Radnor Lake State Park

State park · Green Hills

Radnor Lake State Park

State park · Green Hills

2

1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220

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Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null
Radnor Lake State Park by null

Highlights

Nestled just 20 minutes from downtown Nashville, this stunning 1,368-acre park boasts scenic trails teeming with wildlife, perfect for families and nature lovers alike.  

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1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220 Get directions

tnstateparks.com

Information

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1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220 Get directions

+1 888 867 2757
tnstateparks.com

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wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Jul 24, 2025

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@heremag

"This 1,368-acre park is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Nashville and has six miles of easy hiking trails. On the 1.35 mile loop around the lake, you’ll see deer, pelicans, butterflies, and other wildlife—a good reminder that Tennessee is home to 54 state parks and 15 state forests. Plus, there’s no better way to work off a night on Broadway than getting some fresh air."

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@laurensteckbeck
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Lisa Davids

Google
Beautiful place to visit! Went to see chipmunks (we're from Florida and my son is obsessed). Saw one posing with beautiful bird! Saw water snakes, herons, deer and turtles! Also visited at evening and was enchanted by the fireflies. Rangers are friendly and helpful; they personally showed us around at the aviary. Truly fantastic park.

Jacqueline Zwack

Google
Decent little park outside of nashville. There is a very easy and flat hiking trail around the lake. It is a very popular area on The weekend so you may struggle to find parking. It is a good area for kids and bird watching.

Stacy Z

Google
There is major repair work going on along the side of Otter Creek Road. Half of the lake road and trails are closed to visitors. The other side of the lake is open for hiking only. No dogs, jogging or bikes. This runs from June 2 until sometime in October of 2025.

Kara Sibenaller

Google
Radnor is beautiful. Love bringing my kids here to walk and run around. They love looking for animals (turtles, frogs, ducks, bald eagles, etc.). They have good trails, strollers are only allowed on the paved trail around the lake though. They only have two parking lots and a little additional but the parking fills up FAST. We went on a Saturday got there at 9:20 and got one of the last parking spots.

Douglas Hunter

Google
Easy family hike. Only about 500 feet elevation gain if you do the south cove loop as well. Lots of wildlife including deer, woodpeckers, cranes, turtles, and bald eagles. Good canopy over most of the trail so even in light rain, it was pretty dry.

N Z

Google
Very very glad I was able to see this state park, went 2 times and was complete full the first time as they have a very small parking lot, the second time I was lucky enough to find one spot but I would definitely recommend coming very early or non peak hours or you will definitely be leaving empty handed. With that being said when I did get in there were great trials, and a truly beautiful lake perfect for photos and admiring. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the Nashville area.

Ashlee Chaffee

Google
Nice paved pathway for people to walk, easy to push strollers/wheelchairs. It is dog friendly, but they can’t go on the wooded trails, just the paved pathway. Parking is definitely a challenge at certain times of the day. On-site restrooms

Frankie Dee

Google
After a second attempt with the staff didn't try to block you out with a tractor trailer it really is a pretty Park it's also very popular so you may wait in line if you're not there early for a place to park they should expand the parking a little bit more as it's ever popular
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Melissa M.

Yelp
I am brand new to Tennessee (from Los Angeles) and this has been my first venture out into the wild. This park, the scenery, the view, the journey is amazing! The parts of the trail I hit (from East Lot to Lake Trail to Otter Creek back to the East Lot) were very clean, peaceful, and serene. I appreciated how easy this park was to find, hidden among the suburbs of Brentwood, and parking though super busy on weekend mornings, was free and the employees were there to help. I am not an extremely active person or an avid hiker at all, and I will say that this 2.5 mile looping trail is moderate - not super long, complicated, or strenuous. There were many opportunities to rest, with some even ground, but there was still a bit of a challenge present in some areas. It started off (from the East Lot) at an incline for a bit, but then levels off the higher you get. There are a lot of narrow, uneven paths with maneuvering needed among the tree roots and some steep parts alongside the hill. This can be a very leisurely hike if you choose, as I definitely took my time, since there was so much to appreciate at every turn. I rested on the benches several times, so it was about two hours to complete. Once you hit the lake, at about 3/4 of the way, and emerge from the forest, you are accompanied with the view for pretty much the rest of the trail. This was my first time hiking alone, and did little to no research, so I was unsure if the trail would even loop but it did. Just check out the map, and thankfully there is signal available, so match your location with the map, which I have shared in the photos. I highly enjoyed my visit to Radnor Lake and will be back again very soon for some peace and quiet while enjoying good physical exercise!
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Parnika N.

