Top 18 Lakes around Dalton
Lakes around Dalton, South Yorkshire, offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The area is characterized by its transformed industrial heritage, now featuring wetlands, country parks, and nature reserves. These sites provide habitats for various wildlife and serve as popular destinations for outdoor activities. The region's lakes are often integrated into larger park systems, providing amenities and well-maintained trails for visitors.
Best lakes around Dalton
- The most popular lakes is Rother Valley Country Park, a facilities that features four…
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Rother Valley Country Park
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RSPB Old Moor Nature Reserve
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Rother Valley Country Park
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The Boat Inn, Sprotbrough
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Sprotbrough Flash Nature Reserve
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Tips from the Community
Busy at weekend and Evenings but overall lovely place with lots to do. Be careful of the water if you’re not used to wild swimming/ outdoor swimming. Great staff and a couple of cafe’s.
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The park was formerly a mixture of meadows and marshy bullrush beds before the open cast excavation started. At the eastern side of the lake stands the Bedgrave Mill courtyard, where the visitor centre is located displaying the flood defence map and the original mill mechanism "flour into grain" exhibition from when it was a water mill. There is also a craft centre and "The Stables" cafe.
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Lovely clear path, lots of nature, easy under foot.
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A fantastic area for nature enthusiasts that's rich in bird and wildlife. A mix of open water, wetlands and woodland, it's a year-round treat for any nature lover.
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A 740-acre (300 ha) country park on the site of an old open-cast coal mine. The site cost £4 million to remediate with the four artificial lakes filling the old extraction sites. The River Rother was so polluted that water from The Moss was used to fill the lakes. The reed beds and remediation process has cleaned up the Rother and the lakes and country park also act as a flood prevention scheme, holding water and managing the flow downstream. It's also a popular leisure destination with cable water skiing and a narrow-gauge railway as well as a network of well-maintained paths. The visitor centre has information about the history of the site and the flood defence scheme. There are toilets and the Stables Cafe.
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A couple of lookout areas along the track where you can spot an array of bird and wildlife. which have seating as well as bins to dispose of any litter while on the trail. Get a good look over the lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of activities can I enjoy at Haig Mill Lake Park in Dalton?
Haig Mill Lake Park offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy over five miles of wooded hiking and running trails, fishing from two floating piers, and launching kayaks or canoes from a dedicated pier. The park also has a picnic pavilion, public restrooms, and ample parking, making it ideal for a family day out.
Are there good hiking opportunities around the lakes near Dalton?
Yes, several lakes offer excellent hiking. Haig Mill Lake Park features over five miles of wooded trails. At Conasauga Lake, you can explore the 1.7-mile Lake Conasauga Songbird Trail or the more challenging 5.3-mile Grassy Mountain Tower Trail. Carters Lake has trails like the Oak Ridge Trail and Hidden Pond Songbird Trail, while Lake Blue Ridge offers a short 0.8-mile loop trail. For more detailed routes, you can explore guides like Easy hikes around Dalton.
Which lakes near Dalton are best for water sports like kayaking and boating?
Lake Allatoona is a sprawling lake with 270 miles of shoreline, perfect for a wide range of water sports including swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, boating, jet skiing, water skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Haig Mill Lake Park also provides a dedicated pier for launching kayaks and canoes. Lake Blue Ridge and Carters Lake also offer public boat ramps and opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding.
What makes Conasauga Lake unique among the lakes near Dalton?
Conasauga Lake is unique for being the highest lake in Georgia, situated over 3,000 feet above sea level. This man-made lake, built in 1940, is known for its bright blue water, abundant flowers, and diverse wildlife, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. It also offers swimming, boat ramps, and picnic areas.
Are the lakes around Dalton suitable for fishing?
Absolutely. Haig Mill Lake is known for bass. Conasauga Lake is stocked with bluegill, bass, and trout. Carters Lake offers fishing for crappie, bream, catfish, striped bass, and walleye. Lake Allatoona and Lake Blue Ridge are also popular fishing destinations.
What amenities are available at Haig Mill Lake Park?
Haig Mill Lake Park provides two floating piers for fishing, a dedicated pier for kayak and canoe launching, a picnic pavilion, public restrooms, and ample parking. It's a family-friendly location with free admission and is open year-round.
Which lake near Dalton is the deepest and has the tallest dam?
Carters Lake holds both distinctions. Its dam, at 445 feet, is the tallest of its kind east of the Mississippi, and the lake itself is the deepest in Georgia, reaching 450 feet. It offers 62 miles of shoreline with beaches and boat rentals.
Are there family-friendly options among the lakes near Dalton?
Yes, many lakes are family-friendly. Haig Mill Lake Park is a great option with trails, fishing, and picnic areas. Lake Allatoona has campgrounds and is bordered by Red Top Mountain State Park, offering additional activities. Conasauga Lake and Lake Blue Ridge also provide swimming areas and easy trails suitable for families.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Dalton?
The lakes around Dalton are generally enjoyable year-round. Haig Mill Lake Park is open all year. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and outdoor activities, while summer is ideal for swimming and water sports. The natural beauty, like the abundant flowers at Conasauga Lake, can be particularly vibrant in warmer months.
Can I find camping facilities near the lakes?
Lake Allatoona offers various campgrounds along its extensive shoreline, providing options for overnight stays and extended visits. Red Top Mountain State Park, bordering Lake Allatoona, also provides camping and additional recreational opportunities.
Are there any plans to improve accessibility to Haig Mill Lake Park?
Yes, there is a future project planned to connect downtown Dalton to Haig Mill Lake Park via sidewalks and paved trails. This initiative aims to enhance the park's accessibility and appeal for visitors.
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