Radnor Lake State Natural Area: tranquil trails
Peaceful and serene are words commonly used to describe the setting at Radnor Lake State Natural Area. The 1,200-acre pocket of wilderness is located just minutes from Nashville’s center and offers visitors several hiking trials and jogging thoroughfares.
The placid lake and abundant forest are home to at least 125 species of trees and shrubs, 400 varieties of wildflowers and herbaceous plants, 40 species of amphibians and reptiles, 240 types of birds, 15 types of fish, insects and spiders, and at least 23 sorts of mammals including deer, coyotes, bobcats, beavers, mink, muskrats, otters, skunks and raccoons.
Meander leisurely down the quarter-mile Spillway Trail or along the water’s edge on the 1.4-mile Lake Trail. For a moderately difficult hike, try the 0.4-mile Access Trail or the 0.9-mile South Lake Trail.
For hardy hikers, the 1.2-mile South Cove Trail and the 1.5-mile Gainer Ridge Trail offer the most strenuous hike. On your hike, take in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. On quiet mornings and afternoons, it’s common to see the park’s wildlife out for their own stroll.
The Natural Area has two parking lots on its east and west ends with restrooms at both locations. The visitors' center is located in the west parking lot closest to Granny White Pike. Click here for the center's hours of operation.
Tennessee set aside the acreage at Radnor Lake as a State Natural Area for wildlife observation and protection. Accordingly, there are a few rules in place to help care for the park and preserve its beauty.
The trails are for hiking only; joggers and cyclists may experience the park on the paved and/or graveled surfaces. Pets must be leashed and are prohibited on trails.
Because the Natural Area is intended for wildlife preservation, hikers must remain on the trails and the collection of plants, rocks, artifacts and/or animals is not allowed. Click here for more information.
Trail Map
- by Emily Moore, Nashville Reporter for HelloMetro
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