Yelp
Radnor lake state park is a beautiful, scenic park located fairly closer to downtown. The park has sufficient parking spots and a pet friendly walking spot too! The park has a large lake at the center with walking path around it, and if you're a hiker then there are multiple hiking spots inside. I have been here during the winters, spring and summer, and its beautiful, peaceful and visually satisfying spot. I love how the park has these wooden deck, over the deck so that one can get a good view or an insta-worthy photo. You will find plenty of deer, squirrel, birds and turtles. we got a close look at the beautiful bald Eagle. Its a well maintained park so make sure you don't carry any food inside, it's strictly prohibited. Nevertheless, it's closer to midtown, where you can always halt for food. I recommend at least one visit at this park.
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Sarah A.

Yelp
We love taking our dog here on Sundays. Beautiful scenery and nice walking trails. Always fun to spot and observe the wildlife here. This park beats the other spots in Nashville in my opinion. Get there early if you want to snag a parking space!
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Michelle C.

Yelp
One of my favorite parks in the area. Two different entrances to choose and parking can be difficult to find given popularity of the park. They have a small lot at the visitor centers and street parking, but be prepared to parallel park. Once you park, you can choose to walk the wooded path around the lake or just paved path as well. Dogs are allowed only on the paved paths. You will see lots of wild life from birds, turtles, squirrels, chipmunks, snakes, etc. no matter the path you choose.
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Holly T.

Yelp
Nature beckons! Need to get away from the city for a nice walk? Come here and enjoy the peaceful hills and lake surroundings as you walk or hike. Look up and see the nesting birds, look down and see turtles resting on sunken tree branches, notice and occasional snake cross your path (!) and look across the water and you'll even spot eagles! I love meeting friends here for walks and a real sense of calm that overcomes me when I embrace the nature all around. Plenty to explore- certain days you can even walk up a steep hill to the injured bird and owl sanctuary. Obey the rules, read the fact filled signs, use the clean restroom at the parking area ( about 30 or so spaces) and have a wonderful time! I will always return here!
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Jose P.

Yelp
Went hiking at Radnor's and it was a very pleasant experience. The trails have no obstructions, we saw deer all around us, bald eagles perched right over the water, and very friendly hikers. I highly recommend Radnor Lake, especially in the early morning. You will see a beautiful sunrise, wildlife scurrying around, and serenity all around you.
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Heather Rene A.

Yelp
I love this place - I've hiked it so many times and there's always a treasure trove of things to see and experience. From the wildlife (turkey deer turtles owls etc) to the plant life galore. I love coming in the spring with buds of new life. I also enjoy the fall colors. And even in the summer, with the canopy, it doesn't get too hot. Winter is good too... sometimes we get those random gorgeous days and this is the first place I go! Word of caution: if the weather is in the 60s-70s the parking lots fill up FAST! So get there before 9am or plan to wait to park. There are very easy trails and a few more challenging ones - something for everyone.
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Jesse B.

Yelp
Nice state park to walk around . Scenery is nice but the trails aren't very difficult , won't exactly break a sweat walking here .
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Bill M.

Yelp
Took a short hike around the spillway. Free, flat, paved or wood chips. Some historical markers. Mostly shaded, a nice place
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Al B.

Yelp
Beautiful, peaceful and very enjoyable park! Options for walking paths to pick from. Parking is a little hard and limited.
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Donna A.

Yelp
This park is such a delight. The protected areas were fun to observe. There are no bikes to have to avoid which was amazing. The walking material on the ground was soft and pleasant to walk on. The welcome center was closed, which means no bathroom access, but this place is so fantastic .
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Steve U.

Yelp
Best park I've been to around Nashville, great for nature walks, trails are clearly marked and lots of animals to see from the safety of the walkways. Big beautiful lake views and an air conditioned visitors center with some cool historic items and a coke machine for after walk cool down. Also bathrooms are pristine. Look for deer, turtles, comorants, wild turkey, ducks and snapping turtles.

Eric H.

Yelp
Very peaceful walk and beautiful too! We saw two snakes on our hike and a couple other nature animals.
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Lisa W.

