Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge

Pristine details of nature are revealed on our magnificent walk through this National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way we enjoyed witnessing deer, bunnies and seagulls who call the Refuge home. A great place to appreciate nature. Be sure to breathe deeply because the air is the freshest here.

Absolutely one of my favorite places to watch the sunset. They have nice paved paths for walking and running. They're deer all over amongst other animals. I enjoy being here.

Visited a national wildlife refuge park in Rhode Island morning and afternoon — the walk was tranquil and peaceful, surrounded by gentle breeze, birdsong, and calm natural beauty.

I LOVE coming here this place is so worth it. A beautiful place to get away to go for a quiet walk with several paths that lead down to the ocean where you can go and sit by ocean and stare out. It's also a place where you can fish. You will also see many different types of birds and butterflies around that will leave you in awe. Just remember to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a bottle of water especially on hot days.

I began coming to this little slice of paradise when I moved here from the southwest over 4 years ago. Everyday I see something more spectacular than the time before. I’m here through all seasons. I come early in the mornings and lose myself in its tranquility. I visit at dusk and watch the wildlife. There is a long part of the path that smells of honeysuckle for weeks! How lucky we are to have such a wonderful place on Aquidneck Island:-)

The trails are so well kept and easy to run or walk. The access points down to Ricky beaches are a must

Visited on a beautiful sunny day for a 3-mile jog — the perfect setting. The loop around the point offers stunning ocean views, and the trail is wide, well maintained, and surrounded by a wonderful variety of coastal flora.

I recently visited this beautiful place, and I highly recommend taking a walk here on sunny days. The pathway along the cliff offers stunning scenic views, making every step a joy. During our visit, we were fortunate enough to spot deer sitting just a short distance away, peacefully observing us. It truly was a lovely day spent in nature. The visitor center provides valuable information about the location, including details on local animals and birds. It also features a small souvenir store where you can find unique mementos from your visit. It's a great stop to enhance your experience!

A place for all seasons to enjoy what the Ocean State is known for - ocean views, salty air and gorgeous wildlife. What to bring: layers to warm up or cool down, sunglasses, bug and tick protection, binoculars. Gentle trails wrap around this spectacular point. Stop by the visitor center for trail suggestions out for some information about what's to see. This location is well known for its migratory bird watching. Tough to see without binoculars but scan the waters with some good specs and you'll see some wide varieties stopped for a swim and a snack. Snowy owls frequent here as the temps drop and you'll often see deer grazing right along the trails. The wind whips bitter here in the cooler months so dress warmly so you're sure to enjoy a toasty adventure. Parking is plentiful and the gentle, graded paths make it family and stroller friendly.

Great spot in Rhode Island. One of my favorites actually. Beautiful! Relatively easy 3 mi walk

Refreshingly cold hike on a cold winter's day! Definitely Dress warmly when walking here the wind off the ocean can be bitingly cold. Lots of wildlife-deer, pheasants, owls, winter ducks, occasionally seals. Many spots to sit and relax or walk down to the ocean, just be careful the rocks can get slippery. When the weather is nicer it is a great picnicking place or a spot to watch surfers/windsurfers.

We were advised, by a friend, that this was her favorite spot to explore on her visit to Newport, RI. I have trouble with my feet, but the path is very well maintained and the walk was well worth it. So many sweet sounds from different birds & add the breeze and sounds of the water! Such a blessing to experience all of this. There are two viewing platforms with benches. Since it was not the busy season, we were able to rest our feet and enjoy the beautiful sounds, the perfect weather & the flights of the various birds. There was an additional bench to rest between the two viewing platforms. The second platform has two telescopes at different height levels to see the birds up close out in the rocks.... So amazing!

Beautiful views, amazing trails, very serene and no fee for the parking lot when we went on a Sunday evening. The bathroom, however, is in need of some work. It stunk and needs to be cleaned thoroughly. This is the bathroom that is open when the visitor center is closed. It also didn't have hand soap or paper towels. Granted, we went after hours when no one was working there. I would recommend using a bathroom elsewhere if you go after hours. Otherwise it is worth a trip for good photo opportunities and beautiful scenery

We visited right after Labor Day. Free and EZ parking, onsite bathrooms, nice visitors center. Lovely and curated paths by the water.

