Grafton Pond is a 300+ acre lake with an almost entirely undeveloped shoreline. There are numerous bays and uninhabited islands to explore, offering excellent swimming, fishing, and wildlife-watching opportunities. A state-owned boat launch near the parking area offers the best spot for putting in your canoe or kayak (gas powered motorboats are not permitted) to begin exploring. Loons often nest on this pond in spring and summer, so be sure to keep your distance from any nests and/or parents with young loons. No closer than 300’ is the recommended distance to be sure you are not harassing this threatened bird species. Moose have also been spotted enjoying the pond on quiet mornings. Pack a lunch and paddle out to enjoy it on one of the numerous flat rocks along the pristine shoreline.
Grafton Pond can be very busy on summer weekends, so you may want to try an early weekday morning for the sublimely peaceful experience that this wild pond can deliver. If you don’t have a canoe or kayak, there is also a short hike out to a point on the pond’s shore that begins about 500’ south of the parking area at a green Forest Society gate. If you do plan to paddle, please ensure that your boat is free of any hitchhiking weeds, clean, and drained of all water before you enter Grafton Pond. The pond does not have aquatic invasive plants or animal species at present and we are working hard to keep it that way!
NOTE: No gas-powered motors or lead tackle permitted at Grafton Pond. Electric trolling motors are allowed.
Help us care for this property by following these guidelines during your visit:
- This property is open dawn to dusk
- Carry out all trash
- Dogs must remain under control and owners must pack out all dog waste
- No motorized wheeled vehicles
- No camping
- No Campfires
- Hunting and fishing are allowed
- Leave natural and cultural features undisturbed