Yelp
Beautiful nature walk around the lake! You can also add on an extension to get a little more miles and even break a sweat by some elevation gain. Walking around the lake had some rules though. There was a weird one that you couldn't run. Not sure the reasoning but we thought it was funny. No dogs on one side too. We saw some armadillos! They're like turtle rats but I've never seen one, so that was cool. We saw some deer as well. There's no trash cans anywhere so make sure to bring out your trash. The visitor center have a little education area and nice bathrooms. There's also a vending machine.
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Craig B.

Yelp
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.
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libby p.

Yelp
Beautiful and close! Loved being there and hiking around the lake with my granddaughter and our pups. Only wish there was a way to let my dogs enjoy cooling down in the lake! I bring everyone that visits us to Radnor for a morning hike. Go outside! No box required.
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Heather P.

Yelp
For the most part, trails are "easy" (we wore sneakers with absolutely no issues) but if you are getting back into shape, have residual pain from past injuries (eg, knee), or bring small kids then the slight inclines could be more of a challenge. The main trail is mostly mulch and well kept. However, there is also a flat paved section I saw (which looks to be part of a corroding road that is now closed off) so you can forgo the trails all together if you want. Leashed dogs were on the paved section but none are allowed on the main trails. There are signs everywhere about that - no dogs on trails. There are plenty of wooden benches to rest and take in the view. No food/picnic allowed but I saw people sitting and eating snacks anyway. The visitor center is clean and of course have restrooms for convenience. Lots of wildlife! There was a wide variety of animals to see - eagle! deer, turtles, butterflies, geese, etc. Great shade too for the warmer weather. Overall, a leisure outing.
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Candy R.

Yelp
Always beautiful walks in nature! Safe and easy trails! Depends on your hiking abilities some even harder!
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John B.

Yelp
I only discovered this park shortly before sunset, but it turns out to be a very nice place to catch some views at around that time. Notably, numerous signs warn that it closes and you and your car have to be gone by dark, so I left with the light still fading. A dam sits at the end of a substantial lake, and several trails go around the area. The park is buried a bit in a residential area, and the streets are not pedestrian friendly, so driving carefully is warranted. Many signs indicated to stay on the trails to protect the environment, and to be fair it seemed like an environment worth protecting.
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Kristine S.

Yelp
Lovely state park tucked away in a beautiful neighborhood. Hubby and I decided to go for a nature walk after a delicious BBQ lunch. We did the easy trails right around Radnor Lake. Total distance clocked in at 2.7 miles. With a couple stops for pictures, it took us about an hour. Lots of nature to see in this area. We spotted several deer on our drive out as well. If you are looking for something to do outdoors or need a place to get some exercise while in the Nashville area, this is a perfect place to go. Wonderful nature views, beautiful lake, wildlife and fresh air!
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Priya B.

Yelp
A great (free!) place for nature lovers, hikers, and easy-going walkers with stunning views. Haven't been here since my childhood and wanted to do a fun and scenic walk during the holidays. On a Thursday early morning at the end of December, the parking lot was about 3/4 and filling up the later the morning got. I'd been avoiding Radnor because I knew dogs were only allowed on the paved trail. What I wished I had realized sooner is that the paved trail is still an incredible scenic walk and decent distance for a short trip (my phone logged 2 miles round trip, out and back.) We saw families with young kids, other dog walkers/runners, and several bird and wildlife watchers on our journey. We saw a bald eagle, a turtle, and a hummingbird on our walk with no aid of binoculars (but this would be a great trail to bring them on next time.) Since it was a weekday, it wasn't too crowded and the trail (which is an old road) is pretty wide even if there were more people. The trail is really well maintained with benches and outposts for animal watching along the way. Each side of the paved trail has a parking lot and a bathroom (though the west parking lot, connected to the main entrance, has the superior bathrooms and maps, etc.) Dogs need to be on a leash (something my nervy dog really appreciated) and we found all dog owners were respectful of not forcing on-leash greetings and picking up after their dogs -- two things that make us love a trail! Definitely want to come back here to do some of the human-only trails on my own and be back with the pup on the paved trail during other seasons!
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Suzanne D.

Yelp
Running not allowed on trails. Also no dogs. Pretty but very crowded. Friday mid day there was almost no parking available.
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Gabrielle V.

Yelp
Five stars for a beautiful free state park with a great amount of shaded hiking trails varying in length and difficulty/height. We spent a couple of hours here and it was a great way to escape to nature for a bit. The trails are well maintained though some of the roads gave been affected by trees growing towards the lake and pulling the road with it. Understandably, they're seeking donations to repair the roads. The trails that don't include the broken roads are really well maintained with a number of benches and well marked. They also have telescopes and a few different look out areas. This was a treasure not far out of Nashville, & I'd definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a bit of time in nature. Well maintained parking lot and indoor bathroom facilities inside the visitor center.
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Susan Z.

Yelp
Great park to explore and enjoy! We walked around the park and saw cool swallow butterflies and birds. It was hot but visited in the morning so the weather was perfect. Stop and visit the area and enjoy nature at it's finest. We will be back! Great place for a run, bike ride or just peacefully relaxing!
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Samantha W.

Yelp
Tried this trail for the first time today. Absolutely loved it. They do have a no running policy but I did see people running so I'm not entirely sure they enforce that policy. The bald eagle sanctuary was super cool and we did see a bald eagle on our walk! Highly recommend for anyone looking to experience nature in a calm and lovely environment with lots of wildlife.
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Monica S.

Yelp
Radnor is a man made reservoir with nature trails that surround a beautiful lake. Tennessee wildlife is easily spotted such as deer , wild turkeys, Canadian geese, and blue heron. The landscape is ever changing as it is always well groomed and changes With the season. Even though it is surrounded by city and neighborhoods , you get a taste of being out in the wild. The trails have filled up over the years as this has become a very popular spot. At times it is hard to find a parking spot and you have to sit and wait in line in order to get it. Honestly I wish they would make a Randor 2.0 to accommodate the growing population of Nashville. But until then, don't expect complete privacy. Grab your water bottle amd a smile for all of the people you will see on the trail. Radnor offers volunteer opportunities if you are looking to lend a hand. It is run on donations so feel free to look into that by visiting the nature trail. Some of the other parks in town offer a more isolated experience such as Percy Warner with over 12 miles of trails spanning the Bellevue area. But this trail is good if you are short on time, or are packing children with you. There is a flat lake trail that offers easy strolls for all body types and fitness levels. And the paved portion is one of the only trails that allows dogs. So if you don't like the club, but you want to be around people while enjoying a beautiful landscape this is a great community park for you!
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Matt H.

Yelp
Lovely little wilderness area just outside of Nashville. There are a number of hiking trails, including paved flat roads for folks who may have mobility issues. Didn't see a ton of wildlife, but we did catch some waterfowl out on or around the lake and a couple of turtles. It was definitely worth the drive out from the city to see the unspoiled area.
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Jeremy M.

Yelp
Excellent lake and park to visit! Unless you've got at least a few hours, you'll need more than one trip. There's trails to walk. Worth mentioning is that there are some strict rules for the trails to preserve the land. For example, no bikes and no running. Makes sense to me. There's plenty of great photo op areas, benches to rest on, a couple of historical sights...oh and this week it was reported that a bald eagle has made a nest in the park somewhere. I went on a cold day where the weather was 35 degrees with cloudy skies. Definitely needed to dress warmer! I imagine it looks even bette with clear blue skies with some minor cloud coverage. There's a visitor center which I didn't enter. There's a few rushing streams and calmer streams, a small bridge for some great pictures and breathtaking views. There's a couple of spots that explain some cool historical facts about the area. *No Spoilers* here though. It's well worth the trip! Multiple if you need to. Enjoy!
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Nathan D.

Yelp
amazing nature park in Tennessee with multiple walking/running trails, seated area, observation decks, etc. There are a variety of trail difficulties for all experience/ fitness levels...be prepared to see a variety of flora and fauna. we stayed for over an hour and didn't even finish the trail we chose to take... if it wasn't for exhausted kiddies definitely would have stayed longer. Highly recommended if u find yourself in Nashville.
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Kevin E.

Yelp
Wonderful and beautiful lake in downtown area. A very flat and easy hike around the lake (just over 4 miles in total). Lots of wildlife. Turtles are everywhere, and tons of birds.
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Nate M.

