Take A Hike: This Rhode Island Walking Trail Is One Of The Best In US

The first thing I thought when I read that a scenic Rhode Island walking trail was named one of the best in the US was how did I not know about this? I love hikes, Rhode Island and walking. Have I missed something?

Then, the obvious hit me upside the head. Of course, it's the Cliff Walk. I just don't think of it as a trail, I guess. But USA Today readers do, and they love it like we do. In fact, they love it enough to name it a top 10 walking trail.

The publication shared it's list this week of the 10 best hiking trails in America. And right there at #7, you'll find the picturesque and wildly popular Cliff Walk of Newport. This Rhode Island Walking Trail is amazing. USA Today exclaimed "These 10 hiking trails not only promote physical well-being but also provide a mental respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life."

I love a walk with a view, don't you? It just enhances your journey. And add to the challenge you are walking along a cliff and likely dodging walkers along the way. It is the place to walk in Newport, after all. Plus it's 7 miles long, in total.

USA Today said the "out and back" trail offers "sweeping vistas of the Atlantic Ocean alongside views of architectural gems from the Gilded Age." For an easier stroll, if that's what you're looking for or need because you have a stroller, start at the northern portion of the walk, at Memorial Boulevard, and continue south. There is more pavement there.

How USA Today came up with their list of 10 best started with an expert panel who selected their top spots for "scenic trails that are perfect for leisurely day hikes." The readers made the final decisions, voting for their favorites.

So, we now know that Newport is where you will find a Rhode Island walking trail that earned high marks. The legendary Cliff Walk ranks #7 on the list of the 10 best hiking trails in America. Here's the rest of the story.

10. Hollywood Sign via Innsdale Trail - Griffith Park, CA

9. Tunnel Creek Trail - Incline Village, Nevada

8. Scenic Overlook via Bald Mountain Trail - Ketchum, Idaho

7. Cliff Walk - Newport, Rhode Island

6. Indigo Trail - J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, FL

5. Fairy Falls Trail - Yellowstone National Park

4. Bridal Veil Falls - DuPont State Recreational Forest, NC

3. Fairyland Loop - Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

2. Porters Creek Trail - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN

1.  Whispering Cave - Hocking Hills State Park, OH

We all know walking is so good for us. But it can be boring. That's why you should check out these 5 walking trails in Massachusetts that are beautiful and fun. You won't be bored stepping up your game on these paths.

From everything I read on the subject, walking is great for your physical and mental health. It gets you outside in nature and gets your blood pumping! According to Better Health, "just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance." That's a lot in one simple walk!. No equipment needed, just a good pair of shoes, appropriate clothing and maybe a bottle of water. Did you know walking can also reduce your risk of developing various diseases, too? As mentioned in the article it can help reduce your risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

Now, that we've established walking is THE exercise we all need, let's go for a stroll. Here, you will find out about 5 of the absolute best walking trails in Massachusetts that are beautiful and fun. With my own personal knowledge of a few of these, along with help from the website, All Trails, wander through this short list of favorites. From historic wooded areas to cobblestone streets, there's a little something for everyone here.

If you're up for a more challenging or longer route, head up to Blue Hills. If water views are what you're craving, Walden Pond is perfection. There are city walks and country side strolls. Most of these you'll find to be over a mile and less than 5 miles. But if you really want to get those steps in, do a few loops at one of the below, or try alternate trails at the locations of a few of these fabulous walking trails in Massachusetts. Lace up...and march on! It's good for you.

Weir Hill (traditionally pronounced "Wire Hill") in North Andover is is a 194-acre public park in North Andover, owned and maintained by the Trustees of Reservations. This popular  2.6-mile loop trail is only one of quite a few trails on the property. It's pretty easy and should take you about an hour, on average, to finish.  Best of all, this trail is open year-round. By the way, your pup is welcome, but must be on a leash. The walks "include a shimmering lake shoreline, an expansive panorama of the Merrimack Valley, and the diversity of ten different types of plant communities," according to the Trustees website. You'll find 4 miles of trails ranging from easy, like the Reservation trail to difficult.

https://thetrustees.org/place/weir-hill/

Springtime on this trail is breathtaking, once the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom. The Arboretum is  near Jamaica Plain. You'll find the trail to be a "walk in the park." It's an easy one and should take you around 1 hour and 23 minutes.  Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 23 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, fishing, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

I know, I know. It's a touristy thing to do, but EVERYONE should do this walk, guided or on your own. And do it more than once, it's history in a decent amount of walking if you are worried about getting in your steps. The historic trail should take you roughly an hour to complete. It's mostly flat and you can bring your dog on a leash. The Freedom Trail is open year round and it's a beautiful way to see and celebrate our city and it's history. FYI: Freedom Trail visitor centers are located at Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, and the Charlestown Navy Yard. You'll see everything from Paul Revere's house to the Granary Burying Ground, the Old North Church, Bunker Hill Monument and Old Ironsides (The USS Constitution). Breathe in our beautiful and legendary city. Spring time is an awesome time to walk the trail, before it gets too hot.

If you don't have a lot of time, this stunning trail with water views for days will soothe your soul. It's an easy stroll through hallowed grounds. Leave your pup at home though, because NO dogs are allowed. This route takes about  37 min to walk. It's a super popular area for walking, hiking and bird watching, so you won't be alone. Heads up: Walden Pond State Reservation does charges a daily entrance fee. Don't miss an opportunity to walk where Henry David Thoreau walked and lived amongst the trees.

It's all about the view! I've been hiking Blue Hills Reservation for many years and there nearly an infinite number of ways to walk the glorious forests in the Blue Hills Reservation.. But this 3 mile loop, known as the Skyline Trail, is moderately challenging and should take about an hour and 45 minutes. There are amazing views of downtown Boston once you reach the top and climb up Eliot Tower. As explained in All Trails, you should take the "blue-blazed Skyline Loop Trail begins behind the park headquarters. Take the stone steps up Hancock Hill and follow the winding footpath over the ridge line to Eliot Observation Tower, which sits atop Great Blue Hill. Climb the tower for a panoramic view. To return, cross over the stone bridge to intersection #1066, and turn left to return via Skyline south."