Radnor Lake State Park is 1,368 acres of protected forest and wetland in the southwestern part of Nashville, roughly 10 miles from downtown. It is a Class II Natural Area, which means protection status is higher than a standard state park, the emphasis is on preservation over recreation, and the rules reflect that.
Within 15 minutes of the Lower Broadway tourist district, you can be watching a great blue heron from a boardwalk with no roads, no dogs, and no joggers. That contrast is the entire point of Radnor Lake: it exists to be different from the city surrounding it.
The Rules That Matter
Most of Radnor Lake’s rules exist to protect wildlife, and they are enforced. Dogs are not permitted on the main trail system, only on Otter Creek Road, which runs along the south edge of the park. Jogging is also restricted to Otter Creek Road. Mountain bikes are not allowed anywhere in the park.
This matters practically: if you’re planning a dog walk or a trail run, Radnor is not the right destination. If you want to see wildlife, these rules are exactly why Radnor Lake works. The absence of dogs and joggers creates an environment where deer, herons, owls, turtles, and other animals behave naturally rather than fleeing from foot traffic.
The Trails
The park has 7.75 miles of trails total, all designated for hiking, photography, and wildlife observation.
The Lake Trail is the most used: a 2.6-mile loop around the lake, easy elevation, and a woodchip path for most of its length. Budget 1-1.5 hours at a relaxed pace. This is where most of the wildlife viewing happens, herons in the shallows, wood ducks on the water, deer at the edges.
The Ganier Ridge Trail adds 1.65 miles with significant elevation gain and ridge views. The South Cove Trail (1.40 miles) and Dam Walkway (0.20 miles) connect to the main loop. The ADA-accessible Spillway Trail (0.25 miles) starts at the visitor center.
The Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center is accessible from either parking area, a 3/4-mile hike from the east lot or 1.25 miles from the west lot. The aviary is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and houses captive birds of prey including great horned owls, red-tailed hawks, a golden eagle, and a bald eagle, alongside snakes and turtles.
Wildlife
The park has recorded 211 bird species. Spring and fall migrations bring warblers, vireos, and flycatchers. Winter brings waterfowl, with 24 species documented on the lake. Year-round residents include white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, great blue herons, barred owls, mink, and river otters.
The wildlife volume is high by urban park standards precisely because of the no-dogs policy and limited trail disturbance. Early morning on a weekday, you can walk the Lake Trail for 45 minutes and see more wildlife than most people encounter in months.
Parking and Logistics
The park has east and west parking areas, both off Otter Creek Road. The West Parking Lot has the Walter Criley Visitor Center with trail maps, bathrooms, and an introductory exhibit. Arrive early on weekends, both lots fill by mid-morning during peak seasons (spring and fall).
Park hours: 6 a.m. to 20 minutes after sunset year-round. The visitor center is open Tuesday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no admission fee.
Sources
- Tennessee State Parks, tnstateparks.com/parks/radnor-lake
- Park trail information and visitor center materials
- Nashville area outdoor guides