Radnor Lake State Park

Radnor Lake State Park is an excellent place to view wildlife and scenery. It is very well maintained, probably better than any other state park. It has great walking trails along with excellent subjects for photographers. The only downside is its popularity, it is very difficult to park unless you arrive early, very early.

Beautiful hiking area close to the city. Very busy on weekends. Went on a Sunday around 3pm. We had to wait in line about 15 minutes for a parking spot. There was a park ranger letting in one car at a time as another car came out. No picnics allowed.

We had breakfast at the loveless cafe this morning and made our way over to the park to burn off some of the biscuits we ate and had a great mid day hike.

The outer loop trail (walk up the road from the visitor center) was a great hike up to the top of the ridge and back down the other side looping along the lake.

Pay careful attention and take your time walking and you’ll have a chance to see lots of wild life up close and personal.

We stood 15 feet away from the deer and turkeys who are clearly used to human interaction and know they are safe in the park.

Today we saw a pretty large variety of squirrels, chipmunks, big beautiful turkeys, and multiple bucks and does along the ~2 or 3 miles we hiked.

It’s neat seeing big bucks up close. One of the bucks was chasing a doe and she was more than happy to stand next to us while he glared from a distance.

At the secondary park entrance we saw a bachelor pod of 3 smaller bucks and a flock of Tom’s together on the road side just inside the entrance.

Altogether we saw around 20 deer. Really neat experience just on the outskirts of Nashville. The park is really beautiful and the close path around the lake is paved.

The trail is marked as moderate but I found it a challenging hike. The second half along the opposite side of the lake was very flat and a nice way to finish.

All the photos were taken with my iPhone (so very close)

Such a gorgeous state park. Clean and so many animals to see. This is definitely a place to have a walk on a beautiful fall morning. Make sure you get there early if you want to find a good parking spot. Feels up fast.

I think it’s the closest location from Nashville downtown to feel nature. I saw several kinds of wild animals. I definitely saw a beaver in the lake. I walked around about 1 hour before noon. There were many visitors in the end of summer.

Such a beautiful park. It’s especially beautiful early in the morning before the crowds get there and wild animals can be seen all along the trails. Deer, squirrels, hawks, ducks, turtles, lizards, snakes, chipmunks, eagles, etc. can’t recommend it enough!

Amazing place! Watching the lake and walking by it was so peaceful! I enjoyed the view so much! I got to see a lot of deers, ducks, squirrels, and even an owl. The pictures we could take were great!

Nice park once you know what to expect. No dogs on the trail, no running on the trail, and no going off the trail. This is an eagle habitat, and they are very strict on the rules. Dogs and running are both permitted on the paved road, so you can still enjoy bringing your pets if desired. Parking was difficult, and I noticed a few people not being able to park and leave without enjoying the park. Arrive early before the crowds on the weekend as the views are worth the trip. If you found this review helpful, please give a 👍

Are you looking for a serene escape into the heart of nature? Radnor Lake State Park in Tennessee is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors, whether you're a nature enthusiast or just seeking a tranquil place to unwind. In this post, we'll take you on a virtual journey through this breathtaking park, sharing interesting facts, essential information, and tips for an unforgettable visit.

Nestled in the heart of Tennessee, Radnor Lake State Park is a nature lover's paradise. Located in the outskirts of Nashville, this 1,368-acre park offers a diverse range of trails, wildlife, and stunning views. With a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1973, Radnor Lake State Park has been a cherished sanctuary for those seeking refuge from the bustling city life.

The park is named after Radnor Lake, a 85-acre lake known for its serene and reflective waters. It is surrounded by lush forests, making it a haven for various species of wildlife. The park boasts a variety of hiking trails, each offering its own unique charm and natural beauty.

For those who want to explore the trails in detail, we recommend using the AllTrails app, available for download on the AppStore. This app allows you to view trail maps, track your progress, and even save a summary of your hike, including distance, pace, elevation gains, calories burned, travel time, and your route on a map. It's a valuable tool for ensuring a smooth and well-documented hike.

Parking can be limited, especially during peak times, and you might find long lines of cars waiting for a spot. If you're looking to avoid the parking hassle, consider parking at a nearby church and walking to the trailhead. However, please be respectful of the church grounds, and note that many other hikers may have the same idea.

