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12 reviews for Radnor Lake State Natural Area
I LOVE Lake Radnor. Every year, sometime around April, I cancel my gym membership and spend every free evening and weekend morning at Radnor. This continues until it starts getting dark at 6pm and the leaves fall. Fair warning, it can get pretty packed on a Sunday afternoon. I love having a quiet sanctuary stuck in between Green Hills and Brentwood.
I never get bored with it because they have four main trails to choose from. Two are easy and two are strenuous, which I always opt for the latter. None of the trails are longer than two miles by themselves so I often double up. I really like that there is no running allowed on those trails as well, it keeps the pace nice. On the weekends you can usually find tons of families out walking around but generally everyone is very friendly and considerate. The road that connects the trails to the East and West parking lots is closed to most traffic (State employees do use it) and is usually filled with people walking their dogs, etc.
I have seen snakes on the South Cove trail, so therefore I'm always well aware of my surroundings. Also, once with while hiking the South Lake trail with a friend, I slipped and severely sprained my ankle. It's not necessarily the wilderness but it sure ain't the mall.
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What? There are snakes in the woods? Who knew. Wes' review may be the most unintentionally funny thing I have read in a long, long time. To give a State Natural Area 1 star because there was a snake in the woods is ridiculous.
For the rest of us, Radnor offers a great getaway in a big city. It offers a chance to go for a walk amongst the trees, and on the edge of a lake and let your mind clear.
My personal favorite hike is Gannet Ridge, which takes you up some relatively steep switch backs to a great view of the city.
But be sure to watch out for snakes! HAAHAHAHA!!!!
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It's such an irony that technology could have created such a beautiful "natural" area. The lake is man-made, a reservoir dug by the the L & N Railroad company for the purpose of filling steam engines and watering the livestock they transported. However, L & N also used the area as a hunting and fishing estate, which in 1923 became a wildlife reserve for migrating birds. The website has a short history, but you can read and see more images at the visitor center (on the Granny White Pike side).
Radnor Lake is breathtaking at all times of the year. I have so many happy memories of walking here, and I am still creating new ones. Its landscape is ever changing with the seasons: fall is gorgeous, but the crunch of frozen leaves under your feet in winter as you look out onto a partially frozen lake, also has its charms. If you're quiet and respectful, on a good day you'll see deer, squirrels, birds, racoons, (and even the occasional snake) and you'll see turtles lined up on branches jutting out from the lake's waters sunning themselves, totally unconcerned with the silly humans and their canine sidekicks walking by.
I cannot espouse the therapeutic qualities of a trip to Radnor enough. The lake trail is a "do not miss" but don't forgo the harder trails on the ridges either.
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I find this to be an incredibly picturesque park to spend time in. You can circle the entire lake on pristine trails and see lots of wildlife up close. I too have seen a few snakes here of the garter varietal. I tried to catch one once so I could show it to my kids and the thing peed on me. This is why I only give Radnor lakes 4 stars because their snakes pee on you if you try to catch them so approach with caution.
That being said, the trails are beautiful and really well maintained. You cannot take strollers or bikes around the lake, just on the closed road part. I say this because we took our little kids with us with the intention of circling the lake and I would say, it's a heck of a walk for a kid under 5 and it's a long walk for parents who may be planning on lugging one of those little kids on your back. I've have gone this route and ended up with some sore shoulders and snake pee hands. Good times!
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Radnor lake is a state nature area with a lot of forested trails and wildlife. The park is just outside of Brentwood, but it feels secluded and out of the way. They are a little strict about what you can do in the park, you can't have pets, and in fact you can't even jog... I guess they are worried about trail erosion or disturbing the wildlife, but this seems a little strict. So this place is only for walking! They have a sign at the trailhead threating a $196.50 fine for anyone caught jogging, so don't even power walk...
The trails are pretty and very well maintained. They take you around the perimeter of the lake and up through the hilly areas around the lake. I saw a dozen deer just hanging around in the area, and several turtles, so this is a great park for spotting wildlife.
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"With over 1200 acres, Radnor Lake State Natural Area is the largest pocket of wilderness in the U.S. in close proximity to a major city."
