CraneOutdoors: Choate Island Kayak and Hiking Adventure

Join The Trustees of Reservations for a paddle and a hike – what better way to spend an afternoon? 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 to myriad birds and mammals including egrets, herons, deer, and coyote—offers an opportunity to fully experience all this beautiful area has to offer.

After launching from the historic Crane Boat Dock, we’ll paddle the placid waters of this portion of the Great Marsh—New England’s largest salt marsh. We’ll then land and stretch our legs by hiking to the highest point on Choate (formerly Hog) Island and visit the burial site for Cornelius Crane and his wife, Miné. From this hilltop, we’ll enjoy views of Ipswich Bay, the tide marsh that interconnects the varioius islands islands of the Crane Wildlife Refuge, and the historic buildings that sit on them, including the c.1778 Proctor Barn, the c.1725-40 Choate House, and the White Cottage—Cornelius and Miné’s private getaway when they visited the Crane Estate.

Equipment policy: For the safety and convenience of all participants, CraneOutdoors provides lifejackets, paddles and kayaks for all paddle events. The use of personal kayaks is not permitted for any CraneOutdoors event. Thank you for understanding.