Radnor Lake State Park
A 1,368-acre natural oasis near Nashville, offering serene hiking trails, abundant wildlife, and free admission.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secure parking & fewer crowds
Radnor Lake State Park
Best Time
Secure parking & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 1,368-acre natural oasis near Nashville, offering serene hiking trails, abundant wildlife, and free admission.
"Perfect nature escape with free admission and incredible wildlife sightings."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Weekend parking fills up fast! Aim for before 7 AM or try the church parking lot across the street.
🚫 No Dogs on Main Trails
Leave your furry friends at home for the main hiking paths; they're only allowed on Otter Creek Road.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wildlife Encounters
Throughout the park
Spot bald eagles, deer, turkeys, and a variety of birds in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled!
Lake Trail Loop
Around Radnor Lake
An easy, enjoyable 2.7-mile out-and-back trail offering peaceful views and abundant wildlife sightings.
Visitor Center & Aviary
Visitor Center
Learn about the park's natural history and meet rescued birds of prey, including eagles and vultures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Know the Rules: Dogs & Jogging
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Weekend parking fills up fast! Aim for before 7 AM or try the church parking lot across the street.
🚫 No Dogs on Main Trails
Leave your furry friends at home for the main hiking paths; they're only allowed on Otter Creek Road.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Trails are generally easy, but good footwear ensures a comfortable exploration of the park's beauty.
🦅 Eagle Spotting Tips
Best chances to see bald eagles are in spring and winter. Keep an eye out near the protected conservation area. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Weekend parking fills up fast! Aim for before 7 AM or try the church parking lot across the street.
🚫 No Dogs on Main Trails
Leave your furry friends at home for the main hiking paths; they're only allowed on Otter Creek Road.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Trails are generally easy, but good footwear ensures a comfortable exploration of the park's beauty.
🦅 Eagle Spotting Tips
Best chances to see bald eagles are in spring and winter. Keep an eye out near the protected conservation area. +1
✨ Evening Firefly Magic
Visit in the evening during warmer months to witness enchanting firefly displays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Radnor Lake State Park as a beautiful and peaceful nature escape with free admission. The abundance of wildlife, including bald eagles and deer, is a major highlight. While parking can be challenging and some trails may have restrictions, the overall experience is highly positive, offering a perfect dose of nature close to the city.
"Perfect nature escape with free admission. Some trails closed for renovation but still plenty of beautiful paths – we did about 7km today.
Wildlife here is incredible: saw bald eagles, squirrels, and white-tailed deer that come surprisingly close to the trail with little fear of humans. Note: no dogs allowed and jogging restricted on some trails."
Nathan
"Beautiful park, parking was very limited when we got there. (West parking lot). We did the 1.35 mile Lake Trail out and back (2.7 miles). We saw lots of wildlife and birds - blue heron, red shouldered hawk, painted turtles, wild turkey, Blue Jay's, a pileated woodpecker, and an ARMIDILLO! (I had no idea there were armadillos in Tennessee). There is a protected bald eagle conservation area, but we didn't see any...☹️. Apparently the best times to see them are spring and winter. I guess we'll have to try again!"
Mark Rhoderick
"Radnor State Park is a great spot for a day hike. I walked the loop around the lake and found it to be a relatively easy trail, not difficult at all, but still really enjoyable. Along the way I saw a lot of wildlife — a woodpecker, a great blue heron, some deer, and even a couple of otters by the water. The park feels peaceful and well-kept, and it’s a perfect place to spend a few hours outdoors without needing to commit to a tough hike."
Chris Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Radnor Lake State Park is conveniently located just about 12 miles south of downtown Nashville, a short 20-minute drive. +1 You can easily reach it by car via I-65 South. Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends, so consider arriving early or exploring alternative parking options like the nearby church lot with a crosswalk.
Currently, Radnor Lake State Park is not directly accessible by public transportation from downtown Nashville. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
Parking is free but can be very limited, especially on weekends and during peak seasons like fall. Arriving before 7 AM is often recommended to secure a spot. Some visitors suggest parking across the street at a nearby church, which has added a crosswalk for safety.
