Radnor Lake State Natural Area

A Glimpse of Wilderness in Nashville

Tucked away just 8 miles south of Nashville's bustling downtown, Radnor Lake State Natural Area offers a 1,368-acre retreat into nature that feels worlds away from city life. Established in 1973 as Tennessee's first state natural area, this natural area provides a quiet escape for nature lovers.

At the heart of the park lies Radnor Lake itself - an 85-acre lake originally created by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad back in 1914. The lake and surrounding forests create a haven for wildlife. You'll likely spot white-tailed deer wandering nonchalantly along the trails (they've grown quite comfortable around humans here), and if you're patient, you might glimpse river otters, beavers, or muskrats going about their business near the water's edge.

A barred owl relaxing in a tree

Photo: Michael Hicks (CC0 1.0)

Trails for Every Explorer

With over 7 miles of hiking trails winding through woods and along the lakeshore, there's a path for everyone here. If you're looking for an easier stroll, the paved Otter Creek Road Trail offers a gentle experience. For those craving more of a workout, the Ganier Ridge Trail and South Cove Loop will get your heart pumping with their more challenging terrain.

The park operates strictly as a day-use area, focusing on hiking, wildlife observation, and photography to maintain its natural character. Keep in mind that jogging and running are only allowed on the paved Otter Creek Road Trail - a small compromise to help preserve the delicate ecosystem. Most trails are well-maintained and feature clear markers at intersections, so the clear markers make navigation straightforward.

Otter Creek Rd leads across the park

Photo: Michael Hicks (CC0 1.0)

Wildlife That Will Make You Reach for Your Camera

Radnor Lake is considered one of Nashville's best spots for bird-watching. Great blue herons strike statuesque poses along the shoreline, wild turkeys strut through the underbrush, and woodpeckers tap rhythmically in the trees overhead. Perhaps most exciting is the resident pair of bald eagles that have made their home near the lake - an impressive sight for many visitors.

Beyond the birds, you'll often spot turtles sunbathing on logs, deer grazing peacefully in clearings, and if luck is on your side, beavers or river otters playing in the water. Sometimes you'll come across free telescopes set up near the lake, meant for getting a closer look at the eagles' nest or other wildlife without disturbing them.

The densely forested park has a diverse environment

Photo: Michael Hicks (CC0 1.0)

A Place to Learn and Connect

The Walter Criley Visitor Center (open Thursday through Monday) houses fascinating exhibits about the park's history and natural environment. For a unique experience, stop by the Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center to see non-releasable birds of prey up close - it's a chance to see these birds of prey up close.

You can find restrooms at the visitor center and near parking areas. The park also offers all-terrain wheelchairs that can be reserved ahead of time, making nature more accessible for visitors with mobility challenges.

View of Radnor Lake from its western shore

Photo: Michael Hicks (CC0 1.0)

Preservation at Its Heart

As a Class II Natural Area, Radnor Lake takes conservation seriously. The rules might seem strict at first - jogging, bicycling, and pets are restricted to the Otter Creek Road Trail, and no food or picnicking is allowed anywhere in the park - but these measures have successfully preserved this urban nature spot within Nashville's urban sprawl.

These restrictions help maintain the natural quiet, where you can hear leaves rustling and birds calling without much human noise.

The park is filled with wildlife

Photo: Michael Hicks (CC0 1.0)

Tips for Your Visit

A word to the wise about parking: it can be challenging, especially on weekends and during popular hours. The limited parking areas fill up quickly, so try to arrive early in the morning or during weekday afternoons if possible. The park welcomes visitors daily from 6AM to 6PM, offering beautiful scenery in every season - the fall colors are especially vibrant as the foliage changes.