Every time I'm in Newport, I make it a point to visit this amazing place with such natural beauty. There is always plenty of parking off-season, I've never visited this place during the summer months, and if you're lucky enough to visit when the nature visitor center is open, it's got some great information to help you enjoy the experience. What I love most about Sachuest it is how you can feel so far away from everything when you're really not. As you stroll through the meadows before getting to the water's edge, the grassess, bramble and stark trees all set the mood for a great stroll. I should mention now that it is a very gentle path the whole way, perfect for people of all ages and abilities. It is the water's edge know that always grabs me. Plenty of places to go off trail and down onto the rocky shore and get real close to the oceans roar. If you happen to be there on a super windy day, you can definitely get some good splashes coming in off the breakers coming in. Also a perfect place to do a nice rock pile sculpture. Or come upon a tidal pool if the season is right. Lots of great views of the areas around in Newport, occasional wildlife sightings, and unspoiled nature all make this a must see the next time you're in Newport. You're gonna love it!

It has been just shy of 4 years since we last vacationed in Newport and once again we headed almost immediately to this beautiful refuge. Parking is free and there is a visitor center with interesting exhibits. The weather was near perfect on the day of our visit so we took the ocean view path and were once again enchanted by the refuge's beauty.

Great trails and views. We'll maintained with new benches and overlooks. Looking forward to coming back in the future.

****COVID Review*** - It was still open at the time of this review, Idk if it is still open * Check a ahead - This place gets ten stars - Its great for date, wasting time, chillin, working out, running, lounging - I didn't see any birds, but the cliffs are breathtaking - Flint Point trail took around an our to walk at casual pace

amazing views, flat paths-what more can you ask for. 365 views. Saw many birds, a bunny and a baby deer! Can't wait to go back!

Absolutely amazing. This is not to be missed! The wonderful views are year round. With the sea as a backdrop to the area is Exceptional

This place is amazing! The first year I moved to RI, I learned about this national wildlife refuge and I went for a hike. As I walked around the two different loops, I looked at the waves crashing on the huge boulder rocks and I thought.....this is one of the prettiest places in the entire state.. I still come back for nice easy long walks on nice sunny days. You really have a few choices, walk around either one of the loop trails or walk both at once...the latter only takes about 2 hours tops. There are so many places to stop and look at birds, to sit back and listen to the waves crashing, to just enjoy the plants and the flowers.... This was originally a landfill.....if you have time, stop by the visitor center and learn how this area became the beautiful refuge it is today. The parking lot is ample and private. Check it out...you will not be disappointed....

This is one of my favorite walks in Rhode Island. It's really lovely to take the time to admire the flora and fauna. The ocean views are dramatic and the Meadows are peaceful. People on the trails seem are very friendly and there's a lot of active fishing going on. It's also nice that the visitor center has a restroom and water fountain.

Beautiful unexpected stop on our overnight trip to Newport. We were just driving around and happened upon this park. A group of people were standing around with cameras and binoculars, so we just had to get out of the car and find our why. Apparently, this time of the year, sometimes you get lucky and see a snowy owl and we were lucky today! We hiked/ walked 1.5 mile trail with beautiful water views, wild deer and that handsome snowy owl. Free and fantastic!

This is a great spot for a walk along the newport shoreline offering distance views of cliff walk and the mansions , second beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Several path options, well marked and wide. The center is staffed and restrooms are available sunrise to sunset. The gentleman we spoke with was very friendly, gave us an overview of the length of some trail options and spoke of the snowy owl often on site in winter. On this mid October walk, we saw many monarch butterflies, several woolly bear caterpillars, heard some beautiful birds and enjoyed fabulous ocean views on a flat, well maintained path. We will definitely return!

Public building is closed but they have multiple CLEAN!!!! Outhouses available for use. Lots of trails to walk or run. You can make your outing short and head to a lookout tower to see the water or walk the few walks they have. Lots of area available for cute pictures!!!!

