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 Reporter |
Summary: The Chet Bell Trail meanders past streams and rock formations through a mixed forest of spruce, pine, oak, and birch. Far from the hustle and bustle of Grafton's south shore, this corner of the park is quiet and serene. Deer, hawks, red squirrels and chipmunks are likely to be seen. After 0.7 miles go right (west) onto the Fire Tower Trail. Follow this down a rocky slope to Long Pond Road. Travel north on the road for a short distance before taking a cutoff trail to the lake shore. Season permitting, swim off the end of the dock before returning to the parking area. Please note that the Grafton Lakes State Park is consistently 10-15 degrees cooler than the Hudson Valley Region. They receive snow earlier in the fall and it stays later in the spring. Also, snowmobilers use this trail, though in my many hikes I've only been passed by one. While in the area you may wish to visit the Bird Sanctuary and Peace Pagoda, both located further east on Route 2. Trailhead: Grafton Lakes State Park is located 12 miles east of Troy, NY on Route 2. In the town of Grafton, turn left (north) onto Long Pond Road. This is the winter entrance and is open year-round, no fee. Follow Long Pond Rd until it ends in a parking area at the north shore of Long Pond. Follow the 4-wheel drive road north about 200 feet until you see the trailhead sign for Chet Bell Trail on your right. (Lat:42.79549 Lon:-73.43348) Trail Guides for Grafton Lakes SP, Chet Bell Loop Trail: Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Grafton Lakes State Park, (518) 279-1155 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jennifer Hanson, who has posted 4 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Denise on 4/27/2008 Our 4H group loves to hike this trail with our llamas. Easy hike even for young children. The llamas love it too!
Reviewed by Bret on 4/1/2007 We are not related to Mr. Bell, so my children, when they go there, bear the shameful burden of not being able to hike on a trail named after an ancestor (so we tend not to discuss that part of the experience). That being said, the trail is still quite a nice hike. Actually nothing is named after our family. So if you're ever in Hollister, California, please look up our road (Nothing Road). It leads directly to the San Juan Oaks Golf Club off of Union Road. 
Reviewed by Peter on 5/1/2006 Chet Bell is my grand father, the trail is a legacy in a beutiful park to a family man who spent his days out side as a landscaper and at his Grafton Camp with his childern Eleanor, Al and Charles and his wife. I am proud to bring my childern to the trail which bears his name.
Reviewed by Eleanor on 4/5/2006 my father is chet bell who had a camp in grafton and would of been very proud he did spend many summers at the camp with his family
Reviewed by Al on 4/4/2006 I've been there many times...this trail is named after my father...he would be really proud. accessal@aol.com
Reviewed by SM on 10/30/2005 Easy to find. Great hike for kids (4 and 6 year old). Very pretty. Believe the temp difference. It was mid-40s in Albany and much colder at Grafton with 75% snow coverage.
Reviewed by Viewer on 4/14/2005 Snowmobiles have passed us many times while xc skiing the trails, but no big problem. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New York Hiking, New York Trails, New York Hikes, Rensselaer County Hiking, Rensselaer County Trails, Rensselaer County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
