Radnor Lake State Natural Area

Natural Setting

Radnor Lake State Natural Area is a 1,368-acre natural area located approximately 8 miles south of downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Established in 1973, it was the first state natural area in Tennessee and remains a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The park features a diverse ecosystem centered around its namesake, Radnor Lake, an 85-acre body of water originally created by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad in 1914. The lake and surrounding forest provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, river otters, beavers, muskrats, and numerous bird species.

The densely forested park has a diverse environment

Trails and Activities

Radnor Lake State Natural Area offers over 7 miles of hiking trails that wind through the woods and along the lakeshore. These trails vary in difficulty, from the paved Otter Creek Road Trail to more challenging routes like the Ganier Ridge Trail.

The park is strictly day-use only, with activities limited to hiking, wildlife observation, and photography to preserve its natural state.

Visitor Facilities

The Walter Criley Visitor Center, open Thursday through Monday, provides educational exhibits about the park's history and ecology. Additionally, the Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center houses non-releasable birds of prey, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe these animals up close.

Conservation Efforts

As a Class II Natural Area, Radnor Lake State Natural Area maintains strict conservation practices. Jogging, bicycling, and pets are only allowed on the Otter Creek Road Trail, while the rest of the park is reserved for quiet nature appreciation.

This management approach helps protect the park's diverse plant and animal life while allowing visitors to experience a serene natural environment close to an urban area.