I can see the appeal of this place and why so many people have given it such great ratings, however, I personally was not a big fan. Yes, it is a pretty trail with some awesome views of the ocean, but i didn't like it much because it was very busy and hot since there's barely any shady areas. It was probably 80 degrees the day we went, nothing crazy, but felt really hot because of the lack of shades. Additionally, we wore bug spray as we always do but still found some ticks on us when we got back to the car which has not happened to us on any other trail before.

I usually associate this place with second beach but this is where I go when I say im going to second beach. This place is great and always fun with friends. Go down to the rocks and enjoy your time there. (IG : KyleCaptures)

I highly recommended this place for a nice walk along the coast! Beautiful fields of flowers, and swarms of bird, not insects. Lots of parking but fills quickly. Good fishing spots too if you're willing to walk. They have a nice visitor center as well.

I learned of Sachuset Wildlife from a friend over a year ago and ever since I've literally fallen in-love with this beautiful and breathtaking place. It's perfect for an array of things, site seeing, bird watching, walking, jogging and photo taking. The staff are always welcoming and friendly as well as knowledgable. The grounds are very well maintained and serviced regularly. They recently replaced the roofs on their buildings which are also very well maintained. Inside the main building they have some exhibits offering wildlife information along with beautiful pictures. They also have "clean" restrooms for the public inside the main building. This beautiful area provides views of the ocean, third beach and second beach of Newport with views of the lighthouse. It's perfect to get away and clear your mind from the crazy hectic challenges that life deals you from time to time. There are several paths that lead you back to were you started. The longest path is 2.5 miles which I jog often and sometimes twice. They also have lookouts and paths that lead you down to the massive rocks in the water that you can bask in the sun on. If you are ever in Newport or Middletown RI I would highly recommend you visit Sachuset Wildlife for an amazing experience.

This is probably my favorite wildlife refuge in Rhode Island. It is great for birds, especially ducks and other seabirds. I have also seen deer, voles, pheasants, and warblers here. If there is a drawback to Sachuest, it is all the ticks and poison ivy, but that is to be expected in the wild.

Lots of tourists seem to end east end of their Newport trip at Cliff Walk. But there's something more beyond east from Cliff Walk. That is this spot. Last girlfriend was a tree hugging chick. Hence I was dragged into every possible nature appreciation events and/or places. And this was one of them. Although I am not hiking enthusiast or bird lover, I really love this place. It's quite, nice ocean breeze, beautiful scenery, etc. You won't find very many people here so that you can enjoy peace and quite. Even if you are not knowledgeable about birds, there are some info on the board from point to point. If you were in a hurry, I would recommend ocean trail of southern half of peninsular. I think it takes 30-45min to go around.

Visitors to Newport should hike the Cliff Walk in Newport first and then head here for the second best hike in the area. This place has a very nice and peaceful 2.5 mile loop that will only take about 60-90 minutes to complete. The best part? It's FREE!

Stunning views of the sunrise. Just breath taking. Go early and find a bench. I have posted so many pictures of the sun rise on facebook and people love them. The trails are well marked with little signs and there is a information building with a bathroom on the side. There are more trails on the other side of the building as well. Free to check out and I always see people jogging, running, walking on the trails and many fishers also go early in the morning. Posted signs are up where you can fish.

Beautiful location and views, easy trail loops for a leisurely stroll (1.5 mile Ocean View trail and 1.2 mile Flint Point trail), great for families (no dogs allowed, however). The parking lot did fill up quickly on this Saturday morning and we saw lots of folks getting fishing gear out for casting off the rocks (you could alternatively park at Second Beach and walk over). The Ocean View trail reminds me somewhat of the Marginal Way in Ogunquit with the rocky coastline and booming surf - looking like what I imagine the Marginal Way may have looked before it was paved and fenced. The visitor center was quite charming and informative as well, kind of like a small natural history museum (opens at 10AM; clean restrooms inside; tiny gift shop). It has a nice topographical map which displays the trails and surrounding area; displays of the wildlife endemic to the refuge; the geological origins of the site; and a history of the settlement of the area from native Americans to current Americans.