Radnor Lake State Park offers a variety of trails, each with its unique character and challenges. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, review a map of the trails online or posted at the park before venturing out. Trails range from moderate to heavy traffic, so it's a good idea to be prepared for fellow hikers.

Throughout the park, you'll find well-placed benches that offer excellent resting spots and provide fantastic views of the surrounding nature. The park's highlight is the beautiful lake, offering breathtaking views and great photo opportunities. Keep your camera handy; you're bound to capture some unforgettable moments.

One of the most exciting aspects of visiting Radnor Lake State Park is the chance to encounter wildlife in their natural habitat. During your hike, you might spot wild turkeys, turtles, snakes, deer, squirrels, and ducks. The park is a haven for these animals, and it's a privilege to observe them peacefully coexisting with nature.

While exploring the park, you'll notice signs indicating "Closed Areas" due to Bald Eagle nesting. Disturbing these nests can lead to eagles abandoning their homes, and it's important to remember that Bald Eagles are protected by law. Any disturbance can result in arrests or hefty fines. Always be respectful of the wildlife within the park and appreciate the rare opportunity to witness these majestic birds in their natural habitat.

Two of the standout trails in Radnor Lake State Park are the Gander, Cove, and Lake trails. They offer breathtaking scenery, providing an ideal setting for birdwatching and photography. These trails are perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or someone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, this park offers a haven for all. From stunning lake views to encounters with the local wildlife, Radnor Lake State Park is an experience you won't want to miss. Pack your hiking gear, grab your camera, and embark on an adventure that's sure to leave you with lasting memories of Tennessee's natural beauty.

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Great all year around. They don't allow pets or running on the trails allowing for a more immersive stroll through the woods surrounded by plenty of deer, turkeys, owls, etc. Look up RightTurnAT for my book that includes this precious gem.

This park made me extremely happy. I was expecting it to be really overcrowded, but I was pleasantly surprised that the animals were everywhere, and it seemed like I had plenty of peace and quiet. I saw deer, turkey, ducks, green heron, and bald eagles. I had plenty of alone time, and I was able to take very good photos of all of the scenery and animals. The park is also very close to basic things like gas and groceries, so it was relatively easy to find dinner and refill my gas tank. It's just such a beautiful place.

We went for a quick hike after lunch at Herban Market and it was beautiful, it had rained the while day before and it wasn't really muddy like I had thought it might be which was a huge plus .. we saw 5 wild turkey, owl, chipmunks and squirrels and other on the trail saw couple bald eagle perched on some logs near the lake water and few said there was a buck grazing but we missed him.. will definitely go back again. Walked 3.25 miles in 1 hour...

Great trails, can be a little crowded and hard to park. Not everyday you see an American Bald Eagle.

Beautiful location with plenty of wildlife. We saw ducks, deer, and an eagle. Nice walk around the lake

Yes! This is an easy and beautiful hike around the lake on the Lake Trail. I imagine in a couple of weeks the fall colors will be breathtaking!

This is a Large park, where you can spend I good time with yourself or with friends! I remember that there were some signs where it mentions that it is not allowed pets on trail, picnicking or food, jogging or running ARE PROHIBITED, so , watch out with that. Definitely a beautiful place to catch amazing pictures or fly your drone ( Don't hesitate to do that) but overall, cleaned park, well organized and enjoyable environment, animal species variation around the park ! Have fun :)

The US does state parks better than anywhere on earth. Truly stunning setting, well signposted and maintained trails and ample parking. A wonderful green place minutes from Nashville centre.

The front desk lady, I don't remember her name, was patient and knowledgeable, I even enjoyed listening to her talk to the person in front of me, which is rare for big-city me. If you don't remember me, I was there about 3 weeks ago, asking you about that red 'disc' backpack you had on display, with my Korean wife. Anyway, I give you 5 stars for over-delivering happiness to us before we went on the hike you suggested.
Here's a pic of....turtles we saw at the lake!

Very nice park Ada trail on a road around the lake lots of wildlife and trails and beautiful scenery

Great trails, well maintained
Love all the wildlife. Go early to get a parking spot and avoid crowds. Only restroom is at parking lot, just an FYI. Wish there was a picnic area!