Norwood Reservoir, body of water
Norwood Reservoir is a man-made lake near the town of Norwood created by damming the Raquette River, spanning several hundred acres with shallow waters. The lake contains smallmouth bass, northern pike, rock bass, yellow perch, and walleye, and features a carry-down boat launch for public access along Riverside Road.
Small dams were built starting in the late 1920s to create this reservoir along the Raquette River, originally designed to generate electricity for nearby towns and industries. Over the decades it has transformed into a popular fishing and recreation destination while maintaining its role in water storage and flood control.
The reservoir serves as a gathering place where locals and visitors practice traditional outdoor activities like fishing and boating that connect people to the water. The quiet setting reflects the rural character of the region, where people have long maintained a relationship with nature and waterways as part of everyday life.
A carry-down boat launch on Riverside Road provides easy water access for small boats, canoes, and kayaks throughout the year. The area is most active during warmer months when fishing, boating, and shoreline walking are at their best.
The reservoir contains only one island in its otherwise open waters, a rare feature among lakes in the region. This isolated island provides a resting spot for migratory birds and makes the lake an interesting destination for wildlife observers.
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