Sachuest Point Figure-Eight

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge offers gentle trails, an abundant variety of bird species, and outstanding, sustained views of Second Beach, the Sakonnet River, and the Atlantic Ocean. It's a real gem of a place, and linking the Flint Point Loop and the Ocean View Loop Trail extends the experience.

Begin at the trailhead kiosk in the parking area to the northeast of the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge Visitors' Center building. Here, the trail immediately splits—bear left to begin your run (the right is a spur trail that leads to a viewing platform).

The trail reaches another junction shortly thereafter, where the end of the Flint Point Loop enters on the runner's left. Continue straight until the trail dead-ends at another junction where the Ocean View Loop Trail heads to right and the Flint Point Loop to the left. Stay to the left and follow the trail around the northern section of the refuge. The trail winds in and out of thick foliage with occasional viewpoints over the Sakonnet River and almost constant interaction with myriad bird species and numerous rabbits.

At 1.2 miles, the trail reaches the end of the Flint Point Loop. Take a left and retrace your steps to the dead-end, this time following the Ocean View Loop Trail to the right.

The views open up for almost the entire duration of the Ocean View Loop Trail, with panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean and Second Beach. Purgatory Chasm, the distinctive cleft in the puddingstone cliffs that mark Surfer's End, is clearly visible and several shoreline access points, viewing platforms, and benches offer tempting respites.

At 2.5 miles, the trail reaches the Visitors' Center building and becomes poured concrete sidewalk. Round the building and continue on the footpath to the trailhead kiosk.

Birds, rabbits.