Saturday April 20, 2024 
Tuesday Treks at Dyken Pond EEC
GRAFTON – Every Tuesday 12:30 – 2:30 Join Len Tremblay on a moderately paced 3 mile hike every Tuesday in December to explore the wilds of Dyken Pond Center. Learn the trail system one at a time with a knowledgeable guide. Each week we’ll discover new ground and nature. Hikes will be cancelled in bad weather. This program is for adults and older teens. Preregistration is required for all programs at (518) 658-2055 or dykenpond@nullgmail.com. Your registration is not complete until you receive confirmation from the Center.
Snowshoe Rentals at Dyken Pond EEC
GRAFTON – Rentals are available when there is at least 6 inches of snow on the ground. Please call ahead to reserve your shoes as rentals may not always be available. $5 ½ day rental. Guided snowshoe hikes also available with advance notice. For info call (518) 658-2055 or dykenpond@nullgmail.com.
First Day Hikeat Dyken Pond EEC
GRAFTON – January 1: 1pm -2:30pm – The first Family Fitness Foray of the year takes place on New Years Day! Join Josh Pulito on an easy paced 2 mile hike to start the New Year off in the outdoors. Burn off holiday calories while taking in the winter woods! For all ages who can walk 2 miles. Preregistration required. Please visit our website www.dykenpond.org to learn more about the Center and for a complete schedule of our events. We encourage you to follow our Facebook page and/or website where we will post new events when the conditions are just right for getting outdoors. Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center is a Rensselaer County Park open daily during daylight hours for hiking, fishing, birding and snowshoeing. Preregistration is required for all programs at (518) 658-2055 or dykenpond@nullgmail.com. Your registration is not complete until you receive confirmation from the Center.
36th Annual Ice Fishing Contest at Grafton Lakes State Park
GRAFTON – Grafton Lakes State Park will host its 36th annual Ice Fishing Contest on Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 5:30 AM – 2:00 PM. Join in on the fun as several hundred anglers brave the cold temperatures for their chance to make a winning catch on several of the park’s ponds.
Registration begins at 5:30 AM and ends at 11:00 AM (or 12:30pm for youth) on January 15th in the park’s maintenance building, accessible via the Main Entrance. There is a $10 entrance fee required for all participants age 16 or older, with no fee for children under 16. All participants 16 and older must have a valid NYS fishing license to fish in the park at any time, including during the contest.
Big cash prizes are awarded for adults with 1st place fish and the longest length catch in all three categories of trout, walleye/chain pickerel, and yellow perch. Winning entries will receive gift cards and other prizes.
Tournament areas are located on Second Pond, Mill Pond, Dunham Reservoir, Shaver Pond, and Long Pond. Please note that due to preparations for Cabin Fever (January 22nd), ice fishing is not permitted adjacent to the beach on Long Pond. In the case of soft ice, the Ice Fishing tournament will be postponed until Sat., Feb 12th.
Grafton Lakes State Park is located off of Route 2, twelve miles east of Troy, New York. Please use the park’s main entrance on Grafton Lakes State Park Way for this event. There is no entrance fee for this event. For more information, please call the park at 518-279-1155.