//
Photo: Oakley413, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Almost a thousand acres of rolling, verdant fields; Appleton Farms has been in constant agrarian use since 1638. Farm stand on site. A variety of walking loops take most visitors about 2-3 hours to complete. Many historical buildings dot the property and tours are available. Owned and operated by the Trustees.
Appleton Farms is a park in Ipswich, Massachusetts, owned and maintained by The Trustees of Reservations. The property was deeded to the Trustees in 1998. The land was granted to Samuel Appleton, an immigrant from Little Waldingfield, England, in 1638 by the town of Ipswich and is one of the oldest continuously operating farms in Massachusetts. In 2002, The Trustees of Reservations established a vegetable Community Supported Agriculture Program. Also maintained by the Trustees of Reservations is the adjacent Appleton Farms Grass Rides. The properties include 4 miles (6.4 km) of walking trails.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Cleaveland Farm
3,000 acres of parkland offering hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing on 40 miles of trails. Additionally, Hood Pond offers excellent fishing, boating, and other water-based activities. Two small parking lots along the southern park border on Ipswich Road. A third lot is in the north on Linebrook Road. The Bay Circuit Trail.
Crane Estate
Historical estate and nature preserve. The Italian and Rose gardens are showstoppers any time of year. Over 5 mi of hiking trails wind along sun-dappled lawns scattered with statues, fountains, and curated plantings. Tours of the Great House and gardens are available. Picnicking available along the properties ocean shore, a social media must. The gift shop has some great on-site only memorabilia. Constant events during the warmer months. Set location of many Hollywood films. Advance passes strongly recommended. No beach access from Castle Hill.
Crane Estate
A 1200-acre reservation of beachfront, dunes and maritime forests with 5.5 miles of raised boardwalk trails. Crane Beach's annual sand sculpture competition Sandblast! is held every August. In-season: lifeguards and rangers, bike rack, bathhouses with toilets and changing area, outside showers, Store (refreshments and merchandise), picnic tables, drinking water fountains, transportation for mobility-impaired and challenged visitors. Off-season: portable toilets.
Feel the Atlantic wind in your hair throughout these 77 sandy acres at the southern tip of Plum Island. Excellent ocean swimming. Stay away from any fenced off areas, this is an important nesting area for the rare piping plover. Get here early, only 15 parking spots available. Restrooms in season, and some beach wheelchair access.