Wolly Hudsonia on Castle Neck (photo credit T. Barrieau)

CraneOutdoors: Castle Neck Hike in the Dunes

While just about everybody on the North Shore has probably been to Crane Beach, the dunes of Castle Neck are a much less explored world unto themselves. Offering one of the most accessible dune ecosystems north of Cape Cod, Castle Neck has over six miles of trails, traversing the dunes,… Read More

fire pit

CraneOutdoors: Sunset Hike to Cedar Point with Firepits

There’s no better excuse to explore Cedar Point—the western-most part of the Crane Estate—than a hike at sunset. This two-hour adventure in a lesser-known part of the property has it all… A stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens of the Great House A hike down the Woodland Trail leading… Read More

Wolly Hudsonia on Castle Neck (photo credit T. Barrieau)

CraneOutdoors: Castle Neck Hike in the Dunes

While just about everybody on the North Shore has probably been to Crane Beach, the dunes of Castle Neck are a much less explored world unto themselves. Offering one of the most accessible dune ecosystems north of Cape Cod, Castle Neck has over six miles of trails, traversing the dunes,… Read More

fire pit

CraneOutdoors: Sunset Hike to Cedar Point with Firepits

There’s no better excuse to explore Cedar Point—the western-most part of the Crane Estate—than a hike at sunset. This two-hour adventure in a lesser-known part of the property has it all… A stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens of the Great House A hike down the Woodland Trail leading… Read More

Full Moon Over Dunes

CraneExplorer Hike: Family Full Moon Hike in the Dunes

CraneExplorer events are designed to appeal to the little ones* while giving their parents a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Crane Estate. These hikes cover less ground to accommodate smaller strides and have more frequent stops to look, listen, and learn from our CraneOutdoors guides. Not just… Read More

Full Moon Over Dunes

CraneExplorer Hike: Family Full Moon Hike in the Dunes

CraneExplorer events are designed to appeal to the little ones* while giving their parents a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Crane Estate. These hikes cover less ground to accommodate smaller strides and have more frequent stops to look, listen, and learn from our CraneOutdoors guides. Not just… Read More

Russ Cohen

Coastal Lecture: Nibbling on the Wild Landscape of the North Shore

The North Shore is home to over 100 species of edible wild plants, many of which are more nutritious and/or flavorful than their cultivated counterparts. These include native species, like Shagbark Hickory and Beach Plum; non-native weeds, like Chicory and Burdock; and invasive species, like Autumn Olive and Japanese Knotweed. Read More

Full Moon Over Dunes

CraneOutdoors: Dunes by the Light of the Full Moon

Transformed and illuminated by the glow of the full moon, the beach and dunes of Castle Neck are a stunningly beautiful landscape. To experience this special place at this magical time, join us for a unique hiking experience. We’ll start with the beauty of a sunset while taking an evening… Read More

Full Moon Over Dunes

CraneOutdoors: Dunes by the Light of the Full Moon

Transformed and illuminated by the glow of the full moon, the beach and dunes of Castle Neck are a stunningly beautiful landscape. To experience this special place at this magical time, join us for a unique hiking experience. We’ll start with the beauty of a sunset while taking an evening… Read More

Kayak with Dragonfly

CraneOutdoors: Kayak Adventure on the Castle Neck River

One of the best was to enjoy the natural beauty of the Massachusetts North Shore is kayaking the placid waters of the Great Marsh—the largest continuous stretch of salt marsh in New England, extending from Cape Ann to New Hampshire. The Castle Neck peninsula on the Crane Estate is a… Read More

Kayak with Dragonfly

CraneOutdoors: Kayak Adventure on the Castle Neck River

One of the best was to enjoy the natural beauty of the Massachusetts North Shore is kayaking the placid waters of the Great Marsh—the largest continuous stretch of salt marsh in New England, extending from Cape Ann to New Hampshire. The Castle Neck peninsula on the Crane Estate is a… Read More

Kayaking to Choate Island

CraneOutdoors: Choate Island Kayak and Hiking Adventure

Kayaking the pristine, sheltered waters of the Essex River Basin offers one of the top on-the-water experiences to be had in Northeast. Add to that a hike on the area’s largest island and you have the makings of an epic adventure. This combined outdoor trip in the Crane Wildlife Refuge—home… Read More