Fawn Lake is a shallow, spring-fed, 12-acre manmade lake inside a 38-acre conservation area off Sweetwater Avenue, built in the 1870s as part of the old Bedford Springs resort. Trails loop the shoreline and a canoe launch sits at the northwest corner near the Narrow-Gauge Rail Trail.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot free · unconfirmed
Trails
An 0.8-mile main loop (blue blaze) circles the lake, with secondary and access trails branching off; the Narrow-Gauge Rail Trail runs along the west edge
Dogs
Allowed on a leash; owners must pick up and carry out pet waste
Hours
Half hour before sunrise to half hour after sunset, daily
Accessibility
Trails are natural surface, not paved
Managed by
Bedford Conservation Commission
781-275-6211 · WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Picnic area
Carry-in, carry-out picnicking; a lawn area sits near the canoe launch
Not here
No waste-bag dispensers
Seasonal trash barrel only (late spring through early fall); no dog-waste bag dispensers noted, carry-in carry-out otherwise
Common questions
Yes. It is a municipally owned pond, so anyone over 15 needs a Massachusetts freshwater fishing license; the license is free for state residents aged 15-17 and 70+.
Is there overnight parking at Fawn Lake?
The lake closes half an hour after sunset, so overnight parking is not practical.
Does the lake ever close temporarily?
Yes. In July 2026 it closed for several days for contractor hydro-raking, and periodic herbicide treatments are also planned, with signs posted at the Sweetwater Avenue and Springs Road access points during work.
Where do I park at Fawn Lake?
Free lot (free).
Is there an entry fee at Fawn Lake?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Fawn Lake?
Allowed on a leash; owners must pick up and carry out pet waste
Is Fawn Lake wheelchair accessible?
Trails are natural surface, not paved
What rules should I know at Fawn Lake?
Hunting, trapping, motorized vehicles, removing plants or wildlife, and cutting firewood are prohibited.