beach, the Sakonnet River, and the Atlantic Ocean. It's a real gem of a place, and linking the Flint Point Loop and the Ocean View Loop Trail extends the experience.

Description

Begin at the trailhead kiosk in the parking area to the northeast of the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge Visitors' Center building. Here, the trail immediately splits—bear left to begin your run (the right is a spur trail that leads to a viewing platform).

The trail reaches another junction shortly thereafter, where the end of the Flint Point Loop enters on the runner's left. Continue straight until the trail dead-ends at another junction where the Ocean View Loop Trail heads to right and the Flint Point Loop to the left. Stay to the left and follow the trail around the northern section of the refuge. The trail winds in and out of thick foliage with occasional viewpoints over the Sakonnet River and almost constant interaction with myriad bird species and numerous rabbits.

At 1.2 miles, the trail reaches the end of the Flint Point Loop. Take a left and retrace your steps to the dead-end, this time following the Ocean View Loop Trail to the right.

The views open up for almost the entire duration of the Ocean View Loop Trail, with panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean and Second Beach. Purgatory Chasm, the distinctive cleft in the puddingstone cliffs that mark Surfer's End, is clearly visible and several shoreline access points, viewing platforms, and benches offer tempting respites.

At 2.5 miles, the trail reaches the Visitors' Center building and becomes poured concrete sidewalk. Round the building and continue on the footpath to the trailhead kiosk.

Flora & Fauna

Birds, rabbits.

Contacts

Shared By:

John Lepak

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 7 votes

#869

Overall
  5.0 from 7 votes
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#1

in Rhode Island

#869

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Photos

The Ocean Loop Trail offers purely phenomenal views.
Jul 9, 2017 near Newport, RI
The Ocean Loop Trail
Sep 7, 2020 near Newport, RI
The Ocean Loop Trail
Sep 7, 2020 near Newport, RI
Soak up the great views of the Sakonnet River from Flint Point.
Jul 9, 2017 near Newport, RI
Gull
Sep 7, 2020 near Newport, RI

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Check-Ins

May 25, 2021
Private User
Aug 24, 2020
Private User
Jul 8, 2020
Marc Braga
Two loops and a stop at the lookout. 5.4mi
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