A roughly 530-acre shallow impoundment of the Rumford River shared with Mansfield, used for bass and panfish angling, kayaking and swimming from several informal town access points around its shoreline.
What to expect
Dogs
Dogs must be under restraint at all times off the owner's property. That's the town-wide default; watch for posted signs here.
Swim
Allowed summer, informal (no lifeguarded beach)
Kayak/Canoe
Allowed ice-free months
Fishing
Allowed year-round (subject to state fishing regs)
Worth knowing
- The reservoir covers roughly 530 acres, averages about 5 feet deep, and reaches about 11 feet at its deepest.
Common questions
Is swimming allowed in Norton Reservoir?
There is no lifeguarded public beach at Norton Reservoir. People do swim from informal shoreline access points, but that is at your own risk and conditions can vary by location.
Is there a horsepower limit on Norton Reservoir?
The town's boating bylaw sets no horsepower cap; it sets a 35 mph overall speed limit and a 6 mph no-wake zone within 150 feet of shore.
Is there an entry fee at Norton Reservoir?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Norton Reservoir?
Dogs must be under restraint at all times off the owner's property. That's the town-wide default; watch for posted signs here.
What rules should I know at Norton Reservoir?
6 mph headway speed within 150 feet of shore.