Rhode Island is full of natural wonder and hiking trails to explore it all. Shady woods aren’t the only places to hike. This walk along the coast of Aquidneck Island is brimming with beautiful natural scenery and leads to an incredible discovery at the end.
Brenton Point State Park is located on Aquidneck Island in the town of Newport off of Ocean Drive.
Flickr/Jennifer MacCaulay
It is home to the Newport Kite Festival held each July in the park’s grassy fields with their vast open skies and gorgeous ocean views.
Flickr/Joe Bar
Starting in the parking lot, you can hike nearly three miles along the Brenton Point Seawall.
Flickr/Kate Antoniades
Climb to the top of the stairs to catch a glimpse of birds, bunnies and other beach wildlife.
Flickr/Christine Riggle
Continue along the seawall until you reach the King’s Beach Fishing Area. You are nearly to the headquarters building where you will leave the predictable path of the seawall.
Flickr/Tom McC
Start walking the grass until you find the gravel path. If you follow the trail to the right, you will find the old stone observation tower.
Flickr/Josh McGinn
But if you follow the trail to the end, you will find the abandoned stables.
Flickr/Nathan Wood
The ruins of the stables and observation tower are all that remain of the carriage house from the sprawling estate once known as The Bells.
Flickr/Josh McGinn
Once beautiful, it was destroyed by fire in the 1960s, partially demolished and left to decay. Now it is just a hidden surprise being devoured by nature at the end of a beautiful long hike along the ocean.
Flickr/Josh McGinn
You never know what you are going to find at the end of a trail. Click here to discover other abandoned places Rhode Island.
Flickr/Jennifer MacCaulay
Flickr/Joe Bar
Flickr/Kate Antoniades
Flickr/Christine Riggle
Flickr/Tom McC
Flickr/Josh McGinn
Flickr/Nathan Wood
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