Shaver Pond Nature Center

This review will clarify some misconceptions in the "not for us" review. Yes, the beach can be damp, but no matter how hard it rained the previous week a good 2-3 hour bake in the summer sun dries up the sand just in time for peak use. And yes you can stand up in the water out to the ropes. However, during a lab with my Field Biology course we measured the maximum depth of the lake at about 28.5meters, this was in the center of the first lobe of the lake only 20meters from the end of the swimming area. Not to mention, if you take a boat out you can clearly see the tangles of submarine vegetation that you could easily find yourself caught in and be unable to surface. As for the mosquito's - the lakes have a lot of vernal pools around their perimeters. Seeing as the majority of the surrounding forest is northern-hemlock forest (which is dry and very unsuitable for mosquito reproduction) you should expect the mosquitos to be concentrated in these microhabitats which line the lakes. As for myself I grew up going to this park (and many others) and I still love it every time I go. In fact I am leaving shortly to go take a hike around long pond and second pond. Its sunny and supposed to be in the 60's today, should be an excellent day, with no mosquitos! All in all the park is a fun and family-oriented recreation area that is clearly and rightfully safety concious. You can spend the morning out on the lake, grab a bite to eat than catch some rays on the beach. There's even a mini-putt course and some playgrounds for the kids. The picnic areas are numerous, a lot of which are conveniently placed in shady areas and some which are secluded. My favorite picnic area is a short walk up the western edge of long pond. After about 5 minutes you come to a deck with a grill and 2 picnic tables. I highly recommend this site as it's a great view of the lake, good fishing spot, and there is an above average level of privacy considering its proximity to the bustling beach. But get there early! It gets occupied fast by locals! more

We're avid outdoors folks who have lived in Florida and Seattle. We love to go to the beach and we really enjoy a good hike. Neither one of these experiences are enjoyable for us at Grafton Lakes Park. First off, the beach is the kind of man-made slush that becomes a mud pit when it rains - even days later. You can only go a few feet into the water before the lifeguards are trying to call you back. If you can stand up, you're not going to drown in a lake. So then we tried the hiking trails. They are absolutely covered in mosquitoes. Mosquitoes means that it is an unhealthy ecosystem. Clearly, they need to do a lot of work to make this part something that our family could even begin to enjoy. Too sad! more

Grafton is a nice local lake. The park offers a small beach that is kept well leading into the lake. The swimming area is roped of with life guards and there is boating out further. There are picnic tables, recreation areas and restrooms available. There is a fee to enter the park however so be prepared. If you like to rest on the beach and swim in lakes this is a great place for you! more