This is such a great walk to go on. There are so many different birds. It's also so nice, quiet, and calm there. The traffic isn't the easiest to get by in the summer but doesn't take that long to get through. It's really worth going to whether you have kids or not.

This is a gem, can't believe I never visited when I lived in Newport. Stroller friendly trails along the Atlantic Coast. Plenty of parking. Easy access to the trails. Free. Need I say more? 1.5 mile Ocean View Loop is a good starting point.

The refuge has an easy 2.5 mile loop on a flat dirt path. It offers excellent views of Newport and the ocean. If it has rained recently, there will be large puddles of water that are difficult to walk around. Nevertheless, it is a short walk that is worth the views. If you are visiting Newport and looking for recommendations, feel free to message me through Yelp and I can share my itinerary, which includes my Yelp reviews. The information for an electronic copy can also be found via my Yelp profile.

You'd think for a native, Cliff Walk would naturally be the best place to go for a run. Nope-- it's crowded, sometimes hard to find parking, swarming with tourists gawking at mansions, skateboarders, dogs.... Exactly. That's why Sachuest Point is my favorite little gem to go for runs. There is always plenty of parking, gorgeous views of the ocean, plenty of coastline access and views, a bike rack, trails that are clearly labeled and have measured distances, and if you come at the right times in the early evening you can see families of deer walking about which is always cool. There's enough room on the trail to bring a stroller with you if you wanted to walk around. There is coastline access for people who like salt water fishing. Along the trails, there are higher access places with binoculars to check out the birds and scenery in the area. I think also during the day, the building is open for people who have questions about the area as well as a public bathroom. I personally have never had trouble with ticks, but just take caution and check yourself after you leave especially if you go through some of the bush to get down to the shoreline. I highly recommended Sachuest Point for runners and anyone who loves nature.

This was the second stop for us after Cliff Walk over Thanksgiving weekend. It got dark pretty fast and the visitor center was closing up. But, we could still walk around the trails. Here you can get the perfect photo of the sunset. Plenty of wildlife to see as well like seagulls. Right before here, there is a beach which looked like you had to pay a parking fee during the summer season. Overall, it was nice to stroll around and met up with alot of photography enthusiasts with their telescope lenses. You can tell that this is a good place for bird watchers. I wished we got here earlier. This is a nice serene spot away from all the busy traffic near Cliff Walk and the Newport Mansions.

Nice, easily-accessible and child-friendly paths hug the coast of Sachuest Point. Many different options for distance, we did the whole shebang and I'd guess it to be about two miles. Goes quick with the scenery of beautiful coastline and Sakkonet across the water. BE CAREFUL! Between four of us we found three ticks on us after leaving, one of which was feasting on my girl's BLOOD. They're deer ticks too, the ones that can carry lyme disease, so I'd recommend you read up on them before you go. I think you're safe if you stick to the main path since it's wide and open, but the second you venture off on one of the side paths that access the coastline and walk past some brush...beware!

I have lived in Newport for my entire life. For years, my parents have always come here for sunrise/sunset walks. I am sad to say that it took me until I was 23 to come and enjoy one of these walks, and I can just imagine what I have been misssing out on. Because of the popular Snowy Owl that is living here, it was very crowded. We had to circle around the parking lot about 6 or 7 times, until we finally saw someone leave. Inside, there is a friendly greeter who helped us figure out what trail to do. He seemed to have a lot of knowledge of the wildlife, the area, and the preservation in general. The views are just breathtaking, there really is nothing like it on the island that can give you a view, with water on 365 degrees around you. It is stunning, and an absolute must for any wildlife/nature/hiker. I cannot wait to spend many days here this summer.

Friendly volunteer staff, plenty of free parking. Beautiful scenic spot for hiking with a fun educational indoor spot for families to check out.

