Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Existing Conditions | Page 155

10 Natural Resources

Scenic Views

Being situated on an island, Newport is home to ocean views on three of its four borders. The two most coveted
areas along the city’s coastline are the Cliff Walk and the Ocean Drive. The Cliff Walk, totaling 3.5 miles, extends
along Newport’s southeastern coastline. Not only is the Atlantic Ocean viewable at all lengths of the walk, but views
of the city’s famous mansions can be seen along the walk as well. The Ocean Drive also provides unforgettable views
of Newport and the open water. Along the drive, the city’s mansions can be seen along with the coastline, its unique
rock formations, and inland estuaries.
The scenic views and natural beauty of Newport is at risk to various natural hazards and climate change. The main
threats come in the form of coastal erosion, coastal flooding, wind-related storms, and sea level rise. More on these
topics can be found in Chapter 14, Natural Hazards and Climate Change.

Wetlands

There are at least 11 wetland areas in Newport, including swamps, marshes, coastal tidal marshes, and estuarine
marshes. All of the wetland areas are located along the Ocean