Radnor Lake State Natural Area is set aside by the State of Tennessee for wildlife observation and protected under the State Natural Areas Preservation Act of 1971. Located just south of downtown Nashville, Radnor Lake is the largest pocket of wilderness in the U.S. in close proximity to a major city.
With over 1200 acres (and growing with the recent acquisition of the Harris Ridge), over 6 miles of trails, and a variety of programs to keep everyone in the family busy - it's no wonder that in 2010 Radnor Lake had nearly one million visitors.
Radnor Lake can be accessed from two entrances. The east entrance (off Granny White Pike) has the largest parking area and Nature Center (with restrooms and maps). From the west, visitors can access Radnor Lake from Franklin Road. This smaller parking area does have restrooms and accesses both Otter Creek Road and the trail system.
As a "Class II" State Natural Area, Radnor Lake has the most restrictive set of land management rules of any state park. Of these, there are few that hikers should keep in mind: no jogging/running on the trails, no off-trail hiking, no dogs/pets, and no food or picnicking is allowed.
With over 1200 acres (and growing with the recent acquisition of the Harris Ridge), over 6 miles of trails, and a variety of programs to keep everyone in the family busy - it's no wonder that in 2010 Radnor Lake had nearly one million visitors.
Radnor Lake can be accessed from two entrances. The east entrance (off Granny White Pike) has the largest parking area and Nature Center (with restrooms and maps). From the west, visitors can access Radnor Lake from Franklin Road. This smaller parking area does have restrooms and accesses both Otter Creek Road and the trail system.
As a "Class II" State Natural Area, Radnor Lake has the most restrictive set of land management rules of any state park. Of these, there are few that hikers should keep in mind: no jogging/running on the trails, no off-trail hiking, no dogs/pets, and no food or picnicking is allowed.
Community Trips
Radnor Lake - South Cove Trail (new!) + South Lake Trail
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
2.8 miles
2.8 miles
I do. I get excited by the small things. And while the re-opening of a trail that has been closed for 11 months is no teeny-tiny small thing, it's probably a blip that went unnoticed in the radar of most Nashville folks. Needless to say: I'm SO excited that the trail is open!We started from the Nature Center (the Granny White Pike side of the park) which is where I typically prefer...
The title of this trip really is: "When I'm angry, I walk fast."18:31 pace for just over an hour to cover 3.78 miles with 1000 ft elevation gain/loss. I'd really meant this trip to capture the Lake Trail and the Garnier Ridge Trail. The first mile is on the road and technically part of the Lake Trail. The Ridge lasts between miles 1 and 3, and the last .78 is the Lake Trail...
Radnor Lake - Ganier Ridge, Lake Trail, South Lake Trail
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
5.2 miles
5.2 miles
Radnor Lake is one of the more popular outdoor areas in Nashville. It's easily accessible and offers some of the best hiking in the area with a variety of trails for all abilities and ages.I took my two boys (5 and 9) on a lovely fall morning. We started in the east parking lot and followed the access trail to the Ganier Ridge junction, and headed northeast on it. The climb up...
Cold weather with snow still on the ground. Hiked a short loop and saw four does and a large red-tailed hawk.
2.5 mile hike. Test run with iPhone in Otterbox/backpack and in pocket. No phone service in area. Elevation at parking/trailhead approximately 830 according to map.
Great family hike. Spring wildflowers just starting to bloom (Dentaria - toothwort; Claytonia - spring beauty). Trillium in bud, but not yet open. Canada geese, mallards, and hooded mergansers (I think).
Reviews
