Community Corner
The Point You Will Return To
This spot shouldn't be a secret or a surprise to you, but Black Point is a lovely walk.
Black Point exemplifies all that is beautiful about New England’s rugged and rocky coastline – massive slabs of granite that have weathered the constant beating doled out by deep blue waters. They embody our strength, determination and stubbornness.
The parking lot for Black Point is located off Ocean Road just north of Scarborough State Beach. A path leads through the woods from the north end of the dirt parking lot to the shore. The trees open up at a fork in the road.
To the left you can head directly down to the rocks and scramble over boulders. The path to the right winds along the edge of coast, separated from the rocky shore by tall grass, brambles and bushes. There are side trails that cut through the brush and lead down to the rocks.
Find out what's happening in Narragansett-South Kingstownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
From the parking lot you can follow the dirt trail all the way around to Scarborough State Beach. The remains of a stone building sit at the end of the path. I’ve heard all kinds of speculation about what it used to be; either an old church or a house that is of course haunted.
It’s actually an old carriage house that was part of a large estate that sat on the point. The reason for its current state causes more theories to abound as well, and the two frontrunners are responsible for most old home destruction in Rhode Island: fire and the ’38 hurricane. Either way, it’s a beautiful remnant of old New England.
Find out what's happening in Narragansett-South Kingstownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
At low tide the ocean draws back and exposes tide pools along the shore. Every once and awhile you’ll find a few neat critters that got stranded, just waiting for the tide to cycle back in. I’ve seen crabs, small fish and even a lobster once. The kids will love to poke around the rocks.
From the parking lot to the stone house is only half a mile long, but there is a lot more to explore that will keep you occupied for hours. Any time is a good time to go, although I would be cautious after rain. The rocks can be slippery and the path does get muddy.
I like to go before sunset and watch the sun go down behind the point, leaving the trees in silhouette. On a warm day with a cool ocean breeze, there is no better place in Narragansett.