So if you are looking for a convenient place to go hiking this is it. They have trails, canoe floats, astronomy nights, and a closed off road where you can go biking. And if you have been avoiding going because of parking fees you will be glad to know that parking is once again free.
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Until September of 2003, I would have given this place 5-stars. In September of 2003, I was hiking Ganier Ridge with my girlfriend. It was a weekday afternoon with beautiful weather--about 75 degrees, a nice breeze, and low humidity. As we neared the summit of the hike, I was looking up to the top and noticing a couple walking toward us. What I didn't notice was the rattlesnake on the ground on the trail about 10 feet away. It wasn't until I was about to step on it that I saw it. I jumped to the right, pushing my girlfriend off the trail and out of harm's way. I fell down and my left leg was scraped on the hard ground. I thought I had been bitten, because I felt a stinging pain.
The other couple saw what happened and raced over. The snake had decided to slither off in the other direction rather than coil up and attack. After I looked at my leg and saw it had just been scraped, we quickly retreated down the trail the same way we came up, following the couple all the way back down. We got back in my car, and that's the last time I ever went to Radnor Lake. We now walk on Whitland Avenue and the adjoining streets. Our neighborhood is an ideal place to walk.
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I thought it was so awesome to find this natural beauty in the heart of Nashville. Whenever I need to get away to think about things, I head down Granny White to Radnor Lake. I often walk around for hours, just taking the nature in. I was once so close to a deer, I could have almost reached out and pet it. I like how peaceful it gets, especially since you don't have to deal with Joggers whisking by. If I feel ambitious enough, I'll take on Ganier Ridge, but the more moderate trails are nice if I don't have a lot of time. If you get the chance, definitely retreat to this pristine nature haven, and forget about the big city we live in.
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Radnor Lake is one of the most beautiful places near Nashville to hike or just enjoy some scenery. As Sharon mentioned in her review, park authorities are a bit strict about what they'll allow (absolutely no jogging), but Radnor has such natural beauty that it's still absolutely worth a visit.
When I attended Lipscomb, my buddies and I would often make the quick drive down to Radnor Lake. It's just a couple of miles down Granny White, and though I suppose it's technically in Brentwood, it's a very brief drive for anyone in South Nashville. Most often when we'd head down to Radnor, we'd just wander around the trails admiring the view and the wildlife. One evening, however, we built a nice little campfire near the lake. I know, I know...I'm certain you aren't supposed to do that, so I don't condone it. But it was pretty fun that one time.
I'm not much of a walker. When I exercise, I like to do something that actually requires physical exertion. However, from a non-exercise perspective, Radnor Lake is my favorite place in Nashville to wander aimlessly and get lost in the scenery. It's an enormous park with free parking, and it showcases the natural beauty of Middle Tennessee's rolling hills and plush, gorgeous foliage.
Radnor is another one of my favorite places to get away and not feel like you are in the city. This is more of a pure nature area though--animals come first! No pets allowed, except on the paved area and they must be on a leash. Also, no running on trails--I'm not going to argue with that; those trails are pretty tough!
But, you probably would just want to hike through anyway--so much scenery to look at! Lots of deer--be careful during fawn season (there will be signs up alerting you to this) that you don't disturb the baby deer!
Fantastic trails, beautiful, undisturbed lake, great for bird and other wildlife watchers (I've been told!). Free parking, and I would go before sunset.
Today's hike on the Ganier Ridge Loop was perfect. On this 2.6 mile hike, we saw 6 deer (one doe that sat 2 feet from the trail and did not move as we squatted near her), 1 otter playing in the water, 5 turtles hanging out on logs, and 1 snake the slithered off the bridge. Parking is usually full on weekends. Great idea for a date.
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Radnor Lake has to be my most favorite spot in Nashville...and makes me feel like Im miles away! The landscape is breathtaking. I just did the lake trail yesterday and saw 5 fawn. Take the time to walk into the learning center to read about the history of the lake. Also, make sure you pay your dues....they need to update the womens restroom, its very clean, just needs some upgrades:) If you ever want to take a mini day vaca, head here! You will leave refreshed and relaxed.
