Mohegan Bluffs
Cliff Steep clay cliffs on Block Island with coastal views
Along Block Island’s southern shore, the Mohegan Bluffs expose tall clay cliffs and a stairway to a small beach; visitors hike the headland, watch seabirds and photograph dramatic coastal erosion.
Mohegan Bluffs are a line of high clay cliffs on the southeastern shore of Block Island (town of New Shoreham), Rhode Island, noted for their height and coastal views.
From the top of the bluffs there are broad views across the Atlantic and along the island’s coast, and a wooden stairway leads down to a narrow beach at the base. The site is a popular photo spot and vantage for sunsets and coastal birdwatching.
The bluffs are natural features formed from glacial and post-glacial deposits and have been eroding over time, which is why stair access and viewpoints are periodically adjusted for safety.
Located on the southeast coast of Block Island in Rhode Island, the bluffs sit within the town of New Shoreham and are reached by the island’s local roads from the main harbors.
- Height: The cliffs are roughly 150 feet (about 45 meters) high, formed from clay and glacial deposits and offering a steep drop to the beach below.
- Beach access: A set of wooden stairs provides beach access from the top of the bluffs, but the steps are steep and can be closed or restricted in poor conditions.
How to Get to Mohegan Bluffs #
Block Island is served by ferries from Point Judith (Galilee, Rhode Island) and by seasonal flights. From New Shoreham (the island’s town) the Mohegan Bluffs are roughly 1-2 miles along coastal roads toward the island’s southeastern shore; local bikes, taxis and the seasonal island shuttle make access straightforward.
Tips for Visiting Mohegan Bluffs #
- Count the steps-the Mohegan Bluffs stairway down to the beach is roughly 141 steps; the climb back up is a good breathing test.
- Visit late afternoon when the cliffs turn warm red and the beach's solitude feels almost private.
- Combine the trip with a visit to Southeast Lighthouse; both sites are on Block Island's southern shore and within a fairly short walk of each other.
Best Time to Visit Mohegan Bluffs #
Mohegan Bluffs are busiest in summer when ferries bring day-trippers; for quieter visits aim for shoulder seasons and late afternoon light.
Weather & Climate near Mohegan Bluffs #
Mohegan Bluffs's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1084 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (108 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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