You’ve probably seen the photos. Those towering, jagged clay cliffs dropping 150 feet into a churning Atlantic, looking more like a slice of the Irish coast than anything you’d expect to find in Rhode Island. It’s dramatic. It's stunning. Honestly, Mohegan Bluffs Block Island is the kind of place that makes you feel tiny in the best way possible.
But here is the thing: most people treat the Bluffs like a quick photo op. They bike up, snap a selfie, and head back for lobster rolls. They’re missing the actual story.
The Bluffs aren't just a pretty view. They are a shifting, eroding, and slightly dangerous piece of glacial history that is literally disappearing before our eyes. If you’re planning a trip, you need to know what you’re actually looking at—and how to not get stuck at the bottom of 141 stairs with jelly legs.
The Brutal History Behind the Name
The name sounds peaceful, right? Wrong. It’s actually tied to a pretty grim 16th-century battle.
Back in the mid-1500s, a group of Mohegan Indians from the mainland (modern-day Connecticut) tried to invade the island to take control from the local Niantic people (the Manisseans). It didn't go well for the invaders. The local Niantic warriors allegedly cornered the Mohegan party at the top of these very cliffs.
Legend says the Mohegans were forced over the edge to their deaths.
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Whether they were pushed or chose the fall over capture depends on which historian you ask, but the name stuck as a reminder of that day. When you’re standing at the overlook today, looking down at the rocks and the surf, that "scenic" view starts to feel a lot more heavy. You’re standing on a battlefield.
The Staircase: 141 Steps to Paradise (and Pain)
If you want to get down to the actual beach—which is technically called Corn Cove—you have to commit.
There is a wooden staircase that leads from the top of the bluffs down to the shore. There are exactly 141 steps. It doesn't sound like much until you’re halfway back up in 80-degree humidity with a sandy backpack and a wet towel.
The beach at the bottom is unlike anything else on the island. It’s rugged. You won't find the soft, manicured sand of Fred Benson Town Beach here. Instead, it’s a graveyard of massive boulders, smooth stones, and patches of sand that the tide constantly rearranges.
Survival Tips for the Descent:
- Wear real shoes. Seriously. Flip-flops are a disaster on the stairs and even worse on the rocky beach.
- Check the tide. If you go at high tide, there is almost no beach left to sit on. You’ll be huddled against the base of the clay cliffs.
- Hydrate. There are no vending machines at the bottom. Once you’re down there, you’re on your own.
Why the Bluffs are Shrinking
Geologically, Mohegan Bluffs Block Island is basically a giant pile of leftovers. About 10,000 years ago, a glacier stopped right here and dumped a massive mound of clay, gravel, and rocks.
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Because it’s mostly clay and not solid rock, the Atlantic Ocean is eating it alive.
The cliffs have receded over 250 feet since they were first named. This isn't just a "someday" problem; it's an "all the time" problem. In 1993, the nearby Southeast Lighthouse had to be physically picked up and moved 360 feet back from the edge because it was about to fall into the sea.
You can actually see the erosion in action after a big storm. Large chunks of clay will slough off the face of the bluffs, sometimes bringing the local flora down with them. It’s why the fences at the top are there—don't hop them for a better photo. The ground is literally less stable than it looks.
Getting There Without the Stress
Most visitors rent bikes or mopeds in Old Harbor and make the trek south. It’s about a 2-to-3-mile ride.
The road is hilly. If you aren't used to biking, your quads will feel it before you even reach the stairs. If you’re visiting in 2026, keep in mind that the island is pushing harder for "green" transport, so electric bike rentals are everywhere now and honestly, they're the way to go for the Mohegan Trail.
Parking and Timing
Parking is tight. There’s a small dirt lot near the Southeast Lighthouse, but it fills up by 10:00 AM in the summer.
If you want the place to yourself, go for sunrise. Most tourists are still sleeping off their mudslides from the night before, and the way the morning light hits the red clay of the cliffs is... well, it’s why people call Block Island the "Bermuda of the North."
What Most People Get Wrong About the Beach
People think they can just swim anywhere at the Bluffs. You can, but you probably shouldn't.
The surf here is notoriously rough. There are no lifeguards. The underwater terrain is a mess of hidden boulders that can easily break a toe or worse if a wave catches you off guard. Surfers love it here because the "Black Rock" break nearby is legendary, but for a casual dip? Stick to the town beaches unless you’re a very strong swimmer.
Also, the clay. You’ll see people rubbing the wet clay from the cliffs on their skin like a DIY spa treatment. While it’s "natural," the local conservancy actually asks people to stop doing this. Stripping clay from the base of the cliffs speeds up the erosion process. Plus, you’ll just end up staining your swimsuit a weird shade of orange that never comes out.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To make the most of Mohegan Bluffs Block Island, don't just "wing it."
- Pack a "Bluff Bag": Include a liter of water, a sturdy pair of sneakers, and a camera with a wrist strap. If you drop your phone on those stairs, it’s gone.
- Visit the Southeast Lighthouse first: It’s right next door. Seeing how far they had to move that massive brick structure puts the power of the ocean into perspective before you walk down to meet it.
- Timed Entry: Aim for 8:00 AM or after 5:00 PM. The lighting is better, the heat is lower, and the crowds are thinner.
- Leave No Trace: This area is incredibly fragile. Pack out every single piece of trash you bring down. The local ecosystem is already fighting the ocean; it shouldn't have to fight your plastic water bottle, too.
The Bluffs are a reminder that nature doesn't really care about our property lines or our lighthouses. It’s a place that demands respect, both for its height and its history. Walk the stairs, feel the burn in your lungs on the way up, and take a second to look out at the horizon. You’re standing on the edge of the world, or at least a very beautiful, disappearing piece of it.
For your next move, check the ferry schedule from Point Judith or New London at least 48 hours in advance, as summer weekend slots for vehicles and even high-speed passengers can sell out faster than you'd expect. Once you land, head straight to the moped rentals or grab an e-bike to beat the mid-morning rush to the south end of the island.