Radnor Lake State Park

1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220, USA

Address:	1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220, USA
Phone:	+1 615-373-3467
Site:	tnstateparks.com
Rating:	4.7
Working:	6AM–7:30PM 6AM–7:30PM 6AM–7:30PM 6AM–7:30PM 6AM–7:30PM 6AM–7:30PM 6AM–7:30PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 16

Chris Hunsberger

Dude. This place is only good if you are going to walk around a trail. No running, no hammocking, no going off the well defined trail, no off trail photography, no drones, no biking, no pickniking or eating... Those are just a few that I remember. This is like the Auschwitz of parks. Although, it isnt a park according to the multiple rangers I saw walking around and talked to... Its a nature preserve. Very limited parking requires parking on a closed off road which is sketch. We left after hiking for 10 minutes and deciding this a place was dumb for what our goals were, and went to Percy Wagner (Warner?) park and had a great time.

Phoebe F.

WARNING: If you do not get to this park by the crack of dawn on Saturday or Sunday, you will be waiting in line up to an hour for a parking space. No, seriously, you will be in a line, in your car, waiting for a parking space. Waiting for someone to finish their long walk for a space to park. Alot of people turn around and give up. We did the first visit and went back earlier, by 10am on a Saturday instead of 1pm on a Sunday, and had to wait about 30 minutes. Great hiking trails, though. Worth waiting.Lots of different trails. We saw a wild turkey, and some deer. It was nice. Next time we will skip the weekends and try to go during the week.

Buck Dorch

Radnor Lake is a nice lake trail, fairly easily navigated by the average park goer. There were no steep inclines, although there was a bit of an uphill slope in some areas. We did the lake trail and walked somewhere between 2 and 3 miles. The scenery is very nice and we saw owls, several deer, tons of turtles, and some wild turkey on the way. There was a very nice and informative park ranger walking the trail while we were there who pointed out a baby owl and its mother. Parking is very limited, so if you visit during a busy time, expect to wait to get in. Best to go during off times, or early in the morning.

Randy Stolle

I went here for a walk with my family and 2 dogs. We had a great walk, which tired the dogs and the kids out. We counted all of the turtles we saw in the water, and it ended up being somewhere over 40. The dogs are allowed on only one trail, but it was plenty long. There are various rest stops along the trail, which is mostly paved. Some of the pavement is eroding, but I would not say there are any dangerous areas. There are just some places where it is easier to stay on one side that the other.

Eelco Galestien

Literally only minutes from downtown. I walked around the lake, which was a very easy hike. You could do this in flip flops if you want to. You are only allowed to walk here. No running or any other activities. This is a good thing because it can get a little crowded. You will be sharing the trail with wildlife. 5 stars because the whole area is spotless. Parking at the trailhead is limited but there is additional parking nearby.

Michael Spiceland

Had a fantastic time. We saw deer, wild turkeys, a woodpecker, a crane, and lots of other birds. The natural "dont get off the trail" seems to be working. We felt more inside nature than most of the greenway sorts of hiking weve done. The deer were curious but cautious. The wild turkeys were communicating and cooing with each other which the kids found fascinating. The birds were abundant and lots of fun to watch.

Aimee Laansma

Has not been too busy in the times Ive gone. Parking is a lot easier coming in off Franklin instead of Granny White. It stinks you cant take dogs on the non-paved trails though I understand why they do it. Ive noticed the pavement, in places, is falling off more and more until there is just a narrow walkway. I hope they fix this so you can continue to loop around the entire lake and not have to turn back half way.

Rivrhuntr

Really nice park, just a bit CROWDED (reason for 3 stars). Almost more people than wildlife. There are also a limited amount of trails and parking. You basically walk around the lake (We have also walked the ridge trails, still not that much,and still too many people.). Lots of wildlife to see. It is almost like walking through a Disney movie. The deer and wildlife are definitely used to seeing people.

Michael Edelstone

Beautiful place but no pets allowed on dirt trails. There is one paved road that pets are allowed on; not all that inspiring. Just keep this in mind before heading out that way. Personally I think this is an arbitrary rule, because humans are most likely to damage habitat, and we let them in freely. Check out Shelby Bottoms instead. Its not as hilly, but its more interesting, diverse and welcoming.

Elise Moore

Secret treasure for Nashville residents. Well maintained trails. Easy short walks for kids with lots of birds, turtles in sunny weather, ducks and even deer in the fall. Grainger Ridge walk is delightful hike 4-4.5 miles total from headquarters parking lot. Medium difficulty with only 300 feet of difficult trail due to rocky path or steepness. Only problem is lack of parking on busy days

Josh Vinson

Its like a big forest in the middle of metro Nashville. Impressive feat. All there really is to do is hike and look at critters but having access to this if you live in urban Nashville is really great. And best of all its free! But they definitely need more parking. If the parking lot is full the rangers will just make you wait in a line for an open spot.

Julie Burton

Not a good place for dogs: dogs are not allowed on trails. So the only place dogs can go is on the paved path around the lake. Parking is also somewhat limited. We had to wait in line for people to come back from their hikes. No street parking. It was a nice urban park for running or biking (if allowed?), but not what we were looking for.

Aminah Vanarsdale

This place is absolutely beautiful. I went here on a class trip a couple of years ago and finally got back here this summer to hike with my sister. We saw deer when we got there and when we were leaving. There are a variety of trails for both beginners and more advanced hikers, and bikes are allowed making this a place for the whole family.

Wayne Scott

I go here almost once a week, and I love hiking here. For Mid TN, it has excellent elevation gains on the Gainer trail. The main lake trail is the most popular and accessible for those of yoi looking for a likeside stroll, full of serene lake views. There hasnt been a hike yet without stumbling upon deer or turkeys.

Kenny Foster

A literal haven 10-minutes from downtown. One of the best parts of Nashville for me. Hiking trails, peaceful vistas, great views, wildlife sightings, and everyones usually really respectful and kind. Parking is a beast, but thats because no one wants to leave right away. Good for the city mouse, and the country mouse.

Jonathan Moosekian

Radnor Lake is home to a lot of wildlife that doesnt seem skittish around people, so this opens up lots of photo opportunities or simply the ability to see animals close up. As the park gains in popularity however, quiet hikes are becoming harder to achieve. Parking can be tricky if it is particularly busy, as well.