The cliffs hit you differently than you expect. You walk up to the railing on Mohegan Trail Road, look south, and suddenly there’s nothing between you and the horizon — just 200 feet of dramatic clay bluffs dropping straight to the Atlantic, a crescent of wild beach below, and open ocean stretching all the way to Long Island. It’s the kind of view that makes people stop talking mid-sentence.
Mohegan Bluffs is Block Island’s most iconic natural landmark and one of the most dramatic coastal viewpoints in New England. Here’s what you actually need to know to visit it well.
What Are the Mohegan Bluffs?
The Mohegan Bluffs are a stretch of dramatic clay cliffs running along Block Island’s south shore, reaching heights of up to 200 feet above sea level. They get their name from a 16th-century battle between the Manisees (the island’s original inhabitants) and a raiding party of Mohegan warriors — a confrontation that reportedly ended at these cliffs.
The bluffs are made of glacially deposited clay and sand, which means they’re actively eroding. The coastline shifts slightly each year. The wooden staircase descending to the beach below is periodically updated and repaired to account for the changing terrain — check current conditions before visiting.
The views from the top are spectacular in any direction: ocean to the south, rolling green hills of Block Island to the north, and the Southeast Lighthouse perched on the bluff to the east.
The Staircase: What to Expect
The wooden staircase from the top of the bluffs to the beach below is the main access point. It’s one of the most photographed spots on the island — and also a real workout.
The stats:
- Approximately 141 steps from top to bottom
- Total vertical descent: roughly 150–200 feet
- The stairs are steep and can be slippery when wet
- There are rest landings along the way
Going down is manageable. Coming back up takes real effort, especially in summer heat. Don’t underestimate it. People with knee problems, heart conditions, or anyone who isn’t in reasonable physical condition should think carefully about whether the descent is right for them. The view from the top is stunning on its own — you don’t have to go down to have a worthwhile experience.
What the beach is like:
The beach at the base of the bluffs is a narrow, rocky crescent. It’s not a swimming beach — the waves and undertow are too strong. It’s a geological experience: dramatic, remote, and beautiful. Some people swim here anyway; do so at your own risk. No lifeguards.
How to Get to Mohegan Bluffs
Address / Directions:
Mohegan Trail (the road that runs along the south shore) off Spring Street, Block Island. The main viewpoint and staircase access is at the corner of Mohegan Trail and Lakeside Drive.
Getting there without a car:
Block Island is easy to navigate by bike — renting a bike or moped from the harbor and riding south on Spring Street to Mohegan Trail takes about 20–30 minutes. The ride itself is beautiful. This is the recommended approach for most visitors.
Taxis and rideshares are also available from the harbor.
Parking:
There is limited roadside parking along Mohegan Trail near the staircase. It fills quickly on summer weekends. Go early (before 10 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) to find a spot. Biking eliminates this problem entirely.
The Southeast Lighthouse
Block Island’s Southeast Lighthouse sits on the bluff just east of the main staircase overlook — and it’s worth the short walk over. Built in 1875, it’s a National Historic Landmark and one of the most photographed lighthouses in New England. The brick Victorian structure sits dramatically at the cliff’s edge, with sweeping views in all directions.
The lighthouse is open for tours in summer. Tours typically run daily; check current hours when you arrive on island. The views from the lighthouse grounds alone are worth the detour even if you don’t do the full tour.
The lighthouse was famously moved 300 feet back from the cliff edge in 1993 as erosion threatened to send it into the ocean — a remarkable engineering project that’s part of the lighthouse’s story.
Best Time to Visit Mohegan Bluffs
Early morning: The light is soft and golden, crowds are thin, and you’ll often have the staircase to yourself. Worth waking up for.
Golden hour (1–2 hours before sunset): The warm light on the clay bluffs is extraordinary for photography. The southwest-facing orientation means afternoon and evening light hits the cliffs perfectly.
Avoid: Midday in July and August. The parking area fills, the staircase gets crowded, and the heat on the exposed climb back up is punishing.
Best season: Late May, June, and September offer fewer crowds, beautiful light, and comfortable temperatures. October has a dramatic quality — the vegetation turns golden, the beach is empty, and the light is spectacular.
Photography Tips
Mohegan Bluffs rewards anyone with a camera. A few specific shots:
- From the overlook railing: Wide angle looking south and southwest captures the full sweep of the bluffs, beach, and ocean
- Staircase from below: Looking up from the beach at the stairs and cliff face
- Southeast Lighthouse: Best shot mid-morning from the east, with the bluffs in the background
- Bluff edge from the beach: Looking back up at the 200-foot wall of clay — genuinely dramatic
Drone photography is popular here. Be aware of Block Island regulations for UAV use and get appropriate permissions.
What to Bring
- Water: The descent and climb are physical. Bring more than you think you need.
- Sturdy shoes: The stairs are manageable in sandals going down; coming up in flip-flops is harder than it sounds. Sneakers are better.
- Sunscreen and hat: Zero shade on the exposed cliffs
- Camera or phone charged: You will want this
- Jacket for evening: The exposed south shore catches the breeze; evenings can be cool even in summer
Nearby: What Else to Do in This Area
Mohegan Bluffs sits in the quieter south end of the island. While you’re down here:
- Block Island Southeast Lighthouse tour (adjacent)
- Rodman’s Hollow — a glacial outwash plain and nature preserve, a short bike ride north of the bluffs, with excellent trails
- Southwest Lighthouse — continue west on Mohegan Trail to the other end of the bluff section
- Beaches — Scotch Beach and Dinghy Beach are on the south shore, though swimming is calmer on the north-facing beaches
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the hike down to the beach at Mohegan Bluffs?
The staircase has about 141 steps and is moderately challenging, particularly on the return climb. It’s not dangerous for reasonably fit adults but should be skipped by those with significant mobility limitations. The view from the top is excellent and worth visiting even if you don’t descend.
Is there a fee to visit Mohegan Bluffs?
No. The overlook and staircase are free and publicly accessible.
Can you swim at the beach below Mohegan Bluffs?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. The waves, undertow, and rocky shoreline make it unsafe for casual swimming. There are no lifeguards. Stick to Crescent Beach or Fred Benson Town Beach for swimming.
How far is Mohegan Bluffs from Old Harbor?
About 2.5 miles by road — a 20–30 minute bike ride. The ride is scenic and mostly flat.
Is Mohegan Bluffs accessible with strollers or wheelchairs?
The overlook is accessible via a flat, paved area at the top. The staircase to the beach is not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs.
Can dogs visit Mohegan Bluffs?
Yes — dogs are welcome at the overlook and on the stairs. Keep them leashed on the clifftop.
