Block Island is a tiny of island off the coast of the tiny state of Rhode Island, but it packs in all the rustic charm and seaside beauty that we’ve come to expect from the Outer Lands region of Southern New England, making it a popular destination for summertime tourists. The island is only about three miles wide by seven miles long, but with 25% of the land preserved preservation and 30 miles of trails, there are great running options, from scenic trails and sandy beaches, to inland farms and coastal lighthouses. The best places to run on Block Island are along Mohegan Trail, Corn Neck Rd. to the North Lighthouse, Clay Head, and Crescent Beach. We’ve also designed a nearly 10-mile ‘Block Island Tour’ which incorporates some of the highlights of the southern and interior sections of the island. The beaches on Block Island can be great for running — at the right times and at low tide, the sand is firm and compact.
Our Block Island running routes cover the breadth of the island’s scenery and variety. The island’s small size means that several of our routes overlap or can be joined together for a longer run. Locals say downtown (officially called New Shoreham) can “get a little crazy” with tourists, especially in summer, but in general the roads are wide and safe enough to enjoy a run on any part of the island.
Block Island is an hour-long ferry ride from Point Judith, RI. Reservations are required for cars. There are also ferries from Newport, Fall River, MA, and Montauk, NY. Once on island, taxis are convenient and relatively cheap, and biking is a very popular way to get around.
