Radnor Lake State Nature Area

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Radnor Lake State Nature Area is a 1,332-acre natural area located in Nashville, Tennessee.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts due to its scenic hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and peaceful atmosphere.

One of the main reasons to visit Radnor Lake is to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The park features several hiking trails that wind through forests, meadows, and along the lake shore. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching and wildlife viewing, as the park is home to a variety of species, including deer, otters, and birds of prey.

There are several points of interest to see within Radnor Lake, including the lake itself, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating. The park also features an aviary, where visitors can see birds of prey up close, as well as several historical sites, such as the Walter Criley Visitor Center and the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home.

Interesting facts about Radnor Lake include its designation as a Class II Natural Area, one of only a few in the state. The park is also home to several rare plant species, including the endangered Tennessee Yellow-eyed Grass.

The best time of year to visit Radnor Lake depends on what activities visitors are interested in. Spring and fall are popular times for hiking and wildlife viewing, while summer is a good time for fishing and boating on the lake. Winter can be a peaceful time to visit, with fewer crowds and the possibility of seeing winter wildlife such as bald eagles.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks