A great destination in the hills of Rensselaer County

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Posted: Jul 9, 2020 / 04:57 PM EDT / Updated: Jul 9, 2020 / 04:57 PM EDT

GRAFTON, N.Y. (NEWS10)–The Town of Grafton is home to two unique attractions, the Grafton Peace Pagoda and Grafton Lakes State Park, each makes for a destination all their own.

Start your day early with a visit to the Grafton Peace Pagoda, one of only two pagodas in the country. Morning prayer starts at 5:30 a.m. out in front of the Pagoda. All services are outside.

Originally Pagodas were a solid structure, so what’s inside the Grafton Peace Pagoda, nothing it’s an empty space.

Originally Pagoda’s were made from rocks covered in mud and were a solid structures.

Prayer services start at 5:30 a.m. in front of the Pagoda.

All faiths and backgrounds are welcome to come and pray for world peace.

Grafton Lakes State Park is open daily starting at 8 a.m..

The park is open from 8 a.m. to dusk with the swimming beach opening at 10 a.m. and closing at 6 p.m. The primary restrooms by the beach are accessible, but all others are closed at this time due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus. The trails are open, but the Welcome Center is closed as are other attractions, like boat rentals.

Fishing is big at Grafton Lakes State Park from the water.

The six ponds all have launch sites for canoes, kayaks, sailboats and electric powered boats.

As temperatures climb families stay cool in Long Pond at Grafton Lakes State Park on Thursday.

If you’re more the outdoors type, the state park has 25-miles of hiking trails, many areas to picnic at, and there is the beach at Long Pond.

Remember to check ahead of time to see if any changes or special concerns have popped up at your choice of destination.

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