Beyond the Beaches: Thrilling Adventure Activities on Block Island

The morning mist was still lifting off the water as our small group of kayaks pushed away from the protected harbor at New Harbor. Within minutes, we were gliding alongside towering clay cliffs that seemed to change color with each passing cloud. Block Island's coastline is a paddler's dream – a mesmerizing blend of hidden coves, sea caves, and dramatic bluffs that simply cannot be appreciated from land.

On my most recent summer adventure, we booked a guided expedition with Block Island Kayak Adventures that took us along the western shore toward Grace's Cove. Our guide Miguel, a former marine biologist like my husband, pointed out osprey nests perched precariously on rocky outcroppings and explained how the island's unique position creates the perfect ecosystem for both northern and southern marine species to coexist.

The highlight came when we navigated through a narrow passage into what locals call 'The Cathedral' – a partially submerged sea cave where sunlight filters through cracks above, creating ethereal blue light patterns on the water. The experience demands intermediate paddling skills, especially when summer afternoon winds kick up, creating challenging conditions.

I always pack my waterproof phone case for these kayaking adventures – it's saved countless photos from watery deaths while still allowing touchscreen functionality when I spot something worth capturing.

"¡Dios mío, qué vista!" The words escaped involuntarily when I first stood atop Mohegan Bluffs, gazing out at the seemingly endless Atlantic from 200 feet above the crashing waves. While casual tourists take the obligatory photo at the overlook before descending the 141 steps to the beach below, true adventurers know the real thrills lie along the network of cliff-edge trails that extend in both directions.

The Clayhead Trail network on the island's northeastern shore offers the most challenging hiking, with narrow paths winding through a labyrinth of glacial moraines. The island's unique geology creates a terrain that feels more like the rugged Pacific Northwest than New England. During my last visit, I spent a full day exploring these trails with my trekking poles which proved invaluable on the steeper descents where loose gravel can make footing treacherous.

For the most spectacular experience, I recommend the full 7.5-mile Greenway Trail that circumnavigates the island's southern portion. The trail passes through diverse ecosystems – from maritime shrublands to freshwater wetlands – before culminating at the historic Southeast Lighthouse. Time your hike to reach this point at sunset, when the 1800s brick lighthouse is bathed in golden light and the Atlantic stretches endlessly before you.

What makes Block Island's hiking uniquely challenging is the combination of elevation changes, exposed trails with little shade, and the ever-present coastal winds that can gust unexpectedly. Come prepared with proper footwear and plenty of water.

When most visitors think of Block Island, they envision quaint Victorian inns and pristine beaches. Few realize that hidden within the island's interior lies a mountain biker's paradise with over 30 miles of trails ranging from gentle paths to technical single-tracks that would challenge even experienced riders.

My favorite route begins at Rodman's Hollow, a 230-acre glacial depression in the island's southwest corner. Here, a network of interconnected trails winds through dense maritime forests, across meadows bursting with wildflowers, and alongside hidden freshwater ponds that feel worlds away from the coastal scenes most associate with the island.

During my last visit, I rented a high-quality mountain bike from Island Moped & Bike (reserve in advance during peak season) and spent a full day exploring these trails. The hydration backpack I brought proved essential – the island's interior can be surprisingly hot and humid even when coastal areas enjoy cool breezes.

The most challenging section comes at the Nathan Mott Park trails, where technical rocky descents and sudden elevation changes demand advanced riding skills. What makes Block Island mountain biking particularly unique is how quickly the terrain changes – you might be navigating rocky woodland single-track one moment, then bursting into an open meadow with panoramic ocean views the next.

For those seeking the ultimate Block Island biking challenge, the locally infamous "Maze" trail system lives up to its name with confusing intersections and sudden technical features that have humbled many experienced riders (myself included on my first attempt!).

"Trust the wind," my instructor Miguel whispered as we stood at the edge of Mohegan Bluffs, the colorful paragliding wing spread behind us catching the steady Atlantic breeze. Moments later, we were airborne, soaring along the dramatic coastline with nothing between us and the crashing waves 200 feet below but air and the thin fabric of our glider.

For adrenaline seekers, paragliding offers perhaps the most exhilarating way to experience Block Island's dramatic geography. The island's unique position and cliff formations create perfect updraft conditions, particularly along the eastern and southern shores. While casual visitors might not realize it, Block Island has become something of a paragliding mecca among East Coast enthusiasts.

I've taken tandem flights with Block Island Parasail & Paragliding during three different visits, and each experience revealed new perspectives on the island's geography. My most memorable flight caught perfect conditions that allowed us to soar for nearly 40 minutes, drifting from Mohegan Bluffs all the way to the North Lighthouse.

For those new to the sport, tandem flights with experienced instructors are the way to go, though certified solo paragliders can also bring their own equipment (with proper permits). Before my first flight, I invested in a lightweight action camera with a chest mount harness to capture the experience hands-free – some of my most treasured Block Island footage comes from these aerial adventures.

Be prepared for the weather-dependent nature of this activity. I've had flights rescheduled multiple times due to wind conditions, but the wait is always worth it when you're finally soaring above those magnificent cliffs with seabirds at eye level and the vast Atlantic stretching to the horizon.

As the ferry crowds depart and darkness falls, Block Island reveals perhaps its most magical adventure opportunity. On moonless summer nights between July and September, the waters around the Great Salt Pond come alive with bioluminescence – microscopic marine organisms that emit an ethereal blue glow when disturbed.

My first bioluminescent kayaking experience here left me speechless. Each paddle stroke created swirls of blue light in the water, while fish darting beneath our transparent kayaks left trails like underwater shooting stars. The waterproof headlamp I brought proved perfect – powerful enough for safety but with a red-light mode that preserved our night vision without disturbing the natural phenomenon.

Block Island Eco-Tours offers specialized nighttime bioluminescent kayak trips during peak season. These tours typically combine the paddling experience with expert guidance on the science behind the phenomenon. The transparent-bottomed kayaks they use enhance the experience dramatically, allowing you to see the light show happening directly beneath you.

For the full celestial experience, combine your bioluminescent paddle with stargazing at Rodman's Hollow afterward. Block Island's limited development and distance from mainland light pollution have earned it recognition as one of the darkest sky locations on the Eastern Seaboard. During my last visit, I brought my star map which helped our group identify constellations and planets visible with remarkable clarity.

The contrast between the glowing waters below and the star-filled sky above creates a sensory experience that many in our group described as almost spiritual – a fitting way to connect with Block Island's natural wonders beyond the typical daytime adventures.