Lakes around Milton, Ontario, offer diverse natural experiences, from unique geological formations to active recreation areas. The region is characterized by its conservation areas, which preserve significant natural features and provide opportunities for outdoor activities. These areas contribute to the natural landscape, offering a mix of forests, trails, and water bodies. The lakes serve as focal points for both scientific interest and public enjoyment.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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The views out over both Cherful Lake and Garrett Lake as you go over the bridge along Russell Road here are super nice. Both lakes are quite substantial, and nearby is gorgeous Mountain Park. The ride up or down the forested road of the park is also sublime.
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The views out over both Cherful Lake and Garrett Lake as you go over the bridge along Russell Road here are super nice. Both lakes are quite substantial, and nearby is gorgeous Mountain Park. The ride up or down the forested road of the park is also sublime.
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The Chattahoochee Nature Center sits in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and is connected by many miles of hiking and biking trails. In the nature center area, you can find many butterflies, forest trails, four different ponds, and ruins of an old property. It is open from Monday to Friday, and it is a perfect place to go with the family.
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This little pond is located in the Chattahoochee Nature Center near the town of Roswell. As the name indicates, it's a great spot to look for frogs and small insects while hiking around the area.
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The Chattahoochee Nature Center sits on the same property as miles of hiking trails, river access, and over 100 acres of natural forest. You can bike by the nature center, which is open Monday-Friday during business hours, and some of the roads near the nature center make for great road riding.
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Previously, this area was inhabited by beavers, leaving behind visible marks on certain trees. As you hike, be sure to remain watchful for the diverse array of plants and wildlife that are on the trail.
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Lots of information available here. Outside, you can see the names of all the donors who kept and keep this little wildlife and nature park running engraved in the pavement.
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Crawford Lake is a rare meromictic lake, meaning its water layers do not mix, preserving a unique historical record in its sediments. You can explore this natural marvel within the Crawford Lake Conservation Area. Additionally, the Frog Pond in the Chattahoochee Nature Center is a small body of water known for wildlife viewing, particularly frogs and small insects.
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly experiences. Crawford Lake Conservation Area features the Hide and Seek Trail with large wood carvings, and its boardwalk is suitable for strollers. Kelso Lake (Kelso Reservoir) has a floating water park in summer. Mill Pond offers easy walking trails perfect for families with small children, and you can observe ducks and geese. The Chattahoochee Nature Center, home to Frog Pond, is also a great place for families with interactive displays and forest trails.
Crawford Lake Conservation Area is home to a reconstructed 15th-century Iroquoian Village, allowing visitors to learn about Indigenous history and culture on its original site. The lake itself is significant for preserving approximately 1000 years of history in its sediment layers, making it a valuable archaeological and scientific site.
You'll find a variety of hiking trails. Crawford Lake offers scenic trails, including an accessible boardwalk around the lake and more rugged options like the Nassagaweya Canyon Trail connecting to Rattlesnake Point. Kelso Conservation Area provides an extensive network of 29 km of biking and hiking trails, such as the Escarpment and Lime Kiln trails. Mill Pond features a flat, easy walking trail that loops around the pond. For more options, explore easy hikes around Milton, including routes like Wills Park Loop and Sweet Apple Park Loop.
Kelso Lake (Kelso Reservoir) is a popular spot for water activities during the summer. Visitors can enjoy swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It also features a floating water park for added fun.
Crawford Lake Conservation Area features an accessible boardwalk that encircles the lake, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Mill Pond also offers flat, easy walking trails that are ideal for those seeking accessible routes.
The lakes offer year-round enjoyment. Spring and summer are ideal for water activities at Kelso Lake and wildlife viewing. Fall brings vibrant colors to the surrounding forests, making it a beautiful time for hiking. In winter, areas like Crawford Lake offer opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and Kelso transforms into Glen Eden for skiing.
Yes, you can. The Russell Road Bridge Over Cherful Lake and the nearby Between lakes bridge offer super nice views over both Cherful Lake and Garrett Lake, with the forested backdrop of Mountain Park. The boardwalk around Crawford Lake also provides picturesque views of the unique meromictic lake.
Mill Pond, located directly within Milton, is free to visit. Unlike some conservation areas, you do not need to pay an entrance fee to enjoy its easy walking trails and observe wildlife.
At Mill Pond, you can observe ducks and geese. The Frog Pond in the Chattahoochee Nature Center is specifically known for viewing frogs and small insects. The Beaver Pond Trail, while not a lake, indicates the presence of beavers in the past and offers opportunities to spot diverse plants and wildlife.
During winter, the area around Crawford Lake offers opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Kelso Lake transforms into Glen Eden, a popular ski hill with 15 runs, providing excellent winter sports options.
Yes, Kelso Conservation Area features an extensive network of 29 km of biking and hiking trails. For road cycling enthusiasts, you can find various road cycling routes around Milton, including loops that pass by reservoirs.


Still not found your perfect lake around Milton? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.