Yelp
Love this park or lake or hiking spot. Whatever it is, it's sooo good! We took the Lake Trail which is a 1.35 mile hike/walk around the lake. We came here after a heavy rain shower so there were a lot of muddy puddles. The hike itself was super easy and is just a beautiful relaxing jaunt in the outdoors. The Lake Trail is the main hiking trail and it breaks off into other trails around the lake. There are five trails in total, none of which seem strenuous at all and are more or less just "hard" walks. The parking area here is tight with a few spots for street parking and when it's busy they stop traffic and don't allow anyone to enter unless there's space. The visitor center is really nice and had very clean bathrooms and information about the park itself. I can't wait for spring and summer to see this park in full bloom!
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Rosko L.

Yelp
If you are a nature and wildlife lover, this is the spot for you. You are immediately emerged in the nature and with the animals. The hiking trails are great if you're just going for a quick walk with friends or if you want an adventure you can walk trails for hours. There are easy and hard trails. No matter what trail I think you will enjoy all the nature surrounding you. It's a very peaceful and beautiful spot. We saw many birds, deer, and even got a close up picture of a buck. The lake has many beautiful views as well while capturing the turtles on camera. Highly recommend this park for families and as adventures. Blog: TeamWhatsUp.Blog Insta: TeamWhatsUp YouTube: Whats Up Rosko
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Lonnitha L.

Yelp
First time on this trail and I will say it's by far my favorite. We started on the Lake Trail and then ventured off to the Granier Trail. I will say I did not have any expectations prior to starting off on this trail, but after getting 1/4 into it I quickly realized I should have researched this trail more lol. I would say this was a little strenuous and felt more of a hike then the normal trails I've been on before. If you choose to go this route I would recommend having on some sort of hiking shoes and would recommend the hiking poles as well because it will get slippery on the leaves depending on when you go. Overall I loved this trail, the views, the wildlife and the sense of adventure it gives being that high and deep into nature. I can't wait to tackle the other trails here.
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Eliza R.

Yelp
This park is magical. The lake is stunningly beautiful, the trail easy on the legs (few roots or hidden rocks to trip you), and the wildlife plentiful (I saw a deer, a baby racoon, squirrels, Mama turkey with her little ones, birds and a chipmunk). I hiked around the lake here on a Monday, so parking was plentiful, but I'm sure the lot fills up on the weekend. I had no issues with the rules of the park and can appreciate and respect the efforts to keep the natural area here protected. It's serene and secluded like a wonderland forest tucked away from the rest of the world. Nashville outdoor enthusiasts are lucky to have it. Bring water for sure and a camera - you are really going to want both.
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Chadrick J.

Yelp
Nothing but love right here for this little treasure tucked off on the backroads of Nashville. We were looking for a place to hike and see some nature during our short stint in Nashville and this turned out to be just what we needed. We ran into one of the Park Rangers and he told us a bit of the history of this gem. Back in 2002 they closed off the roadway to driving traffic. This road butts right up to the lake and is slowly deteriorating. It only made sense from what I saw to close it off and keep it to foot traffic. It's a gorgeous walk around the lake, well at least the road. We had our pup and he is only allowed on the road. No trails today buddy. My only wish is that they could extend the hike to allow dogs on the trail leading back to the opposite side parking so you could hike the full circle. That's minor though. Gorgeous property on gorgeous land and we enjoyed every minute of the time spent there. This place gets busy even when it's cold out so be prepared to possibly wait to park. I'm glad we parked in the second lot on the opposite side of the lake. It made for easy in and out and the drive to get there was marked by the beauty of nature!
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Laura G.

Yelp
Hiking at Radnor Lake State Park is loads of fun. Most of the trails are easy and all of them are well marked. There is so much to see while trekking along and everyone that I passed was very friendly. The park has over 1300 protected acres with 7.75 miles of trail. The trails are used for hiking, wildlife observation and photography. The Otter Creek Road trail is the only trail that allows jogging, bikes and pets. Before you get started it is recommended that you stop by the Walter Criley Visitor Center. This gives you the opportunity to learn about the history of the park and the type of wildlife that you can expect to see.
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John T.

