grafton lakes state park

This year celebrated the 30th Winter Festival at this state park. We were lucky enough to be visiting in the area and had a wonderful time. All activities were free. We chose snowshoe trekking, they provided the snowshoes and a guide. We hiked through the woods and across a frozen lake where there was a ice fishing competition. Many more activities for kids and adults. Of course this Florida girl did NOT participate in the Polar Plunge! What a beautiful place.

we drove over from Pittsfield after a drive from Boston. We loved the snow activities and want to come next year. We snow shoed, rode in a horse drawn carriage and ate kettle korn (in a light snow) Everyone was friendly and we wished we could have stayed longer

Whether you want to get away from the crowds on hiking or xc ski trails or refresh the family by the water at the beach, Grafton Lakes State Park has a lot to offer. I used the trails for many years as a xc skier and hiker and then later began to use the beach after I had children. The water is great for swimming and the sandy bottom under the water is comfortable. The park is pretty and pleasant.

Beautiful lake, well maintained. Great spot for picnics and cookouts. Plenty of tables and grills. Nice trails for walking and biking. Bathroom facilities spotless.

For a fun day in the sun, this is the place to go. Bring your grilling food and bathing suits. My family and I spent 8 1/2 hours here. The beach is so clean. We arrived at 10:30. It was a little chilly so we played in the sand. We then had lunch next to the beach. There is plenty of grills that are very close to the beach. I was able to watch my daughter play while cooking. I've been here many times and never knew you could rent row boats, canoe, and kayaks. Very affordable. I paid $5 for a whole hour to rent a row boat. They even included the life vest. There is also trails to walk on. And 2 parks for the kiddies. Deffently going back. Think I will rent a kayak next time. It only cost $8 to get into the park. Oh and my dad spotted a deer on his walk on the trail.

Went there with family. Spent a good 8 hours there. Food, swimming. Water was nice and warm. Not too crowed during the week. As a senior over 55 I didn't have to pay for parking. So if you have someone over 55 in your car just show there license and you don't have to pay for parking.

Entrance Fee: May 29th through Labor Day - $8 per car when swimming is open and $6 per car when swimming is closed--------------------------------------We have been going here for many years and each time it still amazes me how clean everything is, from the crystal clear lake water all the way down the longest trails, they keep it immaculate. The picnic areas are spread out nicely around south end of the lake and have ample room between them, each site has a cooker and a picnic table and most are in a shady area. The access paths / roads are well maintained and easy to access. There are a few facility buildings that are located there (Snack bar, Lifeguard/Medical station, Locker rooms and bathrooms), each is staffed and well maintained, but are outdated. The parking area is large enough to hold a normal day’s crowd, but on the very busy days, getting there early would be your best bet if you don't feel like making a longer walk in. As you come into the park, you will notice that they have a few additional areas that have pavilions available to groups or parties, each of them are really well maintained and feel more like mini parks within the park itself.The beach has always been very well maintained and the kids have always loved walking the beach with their little nets trying to catch the minnows. I would have to say that the overall feel or atmosphere I get when I visit this park is that everything is geared towards the family side, although they welcome everyone, they do not tolerate the rowdier type of individuals. If you’re into throwing a rowdy party that will be excessive, then you might want to look for another place. The offer a list of things at this park, everything from Snowshoe rentals to Kayak rentals. If you would like to learn more, here is their URL.http://nysparks.com/parks/53/details.aspxI would highly recommend this park; it is well worth your time to visit. Regards....

Very near to the State Park is a Peace Pagoda. It is a wonderful spiritual loving place. I highly recommend a visit.

I am from up around this area and I have spent a lot of hot days swimming in this lake. Crystal clear and cool, miss the country, miss the freedom of going to the lakes.

We go out to Grafton several times a year to do canoeing - its a short drive from Albany, I think its $8 a day and they have a convenient area to load/unload your canoes and kayaks. We like to get there in the morning, paddle around - stop off at one of the little islands - do some swimming- picnic. I always see lots of other people fishing as well. There is a huge public beach and nice walking trails around the small ponds - they are called lakes but I consider them ponds.