Great place for a jog around the easy ~2.4mile loop. Floods occasionally after heavy rain, but that's awesome too. The visitors center has just been redone and repopens 8/24/12. Article below. http://middletown.patch.com/articles/sachuest-point-wildlife-visitor-center-grand-re-opening-friday

This is a chill, flat and accessible, mostly fine-gravel paved walk looping the peninsula where the Sakonnet River meets open water. But the excitement is all there in the nature surrounding you. Sure, birds are cool to me, I like to notice them, but I don't go out of my way to bird-watch as a primary goal or anything. Here, I get why people go nuts for birds. This habitat is chock-full of swooping song birds, aquatic birds and raptors unique to this very specific coastal habitat, and since it is completely open to the sky, they are practically on display for you. There are some great signs along the way that help you identify some of the birds, and a very cool spot with two high-powered telescopes to look out at the birds hanging on rocks and Little Compton across the river. On my most recent visit, my husband and I were mesmerized in suspense by a red tailed hawk hovering low to the ground, looking perfectly still in the air. Eventually it landed right on the trail, staring into the bushes just 30 feet in front of us, and mysteriously dashed inside, then silence. Continuing on the trail, we think we spotted the hopeful dinner - a baby rabbit frozen in a patch of grass, surrounded by scattered fur tufts of perhaps a lost brother? Oh, the drama! And the VIEWS! Rocky outcroppings (yep, better 'n Cliff Walk) for exploring, watching the waves smash, and a fantastic view of Second Beach. What could be better? How about a nature center, bathroom and a huge parking lot. This place is amazing.

This is my favorite place in the Newport area, but it's not in Newport! To get here, you drive by all the beaches and park in a free, yes I said FREE, lot at the end of the point. The trails - 1.5 and 1.2 in length circle the two sides of the point, so that no matter what path you pick, you get great views of the ocean, the beaches, and nature. Along the way there are entry points to the water so that you can go walk along the rocks, go fishing, or just take a breather. There's also informative placards along the way that tell you about the birds and fish that you might encounter. I love this place for its peacefulness, nature, and the people who work there. The whole place is clean, well staffed, and just a great spot on a beautiful day. -

Impressive well maintained park. If you want to roam around and see some deer, all types of birds and maybe potentially seals then this a great place. Theres many miles of trail and it loops all along the ocean giving you many viewing points. Theres also shoreline access however its mostly rocks. That didn't stop me as you can climb up onto the rocks and get some great photos. I would suggest dressing for a hike as the grass and terrian can be high and somewhat uneven. I did find a tick on myself after so thats the only caution i would take besides from the sun and poison ivy. Great spot to check out and sight see for free and kill half a day in the park then head over to second or third beach.

For those of you with a need to commune with nature, this is the proletariat alternative to the outstanding nearby Norman Bird Sanctuary, but offers much, much more. Most touristas reach the beach -- 2nd that is, though its first rate on Acquidneck Island -- but I'm wondering how many take the time to go all the way..out to this refuge. I've got plenty of fond memories--XC skiing the trails in knee-deep powder while surf pounded during a blizzard of '96--hopping along the rocks with kids in all four seasons, searching for lobster bouys--teasing the breakers from as far out on the tidepool rocks as you dare to go--I'll add more to be sure. But the key note to this gem is knowing that the US Navy gave up this prime real estate, cleaned it up rather well, then let Dept of Interior build a first rate nature/info center with our tax dollars. (And if you're ever stranded and have got to go with the porcelain, then you'll find here's the plumbed waystation you seek.) The staff are knowledgeable, good stewards, and have not failed to please. The variety of flora and fauna are outstanding--both terrestrial and marine. The mosquitoes can be a bit daunting around the dusk hours.

Sachuest Point is a fabulous spot - beautiful - off the beaten path - worthy of the small extra effort to get there. Of course....with the good comes the bad, NO Dogs allowed. But...BIRDS are allowed and there are a plenty there.......all shapes and sizes too. There are nice running paths too, but why anyone would want to run w/o their dog, well that's just crazy talk. Also, the Norman Bird Sanctuary is nearby - another birding hotspot.