Yelp
Tennessee is a gorgeous state and one needs to look no further than the state parks to prove it. While I'll always be partial to the beauty of my home state, Tennessee boats so gorgeous green spaces that would be the envy of any outdoors enthusiast. Note I said, 'Tennessee.' 1.) Radnor is a state, not a city, park; 2.) It's located in Oak Hill/Crieve Hall/Radnor, no maybe not Nashville proper; and 3.) city parks, unfortunately, aren't as large or well-maintained. This is a state park and the power of state resources are evident. First off, the location is gorgeous. Like I mentioned, it's in one of the above neighborhoods/cities and the beautiful homes you pass on your way there will make you green with envy and want to play 'Harriet, the spy' to figure out who lives there. Pumped from being mill-i-yon adjacent, try to park in the east lot. Here's a pro tip: don't come here on the weekend. It's fall. *Every*one is basic. I came here mid-week and midday and had no issue finding parking in the fabled east lot. There's a west lot but I don't know anything about it. Here's another pro tip: do some research before coming here. Radnor is a decently-sized park and the trials are well-marked but you can get turned around and wander for longer than expected. Have a plan. I knew that I wanted to abut the lake and doing so would be, about, 3 miles, start to finish. I had time to spend and comfortable shoes to wear so I was ready. Starting from the east lot, follow Otter Creek Road until you get to the dam (walkway). Turn right. Follow that until you get to the Lake Trail. Turn right (otherwise you are walking towards the west lot). It may seem long and circuitous but if you stay on that trail, you'll make it back to the east lot. I blame horror movies for sapping some of the joy I should have had on my walk/trek but there are plenty enough people walking about that you never feel too isolated. That said, I didn't have any cell service, so come here during the light of day. I wouldn't advise doing this at dusk. During my walk, I was transfixed by Radnor Lake. It's gorgeous, calming and full of life -- both flora and fauna. The tree canopy blotted out just enough sun for ample shade but let in enough to serve as a lattice design of solar art. The only real shame I noticed during my time there was that the deer were very skinny. All the deer I saw had visible rib cages. It was depressing to see. I hope this changes as these animals gear up for the colder months. To bring this back to a positive note, I was glad to see that people adhered to the rules of the park (staying on the trail, no food, etc.). It's a low bar but I was more than happy to note a lack of litter during my visit. Yes, it's a low bar but see city parks. There's no better time of year to take advantage of Tennessee's natural beauty - and your tax dollars - than now. While climate change may be jacking up the temps, rain patterns and leaf changes, there's still enough pretty to go around. For now.
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Andrea W.

Yelp
Came here on a snowy Sunday afternoon around 3PM, parking lot was pretty full despite the snow earlier in the day and snow on the path. Went on the ridge and around the lake afterward. Entire path was mostly snowy, some spots were muddy, hike was pleasant. Lake was pretty, ridge had no clear view but was nice. Not very steep to get up there, around the lake was flat.
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Cara E.

Yelp
This is my favorite park to go for a beautiful, easy walk outside. It's definitely not a hike, so if you're looking for something strenuous, I'd go elsewhere. But if you're just looking for some fresh air, nature, and safe walking trails, this is it! On weekends, the parking is packed, so I'd recommend going early.
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Dustin H.

Yelp
Wow, what a beautiful, amazing park! Practically everything about this state park is phenomenal. From the shaded (thanks to the canopy of tree coverage) trails, the amazing views from practically every step along the way, the peaceful quiet enveloping nature of the place as a whole, to the lake itself and most of all the animals. Deer, squirrel, birds, turtles, ducks...going about their business in relative safety and unconcern for their human observers. Such a boon to the community. Well maintained and kept up (heck, we saw TWO rangers patrolling the trails while we were there for all of two hours). The only drawback--finding a place to park! We noted the reviews and advice from both other yelpers and friends who'd been before to GET HERE EARLY and so we arrived at 7am on an early July Saturday morning only to find the place already packed and every parking spot taken. We parked at a nearby church (didn't see a towing sign and many others seemed to have the same idea as us) and walked over. But to be honest, limited parking makes sense on multiple levels---why take away from a nature preserve to add MORE parking and why increase the flow of people here at one time crowding and diluting their experience and risking the overall health of the ecology? So plan ahead, if your schedule allows try a weekday, and be a good human while you're here too (don't litter, don't be loud and obnoxious, don't bug the wildlife!).

Anna H.

Yelp
Beautiful park but very busy. Parking can be tough. Saw deer, turkeys, turtles and lots of birds.
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Lindsey S.

