Leominster State Forest
State park
4.6 (615)
1 Fitchburg Rd, Westminster, MA 01473
Destination for activities such as hiking, fishing, mountain climbing & cross-country skiing.
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom
PondMA
Leominster State Forest
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Crow Hill Pond at Leominster State Forest with beach-address guidance, seasonal parking information, reviewed photos and pond-specific swimming rules.
Swimming restriction
DCR's indexed page limits swimming to Crow Hill Pond. Do not treat other forest ponds, including Paradise Pond, as swimming areas. Confirm current opening and follow posted beach restrictions.
Water type
Pond
Access
Designated area only
Fee
Indexed DCR page lists seasonal vehicle parking of $8 for Massachusetts plates and $30 for other plates. Recheck dates, rates and pass eligibility before travel.
Best season
Indexed beach hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the listed season
Nearby towns
Boston, Concord, Leominster
Water body
Crow Hill Pond Designated Swimming Destination Within Leominster State Forest
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Boston, Concord, Leominster
Access location not verified
42.526744, -71.761489
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Leominster State Forest
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Choose Crow Hill Pond, not any forest pond
The indexed DCR forest page identifies Crow Hill Pond as the swimming destination and limits swimming to that pond. Paradise Pond is a separate fishing and paddling destination. Check current beach notices before making a swimming trip.
Navigate to the beach address
DCR lists the beach/contact station at 1 Fitchburg Road in Westminster, separately from headquarters. The retained historical pin differs from the saved named forest point by about 4.5 miles and is not a verified entrance. Confirm current parking and the official map rather than relying on the old pin.
Plan seasonal costs and facilities
The indexed page describes a summer beach schedule and seasonal parking charges that differ by vehicle residency. Follow the linked page for current dates, rates and operating notices. It lists picnic amenities and restrooms, but their current operation was not checked in person. Camping is prohibited under the listed forest rules.
Read the gallery as setting context
Reviewed photos show pond, beach and woodland scenery. They do not establish current water quality, lifeguard staffing or the identity of every photographed pond. Stay within the currently permitted swimming area and follow on-site signs.
Getting There
Use the DCR beach/contact-station address, 1 Fitchburg Road, Westminster, rather than the separate headquarters address. The retained historical point is about 4.5 miles from the saved forest record. Confirm the official map and current beach parking; the pin is not a verified water entrance.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
The saved named forest record uses DCR's beach address. Its coordinates differ from the historical listing point; no exact entrance correction has been independently verified.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
DCR's indexed page limits swimming to Crow Hill Pond. Do not treat other forest ponds, including Paradise Pond, as swimming areas. Confirm current opening and follow posted beach restrictions. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Parking
Parking lot
4.7 (15)
Concord, MA, Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, Concord, MA 01742
North Leominster Station Parking Garage
Parking garage
3.8 (6)
44 Nashua St, Leominster, MA 01453
Leominster State Forest Elm Trailhead
Hiking area
4.3 (14)
1022-992 Elm St, Leominster, MA 01453
Leominster State Forest Justice Hill trailhead
Hiking area
5 (3)
2 Farm Rd, Sterling, MA 01564
Spacious Skies Campgrounds - Minute Man
Campground
4.5 (983)
264 Ayer Rd, Littleton, MA 01460
Seasonal cabins, tent & RV plots with a heated pool, playground, recreation hall & a laundry room.
Free Wi-Fi
Hanscom AFB FamCamp
Campground
4.1 (83)
499 South Rd, Bedford, MA 01730
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomTent sites
Camp Acton
Park
4.2 (41)
362 Pope Rd, Acton, MA 01720
Picnic tables
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Leominster State Forest
Can I swim in any pond in Leominster State Forest?
No. The indexed DCR guidance limits swimming to Crow Hill Pond. Confirm current beach access and signs.
Which address is for the beach?
DCR lists the beach/contact station at 1 Fitchburg Road, Westminster, separately from the headquarters address. The retained map pin is not a verified beach entrance.
Is camping allowed?
The indexed DCR restrictions prohibit camping in the forest.
Do the photos prove a lifeguard is on duty?
No. Historical beach photographs do not establish current staffing or water conditions.
Highlights
Crow Hill-only swimming rule
Beach and headquarters distinguished
Seasonal vehicle-fee planning
Reviewed forest and beach-setting photos
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Swim only where currently permitted
- Avoid diving and unknown depths
- Supervise children and do not assume lifeguard coverage from a chair visible in an old photograph
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
The forest beach is distinct from Leominster State Swimming Pool on Viscoloid Avenue.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Four saved images show pond scenery, an autumn beach setting, a forest path and trail signs. These are historical context, not current-condition reports or permission to swim in every photographed pond.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Follow current signs, stay on authorized routes and pack out waste. Do not disturb wildlife or shoreline vegetation.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Indexed beach hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the listed season; other parking lots have different hours. Check current notices.
Difficulty Level
Beach-route accessibility not independently verified.
Fee
Indexed DCR page lists seasonal vehicle parking of $8 for Massachusetts plates and $30 for other plates. Recheck dates, rates and pass eligibility before travel.
Facilities
Do not assume every forest parking area has amenities or that a lifeguard is on duty.
Activities
Swimming at the permitted Crow Hill Pond area when open; hiking and other recreation under current DCR rules
Phone
DCR forest contact listed: 978-874-2303. Confirm current beach access.
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
DCR's indexed restrictions prohibit camping in the forest.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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