Norton Reservoir in Massachusetts

Trip Overview

The Norton Reservoir is a 530 acre, somewhat shallow body of water. In some areas the water can be as deep as 5 - 8 feet when full. There is some vegetation in the deeper areas, but overall an easy paddle and quite scenic.

My first trip out I spied a mute swan's nest with several eggs in it and was delighted to encounter the entire family on my next trip. I've also seen blue heron, crane, mallard ducks and painter turtles. There is also bass, crappie, catfish and panfish. By far, the most interesting thing I saw was a rather noisy confrontation between 4 squirrels and a fisher cat!

If you are looking for a quiet place to paddle and relax you could easily spend several hours here. I saw only a few fishing boats, as the water is too shallow for jetskis or boats with a larger motor.

Accommodations:

Park at Tsang's restaurant on the dirt area before water, room for about a dozen vehicles. Concrete stairs (about 3 or 4 large steps)leading to water.

There is a Subway close by and in the opposite direction a shopping plaza with a Roche Bros. grocery store and McDonald's.

Fees:

none

Directions:

From the north: 95S to exit 6A (495S)to exit 12-11 (Route 140S)follow 140S to Tsang's Restaurant.

From the south: 95S to exit 6A (495S) to exit 11 (Route 140S) follow 140S to Tsang's Restaurant.