Grafton Lakes State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Grafton Lakes State Park is a beautiful state park located in the state of New York.


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Summary

It is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking.

One of the main attractions of the park is its six freshwater lakes, which offer excellent opportunities for fishing and boating. Visitors can also enjoy hiking on the park's many trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Other points of interest at the park include the Dickinson Hill Fire Tower, which provides panoramic views of the park and the surrounding area, and the Shaver Pond Nature Center, which offers educational exhibits and programs about the park's flora and fauna.

Interesting facts about Grafton Lakes State Park include that it covers over 2,500 acres of land and is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, and bald eagles. The park also has a rich history, dating back to the 1800s, when it was used as a logging camp.

The best time of year to visit Grafton Lakes State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the park's many recreational activities are in full swing. However, the park is open year-round and offers many winter activities, including cross-country skiing and ice fishing.

Overall, Grafton Lakes State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities of upstate New York.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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