Wow! While out exploring our beautiful little state of RI we stumbled upon this wildlife preserve just past 2nd beach! It's absolutely gorgeous there. There was plenty of parking in the lot. We walked down the path and past a couple who looked as tho they were enjoying the view and picnic they packed. As you walk down the beautifully manicured pathway, you start to see more and more ocean until you reach s certain point and it is all that you see! There are several points throughout the path where you can easily get down to the rocks and out by the water! We picked our spot and watched the sunset! There was an amazing view of the Newport bridge as the sun lowered and disappeared into the ocean! We definitely will be back to walk the entire path and can't wait to explore further. We will just plan to bring sneakers to change into before hand. On our way back to the car we looked over to see a family of 3 deer grazing in the field! Check out my pictures then check it out for yourself!!! Absolutely stunning!

This place is absolutely beautiful. I walked around the walkways and the views are fantastic. There are little gazeebos around in certain secluded parts that I loved to just stop at and embrace the beauty of the sights that lay before me. Free parking was a giant plus. Around the area, all the beaches require entrance fees or at the very least coin operated meters (good luck finding a spot though) and this place is off the beaten path so not a lot of people actually go here so that's a giant plus. I'd recommend this place to anyone visiting.

This trail is approximately 2.7 miles round-trip (1.5 miles for the Ocean View Loop and 1.2 miles for Flint Point). The several shoreline accesses have great views of the ocean. My girlfriend and I arrived around 11:30-ish AM. It was a little chilly. I recommend bringing a light sweater. There's ample parking and a really cool visitor's center with public restrooms inside. Be careful of poison ivy! There's a lot on the side of the trail, but as long as you're not an idiot and don't wander off the path then you'll be fine.

This place reminded me how to enjoy the quiet. The trails are well marked and we ambled around, watching the surf (it was after a storm, windy and high tide so the beach was almost nonexistent but the waves were fantastic), the surfers (crazy guys in full wet suits with sails or windsurfers) and the wildlife. We did end up getting wet and muddy as some of the trails don't have the best drainage, but it was worth it. I wish we'd had time to do both trails and I would love to go back at low tide.

I came here on my first visit to Newport. When I got to second beach, I was freaking out at the parking situation, but thankfully, the wildlife reserve is actually quite a bit down the ways and there was plenty of free parking at the visitor center. There's a nice gravel trail that loops back and takes you along the beach. Informative placks stuck around the trail let you know what kind of birds you can see in the different seasons. Unfortunately, I didn't catch any predatory birds. There were plenty of rabbits, insects, and the view of the sunset across middletown is beautiful. I caught a glimpse of a deer as it dashed out infront of me across the trail and into the vegetation. I think it was worth the near heart attack. Most memorable to me though is driving down the windy country road back towards town from the visitor center. The ocean is on one side, a wooden railing with vegetation on the other and powerlines hanging overhead. It fulfills all the idyllic country fantasies of a city boy like me. Love this place.

We found this when we realizes part of the cliff walk was damaged/closed because of storm Sandy. It was a really nice, quite, well marked out place to walk around. You are almost assured to see some wild live. Last time we ran into several bunnies, they were so cute. The first time in the fall we saw several crabs and some snakes (small ones). There are 2 paths: one long that runs by the ocean and the other by the beach. The beach one has multiple access points to the beach/ocean. It also has has several sit seeing decks. There is even an information center with some helpful and very friendly people.

This place is alot bigger than I thought it was. There's pretty long trails along the ocean and also through brush that are kept very clean. Quite a few "shoreline access" paths too but they are extremely rocky and a couple are kinda steep. There's no beach or anything, you'll just be climbing over big and small rocks to be near the water or go fishing. I walked along the rocks from one access path to another and I guess it was low tide because there was lots of dried up seaweed pretty far up the rocks. There's some real pretty views out here and lots of birds throughout the whole place, although I didn't see any raptors or anything else rare at the times I went. There's a free parking lot at the visitor center that seems kind of small, but there are always tons of spots.

Beautiful refugee with fabulous ocean views. The trails are well maintained and easy to follow. Good bird viewing for both shore birds on the water and song birds in the thick vegetation on land. There's also a nice display in the modem visitor's center. A must-visit when you're in Rhode Island.

An nice Wildlife Refuge tucked away near Newport, RI. We enjoyed the short trails around the perimeter of the park, and saw some wildlife. The trails can get muddy when it rains, so bring appropriate footwear! The park staff are nice.