Grafton Lakes And Cherry Plain State Parks Open Summer Season

Two local state parks will kick off their summer season on Memorial Day weekend, opening for swimming, boating, and hiking  Grafton Lakes and Cherry Plain State Parks open for the season on Saturday, May 23.
The sandy beach at Grafton Lakes will be open Friday-Tuesday, May 23 through Labor Day from 10 am to 6 pm.   Cherry Plain State Park will offer swimming on weekends only from 10 am to 6 pm, May 23 through June 21.  From June 27 through Labor Day, Cherry Plain State Park’s beach schedule will be Wednesday-Sunday and Labor Day from 10 am to 6 pm.  Both beach areas are equipped with comfort stations. Grafton Lake’s swimming area and bathhouses are handicapped-accessible.
Grafton Lakes and Cherry Plain State Parks offer many boating opportunities including canoeing, rowing, kayaking, sailing and the use of electric powered motors. Rowboats and paddleboats are available for rental at both facilities.  Canoes and kayaks may also be rented at Grafton Lakes. All boat rentals are available only when the beach is open, but the public may launch their own boats during park open hours from designated boat launches.
Both parks also offer numerous hiking trails and excellent fishing opportunities.  For summer fun enthusiasts, Grafton Lakes has playgrounds, a softball field, volleyball nets, horseshoe pits and a basketball court as well as a variety of day use tent and pavilion rentals.
Cherry Plain State Park opens for camping on July 3 and the season runs through Labor Day.  For reservations, visit www.reserveamerica.com.
Starting Memorial Day weekend, please note that vehicle user fees are $6 per car when the beach is closed and $7 per car when the beach is open at both parks through Labor Day.  For more information about upcoming programs or for directions to the parks, please contact Grafton Lakes State Park at 518-279-1155.  For more information about New York State Parks, please visit our website at www.nysparks.com.