No, Radnor Lake State Park offers free admission, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for enjoying nature near Nashville.
Biking is permitted on Otter Creek Road, but not on the main hiking trails. This allows for a different way to explore parts of the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to enter Radnor Lake State Park. Admission is completely free, allowing everyone to enjoy its natural beauty.
The park is generally open from dawn to dusk. The Visitor Center has specific hours, so it's best to check the official Tennessee State Parks website for the most up-to-date information.
The main restriction is regarding dogs on the trails; they are not allowed on the primary hiking paths but can be on Otter Creek Road. Jogging is also restricted on some trails. +1
Absolutely! Radnor Lake State Park is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering a peaceful escape with various trails for walking and wildlife viewing. +1
Yes, fall is a particularly beautiful time to visit Radnor Lake State Park, with stunning foliage creating a picturesque landscape. 
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can encounter a rich variety of wildlife, including bald eagles (especially in spring and winter), white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, various bird species like blue herons and woodpeckers, squirrels, turtles, and even armadillos. +4
Radnor Lake State Park offers over 6 miles of trails, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. The popular Lake Trail loop is approximately 2.7 miles roundtrip.
No, dogs are not permitted on the main hiking trails at Radnor Lake State Park. They are allowed on Otter Creek Road. +1
Jogging is restricted on some of the trails at Radnor Lake State Park. It's best to check signage upon arrival for specific trail regulations.
The Visitor's Center provides information about the park's natural history and features an aviary with rescued birds of prey, including eagles and vultures. Rangers are often available to share their stories.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire park offers beautiful scenery, but the lake itself provides stunning reflections, especially during sunrise and sunset. Keep an eye out for wildlife for unique photo opportunities. +1
Yes, Radnor Lake is a fantastic place for wildlife photography. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the animals. +2
The lake's calm waters can create beautiful reflections during sunset, making it a picturesque spot for photographers.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for landscapes and general shots. For wildlife, a telephoto lens (70-200mm or longer) is highly recommended to capture details from a distance. +1
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of park rules and avoid disturbing wildlife or other visitors. Drone usage may be restricted, so check park regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that dogs are not allowed on the main trails, so plan accordingly. Arriving early is crucial for securing parking, which can be a challenge with children in tow. Pack snacks and water, and encourage your kids to be quiet observers to maximize wildlife sightings.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Peace Seekers
Keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife; spotting deer, birds, or even the elusive bald eagle can add a magical element to your solo adventure. The park's commitment to preservation means you'll find a relatively untouched natural environment, perfect for de-stressing and recharging.
📸 Nature Photographers
Bring a versatile lens for general scenery and a telephoto lens to capture the details of the park's inhabitants from a respectful distance.
+1 Remember to check park regulations regarding drone usage if you plan to incorporate aerial shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Radnor Lake's Trails
It's important to note that some trails may have specific regulations, such as restrictions on jogging or the prohibition of dogs. Always check posted signs for the most current information.
For those looking for a more immersive experience, consider exploring the less-trafficked paths to discover hidden nooks and quieter spots. The variety ensures that repeat visits can offer new perspectives and discoveries within the park's beautiful landscape.
A Haven for Wildlife
A significant highlight is the presence of bald eagles, with a protected conservation area dedicated to them. While sightings are more common in spring and winter, many visitors hope to catch a glimpse of these majestic birds.
The Visitor's Center plays a crucial role in educating the public about the park's wildlife. It often features rescued birds of prey, such as eagles and vultures, with rangers who are passionate about sharing their backstories and conservation efforts.
The History and Significance of Radnor Lake
While primarily known for its natural beauty, the park's existence is a testament to conservation efforts aimed at preserving a vital green space within an urbanizing environment. The protection of Radnor Lake ensures that future generations can experience its unique ecosystem and the tranquility it offers.
Understanding the park's protected status helps visitors appreciate the importance of adhering to its regulations, such as the restrictions on dogs and jogging, which are in place to minimize human impact on the delicate natural environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit