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Crane Beach Walks [7,8]
Detail Map (50k)
Area Map (60k)
Location: In Ipswich. Take Route 1A to Argilla Road at the Ipswich South Village Green. Follow Argilla Road 4.2 miles to the Crane Beach gate.
Parking: Entrance fee. Call 978-356-4351.
Permitted: Walking, horseback riding (call for information re when horses are permitted on the beach – 978-356-4351). Dogs are permitted on the beach during the winter months if leashed. Dogs are not permitted in the dunes.
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History
Crane Beach, a barrier beach over four miles long, consists of many fragile ecosystems. The beach and dunes provide habitat for an abundance of wildlife, including rare and endangered nesting birds, such as terns and piping plover.
Trails
If visitors wish to walk to the beach, they will find much information on flora and fauna on the signs posted on the boardwalks to the beach. The beach is very well known and provides for wonderful walks, but visitors are urged to venture onto the Pine Hollow Dune trail, the entrance to which can be found on the far right of the main parking lot. The trail is drawn on the detail map and there are also markers along the trails. Please stay on the designated paths as the dunes are fragile.
A second dune walk may be reached from Steep Hill Beach. Follow the beach to the left and opposite Little Neck there is a trail marked by two stakes leading into the dunes. This is the Cedar Point Trail. It winds through the dunes giving great glimpses of Fox Creek and then connects with the lower road that circles the Great House property. A left turn at the juncture leads to the ruins of the old rose garden and on back to Steep Hill Beach; a right turn will take you past the farm/barn complex and the “Walled Garden”. The road climbs the hill past the Brown Cottage. There are several possible dirt roads leading back to Crane Beach (see map).
You may wish to continue on the main road past the remains of the so-called casino, now being renovated, and onto the Grand Allee. Walk down the Allee towards the water until you come to the path crossing the Allee. A left turn takes you back to Steep Hill Beach, a right turn leads you through the dunes and back to the main beach. The entire walk is under four miles. For you convenience, the Trustees have constructed composting toilets at the base of Steep Hill field.
