Crane Beach in Ipswich, MA, is one of the most beautiful beaches in New England, but there is so much more to explore than just the beach. The trails surrounding Crane Beach take you through a diverse ecosystem of sand dunes, forest and salt marshes, and past the historic Crane Estate. There’s no better way to escape the crowds at the beach and get a terrific workout than with a walk along the trails. For an extra burn, try running through the dunes. I’ve yet to make it very far running but I’ll keep trying!
We have The Trustees of Reservations to thank for preserving Crane Beach and the Crane Estate for our enjoyment. To think, that beautiful beach used to be someone’s backyard! That someone was the Crane family, who is responsible for the modern bathroom. If you’re a history lover, taking a tour of the Crane Estate and surrounding grounds is an absolute must-do in order to gain a full appreciation of the property.
One part of the property that gets overlooked by many visitors is the network of trails winding through the sand dunes. I hesitate to write about it since it’s one of my favorite places and it’s not overrun with tourists. But sharing is caring! The scenic beauty and serenity is too good to keep to myself. These are the essentials for enjoying the trails of Crane Beach. I’ll see you there!
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How To Get There
The trails surrounding Crane Beach are essentially split into two parts- one on either side of the beach. They can be accessed from the beach, though many people just walk on by without noticing the trails. The main section that runs through the sand dunes and provides views of nearby Essex can also be accessed via a trailhead at the far right side of the main parking lot. The trails nearest the Crane Estate can be accessed from the beach or from the estate.
If you drive up to the estate there is an admission charge, whether or not you want to take an official tour of the estate. Admission to the beach is pricey, especially during the summer, so you’ll want to plan to be there for the day. To save money on the price of admission, park in downtown Ipswich and ride your bike to the beach. You should be allowed in for free but bring a credit card just in case you’re asked to pay a nominal fee (currently $3.)
When To Go
The Crane Beach property is open year round, so any time of year is great. For those wanting to bring dogs, they are only allowed October 1st through March 31st. I love spring through fall for walking the trails. Whether you walk or run, the dunes provide a solid workout and you’ll be sweating a lot, even in the cooler weather. The summer is beautiful on the beach but it gets hot in the dunes and there is little sun protection. The sun also reflects off the sand, so be careful with sun exposure.
Best Trails at Crane Beach
My favorites are the trails that lead to scenic overlooks of the surrounding salt marsh and Essex Bay. Keep this map handy for reference as you explore the property. From the trailhead at the main parking lot, follow the green trail to the right and then stay to the right when connecting with the red trail. When you reach the fork in the red trail, stay to the right. This will take you to the top of Wigwam Hill for magnificent views of the Castle Neck River. Trust me, you’ll want to sprint up the hill. Faster is better in the deep sand! Continue down the hill and out to the beach that runs along the river and provides views of Essex Bay. If you hate backtracking, you can walk to the left and follow the beach all the way back to the parking lot. If you prefer to stay in the dunes, turn around and head back to the fork in the red trail. Turn right to make the loop back to the parking lot. The blue trail is another offshoot of the red trail that offers breathtaking views of Crane Beach, as well as entrance to the beach for a quick swim or water break.
My other favorite trail runs through the Crane Estate. It’s the brown trail. From the main parking lot, start walking down Crane Beach to the left and keep walking until you reach the last of the buoys and “No Lifeguards Beyond This Point” sign. Then keep your eye out for the trail entrance to the dunes. Other than a couple of stakes to mark the entrance, you won’t find any trailhead signs. Follow the path into the trees and up to the back of the Crane Estate. You’ll find yourself on a gravel road crossing through the beautiful grand allee that runs from the estate to the ocean. Follow the road until you reach the sign for Steep Hill Beach. At this point, you can walk out to the beach or look for the brown trail that starts to the left of the walkway to the beach. The trail winds through the dense transition forest and opens up with views of the marsh. Turn right to follow the path along Fox Creek, towards Cedar Point, and out to the dunes running alongside the mouth of the Ipswich River. This is an out and back trail, so head back the way you came, and keep your eye out for the deer that often cross your path!
Refueling- in Ipswich or On Your Own
Walking and running the Crane Beach trails is an awesome workout, so keep in mind you might be burning a significant amount of calories and losing electrolytes, especially in the hot weather. It’s a good idea to bring along water and a snack or plan to find a nearby restaurant. I recommend having a bottle of fresh water and a bottle filled with electrolytes. Add a pinch of salt or 40,000 Volts to your water before leaving home. If you prefer a little sugar with your electrolytes, try Precision Hydration tablets/mix or Osmo.
For a post workout snack, focus on eating protein with a moderate amount of carbs and small amount of fat. Green smoothies are a great option, as well as homemade granola bars. A small meal of 4 oz. of chicken, greens and sweet potatoes will also provide the recovery fuel you need. If you’re running out the door and need something quick, pack a peanut butter and banana sandwich on Ezekiel bread.
There are also a few restaurants in the area to grab a quick bite to eat. In downtown Ipswich, try Burrito Spice or Heart & Soul Cafe for restaurants with lots of options for veggie filled meals. If you’re looking for something more substantial and a good beer to wash it down with, head to the Ipswich Ale Brewery.
Now that you know the keys to a fit and fun day at Crane Beach, pack up your bag, hit the road and get your sweat session started!
Mussels from Ipswich Ale Brewery 
Greek salad from Heart & Soul Cafe