Revitalizing Hike at Radnor Lake, TN
If you live in the Nashville area and are looking for a scenic (guaranteed to see animals) place to hike, Radnor Lake is your spot. It’s a day-use only State Park with tranquil hiking trails in a lush forest around a pristine lake. You can’t help but feel refreshed after time at Radnor.
For a time I made it a point to hike weekly. I would first drop Grant off at school. Then Dean and I would hike until I dropped him off at his school which started an hour later. It was a time in my life when I was experiencing deep grief and the weekly commitment to be in nature helped with my healing. I didn’t always want to go but always felt better afterward.
I grew up surrounded by trees where walks in the woods were a regular part of my childhood. It makes sense how important God’s creation is in my life and I really do feel an ache when I’m away from it. What a gift to have such easy access to a natural area preserved for us to enjoy.
Animals of Radnor Lake
We’ve spotted deer, turtles, chipmunks, a snake, ducks, a goose laying on a nest full of eggs, turkeys, owls, and nesting blue herons. How many deer can you find in the pictures below?
Radnor Lake Through the Seasons
Summer Photos at Radnor Lake, TN
Autumn Photos at Radnor Lake, TN
Winter Photos at Radnor Lake, TN
Spring Photos at Radnor Lake, TN
Here is a video of a little hike at Radnor I took in spring 2021.
Helpful Park Information
Parking
There are two car entrances to Radnor. There’s an east parking area and a west parking area.
The west parking lot is much bigger and easier to exit. The east parking area is the one I prefer because it’s closer to my house, but the lot is very small. If the lot is full there’s usually a line and if you decide to not wait for a parking spot it’s hard to exit the state park unless you are good at 3 point turns. It’s a one-way parking area.
Parking can be tricky if you go at a busy time. I’ve found that before 8:30 am on weekdays is best. Also, on days that are chilly or rainy, I find the parking lot to be pretty empty.
Cost and Hours
There’s no fee to enter Radnor Lake State Park which is over 1,000 acres.
The park opens at 6 am year-round and closes 20 minutes after sunset.
Map
If you have not visited Radnor Lake I would encourage you to go. Part of me wants to keep this treasure of Lake Radnor a secret and not share about it. I know there are days when it’s super crowded and there’s no parking but it’s still a place I think all people should have access to and enjoy. It’s such a special treasure here in Nashville. One that I am very thankful for especially being a country girl in a big city.
You may also like Dinner Party in the Woods or Big Ridge State Park.
