Grafton Lakes State Park

Bikers, hikers and cross-country skiers enjoy scenic ponds and woods.

Grafton Lakes State Park, 12 miles east of Troy on Route 2, spans a forested mountain ridge between the Taconic and Hudson valleys.

Five ponds in the park offer anglers a variety of choices. Rainbow and brown trout are found in Shaver, Long and Second Pond. Pickerel, perch and bass may be found in all five ponds.

All ponds have launch facilities for canoes, sailboats, rowboats and boats with electric motors. Rental boats are available at Long Pond during the summer.

More than 25 miles of park trails are open for hiking, biking or horseback riding. In winter, the trails are groomed for cross-country skiers and snowmobilers, and visitors may also snowshoe or ice skate.

Picnic areas, a playground and a nature trail are also popular, and Long Pond’s sandy beach is open to swimmers from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The beach, picnic areas, park office and concession stand are all wheelchair-accessible.

In season, deer and small game hunting are allowed in designated areas.

An entry fee is charged from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and during weekends in May and October.