Clay Head Trail

Stunning views over the cliffs and out to the Atlantic. Difficult to find with no markers and the only path to it goes through residential streets. And the walk here takes the only road through the island which has heavy traffic, no sidewalks or shoulder. It’s a long hike but worth it for the view.

Now
is
the
time
The Clay Head Trail is great anytime of the year. Even thought the island gets very crowded by the ferry and the shops in town, not people come out here even in summer. However, even though you might not be bothered by any people you will get harassed by other creaturers that sting, suck and bite. Flies, mosquitoes, ticks and other horrid creatures infest this area with the multitude of ticks being a particularly insidious problem.
However with the colder weather and the first frosts the horrid creatures go into hibernation, go on vacation or perhaps go to vermin heaven. Nothing left to suck your blood, take chunks out of your flesh or pass on their loathsome diseases and pestilence.
In many ways the area is even nicer in the fall and winter. Not a lot of foliage on the island since they cut down all the trees centuries ago and it takes a long time for nature to recover. But you can sense a difference in color, smell and feel. Everything is starting to yawn and getting ready for a winter’s snooze.
The hike down the trail is still lovely and you are still rewarded by great views of the bluffs and ocean and the cold, stinging winds blow up some impressive waves during the fall and winter. The next few months are probably the nicest time to visit the Clay Head Trail and indeed all of Block Island. No people, no creatures lusting for your blood, just lots wind, sand, cold and ocean.