Grafton Lakes And Cherry Plain State Parks Kick Off Summer Season

Two local state parks will kick off their summer season on Memorial Day weekend, opening for boating, hiking and countless other recreational opportunities.  Cherry Plain State Park opens for camping and day use, on weekends only, starting Saturday, May 29, with swimming beginning in July.  Grafton Lakes State Park is currently open daily from 8 am to dusk, and the swimming season begins May 29.
The sandy beach at Grafton Lakes will be open for swimming Friday-Tuesday, May 29 through Labor Day from 10 am to 6 pm. From July 3 through Labor Day, Cherry Plain State Park’s beach schedule will be Wednesday-Sunday and Labor Day from 10 am to 6 pm.  The complimentary schedules allow swimming opportunities seven days a week during July and August. 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.  Boat rentals will be available at both sites on weekends only until July 1.  The rental schedule will be expanded during July and August.  The public may launch their own boats during park open hours from designated boat launches.
Cherry Plain State Park will offer camping on weekends only, May 29 through July 1, and then daily through Labor Day.  For reservations, visit www.reserveamerica.com.
Both parks also offer numerous hiking trails and excellent fishing opportunities as well as summer programming.  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.  The Park will also offer summer programs ranging from a wilderness survival series to painting landscapes, and the beach nature center will host nature inspired activities for beach go-ers.  The May and June calendar is currently available online at www.nysparks.com/parks.
Grafton Lakes State Park is now charging $6 per car on weekends only.  Starting Memorial Day weekend, please note that vehicle user fees are $8 per car when the beach is open and $6 per car when the beach is closed at both parks through Labor Day. Open hours are 8 am to dusk. For more information about upcoming programs or for directions to the parks, please contact Grafton Lakes State Park at 518-279-1155.