Radnor Lake Trail Hiking Guide
Radnor Lake is the hike Nashvillians recommend first, and it earns that. A protected natural area wrapped around an 85-acre lake, twenty minutes from Broadway, where herons stalk the shallows, beavers work the coves and the trails are reserved strictly for walking and watching. The loop around the water is about three miles and gentle. The rules here are stricter than at a city park, and they are the reason the place still feels wild.
The Loop
The standard loop is about 3 miles with roughly 200 feet of gain, combining the Lake Trail along the shore, paved Otter Creek Road, the short Spillway Trail and the walkway across the dam. The Lake Trail is the heart of it: a dirt path along the north shore with observation points built out over the water. For more climbing, the Ganier Ridge and South Cove trails rise into the surrounding hills — Tennessee State Parks rates both as difficult.
A Natural Area, Not a Park
Radnor Lake is a Class II State Natural Area, and that designation shapes every visit. The trails are for hiking and wildlife observation only. Jogging, bikes and pets are limited to Otter Creek Road and the gravel road on the dam, and all off-trail travel is prohibited. It can feel restrictive if you are used to multi-use parks, but it is the reason Radnor's wildlife is as visible and unbothered as it is.
What You Might See
Great blue herons, Canada geese, turtles basking on logs, and in quieter moments, beavers and their lodges along the shoreline. Spring brings wildflowers on the slopes and salamanders after rain. Tennessee State Parks notes that the surrounding ridges are among the highest hills in the Nashville Basin, which is why the lake feels enclosed and sheltered. Early mornings and the last hour before closing are the best times for wildlife.
Parking and Hours
Radnor is open from 6 a.m. until 20 minutes after sunset, every day of the year. Parking is allowed in marked spaces only, and the lots fill quickly whenever the weather is pleasant — weekend mornings in spring and autumn are the hardest times to find a space. If the lot is full, come back later rather than parking on the road. The Walter Criley Visitor Center is typically open Tuesday through Saturday.
Practicalities
Entry is free and no permit is required. Dogs are not allowed on the trails; if you are hiking with a dog, stick to Otter Creek Road or choose Percy Warner Park instead. Middle Tennessee summers are hot and humid, and the lake loop has shade in places but not everywhere, so carry water. Ticks are common in warm months in grassy margins.
Hiking tips for Radnor Lake Trail
- Arrive early on spring and fall weekends — the marked-space lots fill fast and roadside parking is not an option.
- Leave the dog at home or stick to Otter Creek Road; pets are banned on the trails themselves.
- Walk slowly and quietly along the Lake Trail at dawn for the best chance of seeing beavers and herons.
- Add Ganier Ridge if you want a real workout; the state rates it difficult.
- Plan to be out by 20 minutes after sunset, when the natural area closes.
Nearby trails to explore
- Mossy Ridge Trail
- Henry Hollow Loop
- Long Hunter Day Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Radnor Lake is Nashville's easiest nature fix and a great first walk with someone new. Use TrailMates to find Nashville hikers heading out at dawn. Download the TrailMates app to connect.