Yelp
This is a beautiful park and a must-see if visiting Nashville. There are a few smaller "hikes" and a few more difficult trails. There's a bit of a line to get into the park but honestly it's much more efficient that way. At the main entrance, there is limited parking at the visitor center parking lot and the only other parking is up the mountain itself so the rangers only allow one person in when one person leaves. It's very quick though since most visitors are only doing the short hike. This is a beautiful place and it is very well taken care of! We will definitely be back in the warmer months to do one of the longer hikes!
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Sandy L.

Yelp
It was a beautiful day and it was perfect for an amazing hike. It's the perfect time of the year to take a hike. It's so beautiful, the changing leaves cover the floor. Sitting on the benches you are able to relax and debrief your mind. Taking this hike was definitely a relaxing experience and good for the soul.
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Madeleine L.

Yelp
Really beautiful area with a lot of wildlife and decent amount of trails. The route around the lake is scenic and an easy walk. Do expect a crowd and a lot of kids. I was a little nervous about how close people get, mainly in smaller spaces on the trail. Bathrooms were open when I was there. I would give it five stars if the parking situation wasn't such a nightmare. It is a popular spot for good reasons but there simply isn't enough parking. You will need to be very patient to find a spot.
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Lisa D.

Yelp
Such a peaceful hiking area. So glad we stopped. We had been in Northern Alabama moving my friend's daughter into UNA the last few days- we were flying out of Nashville that evening. Our thought process was to get near the airport, and then find something to do and grab a bite before our flight. This park was perfect. Such a great neighborhood, the people who live here are very blessed to have this park in their back yard. Parking is free, huge lot, as well as sparking spaces along the beginning of the hiking path. Dogs must stay leashes and stay on the paved road. We did the hike around the lake. About 1/2 we could do from the paved road- and the rest was a trail thru the forest. We were plenty cool under the canopy of the huge forest trees. When we drove out to find lunch- the car said 90 degrees. No way we would have wanted to hike in that heat. We saw turtles, birds, and chipmunks. Another hiker was saying she has seen otters before. There were owl hoots in nearby trees. Several men with professional cameras and huge lenses were so excited to follow the sounds of the owls. There is a visitor center with clean restrooms, water fountains, and a volunteer who is happy to share information.
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Kevin B.

Yelp
What a beautiful park! We came here for the first time today and it was such a wonderful experience. The visitor's center's gift shop is closed due to COVID-19, but the restrooms and water fountains are open and very clean. There are several trails here in varying difficulties and we got to enjoy the lake trails, which were very fun and very well-maintained. The park is safe and there weren't too many people here, which was nice, but we came on a Monday and we've heard it gets busy on the weekends. We're excited to come back and try the other trails soon!
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K D.

Yelp
My family has been hiking at Radnor Lake for 20 years; my kids have grown up on the trails. From an easy hike on the road from parking lot to parking lot or stronger hikes like South Cove or Gainer Ridge, there are trails for all abilities. We regularly see Turkey, Deer, Duck, Owl, and Turtles on our own and they have regular guided hikes.
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Andrea A.

Yelp
Great park for hiking, strolling, or if you want to sit and catch a view of the lake. The only reason I gave it four stars is parking. Parking isn't the best, I mean it took up time to actually walk through the park. Parking on both sides had wait times. If you are going on a Saturday or Sunday during peak season please please please be prepared to wait for parking. They do have parking staff directing for parking, which is a plus but it's the wait time. (I've just never waited for a parking spot at a park)
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Kashif K.

Yelp
Only about 15 minutes from the heart of Music City is this haven for lovers of the outdoors. The park has several different hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Perhaps the easiest is the loop around the lake. The park provides great opportunities for wildlife viewing. Depending on the time of year and time of day, you get to see turtles (they come out to sunbathe during the day), deer, wild turkeys, raptors (such as hawks and owls), and waterfowl such as ducks, geese, egrets, and herons. I would love to spend a whole day here, but the park rules prohibit picnicking and bringing food in the park. Running and jogging are not allowed on the trails, and pets are not allowed either (but dog lovers tend to break every rule anyway, so you will see lots of dogs on the trails in stark defiance of the park rules). Parking is very limited, and you may have to wait for more than an hour for a parking spot to become available. I saw several groups give up and leave after waiting in a long line of cars for parking in the east parking lot.