Best lakes around Newington, Connecticut, center around Mill Pond, a notable body of water within the expansive Mill Pond Park. This area is recognized for its natural scenery and diverse recreational opportunities. Mill Pond features a 16-foot waterfall, Mill Pond Falls, and offers paved walking paths. The park provides various facilities for outdoor activities.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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Discover this beautiful complex of lakes just outside Abingdon. The lakes were saved from destruction some years ago by a community-led group, Friends of Radley Lakes, and are now a thriving hotspot for local bird and wildlife.
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Add a bit here if you like, with a lap of Thrupp Lake!
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Great Circular walks from this village....very flat as well
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Pond is lovely. Full of ducks (keep dogs on lead) and some large fish!
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Cafe with nice views over Berinsfield Lakes. Popular with water ski fans. Wet n Wild is the activity centre with giant inflatable play ground in the lake
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Bikes are Banned from going around Radley lakes :(
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The Radley Lakes complex is an area of former gravel workings which was transformed and saved from destruction in 2008 after a long community-led campaign by the Save Radley Lakes group. The largest lake, Thrupp Lake, is now an important wildlife habitat; in summer try to spot the emergent damselflies and darting dragonflies...
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Newington's primary natural feature is Mill Pond, located within Mill Pond Park, which boasts the distinctive Mill Pond Falls, a 16-foot waterfall. The park also features diverse plant and animal species, including ducks and turtles. Further afield, Thrupp Lake (Radley Lakes) is an important wildlife habitat known for birds, damselflies, and dragonflies, while Russell's Water Pond is home to ducks and large fish.
Yes, Mill Pond Park in Newington is very family-friendly, offering an ADA accessible playground, a swimming pool and wading pool, picnic areas, and seasonal events like the 'Life. Be in it. Extravaganza'. For other options, Thrupp Lake (Radley Lakes) and Russell's Water Pond are both categorized as family-friendly. The Wandering Kitchen Café at Wet n Wild also features an activity center with a giant inflatable playground in the lake, popular with families.
Mill Pond Park offers paved walking paths, a nature trail, basketball courts, soccer fields, a baseball field, and clay tennis courts. A dedicated fishing pond is available for children under 16 and seniors. For more structured outdoor adventures, you can explore various routes for easy hikes, road cycling, and gravel biking around the Newington area.
Mill Pond Park in Newington features an ADA accessible playground and paved walking paths around the pond, making it suitable for visitors with varying mobility. Russell's Water Pond is also known for its very flat circular walks.
Mill Pond Park is enjoyable year-round. It's particularly vibrant during seasonal activities and events, such as the 'Food Truck Friday' and Summer Concert Series. During the Christmas season, the bridge and observation area at Mill Pond Falls are beautifully decorated with festive lights, offering a unique winter experience.
Yes, Mill Pond's diverse ecosystem supports various plant and animal species, including ducks and turtles, making it a good spot for wildlife observation. Thrupp Lake (Radley Lakes) is a thriving hotspot for local birds and wildlife, including damselflies and dragonflies in summer. Russell's Water Pond is also populated with ducks and large fish.
Mill Pond Park has a concession stand open seasonally and numerous picnic areas. For a unique dining experience with a view, the Wandering Kitchen Café at Wet n Wild offers nice views over Berinsfield Lakes and is popular with water ski enthusiasts.
Mill Pond Falls is a distinctive 16-foot high waterfall within Mill Pond Park, promoted by residents as the 'smallest natural waterfall in the United States'. A wooden footbridge spans the top, and an observation area with benches provides views. The area is well-maintained with landscaping and small gardens, making it a popular spot for photography and ceremonies.
Mill Pond has historical significance as it was formed by an earth dam for early industrial sawmills. This historical context adds to its allure as a local landmark in Newington.
While specific dog policies for Mill Pond Park should be checked with local authorities, Russell's Water Pond is noted as dog-friendly, though visitors are advised to keep dogs on a lead due to the presence of ducks.
Visitors appreciate the peaceful retreat and diverse activities offered by Mill Pond Park, from strolling along paved paths to enjoying seasonal events. The natural beauty and wildlife at Thrupp Lake (Radley Lakes) are highly valued, and the flat circular walks and abundant ducks at Russell's Water Pond are also popular highlights.


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