For anyone yearning to explore the natural beauty of the best state parks in Tennessee, Radnor Lake State Park is a must-visit destination. With mesmerizing opportunities for bird-watching and photography—and numerous hiking trails, including accessibility options—there’s so much to explore. Best of all, Radnor Lake is just a 10-mile drive from Downtown Nashville.

What to Know About Radnor Lake State Park

Spanning 1,368 acres in beautiful Davidson County, Radnor Lake State Park offers a host of recreational opportunities and educational programs for visitors. This Class II Natural Area is open daily from 6:00 a.m. until 20 minutes after sunset, with the Visitor Center operating Thursday through Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Scheduled tours and programs are available weekly, providing engaging experiences.

Visitors can explore the natural area by hiking, photographing, and visiting wildlife observation trails. Pets, jogging, and bicycles are only permitted on the Otter Creek Road Trail, while the Lake Trail is accessible to all-terrain wheelchairs. The park boasts an abundance of wildlife and plants and offers ranger-led programs that offer insights into the rich local ecosystem.

Opportunities to give back through donations and volunteering are available, ensuring the ongoing sustainability of park activities and offerings. Before driving out to visit Radnor Lake State Park, make sure to stay updated on upcoming events, festivals, and guided trips through the events calendar.

Take a Hike

Nestled in the Nashville Basin, Radnor Lake State Park lets visitors immerse themselves in nature while traversing trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. With an array of wildflowers, mosses, fungi, and trees surrounding the pathways, hikers are treated to a tranquil experience.

Radnor Lake State Park is home to some of the best hiking trails in Tennessee. Visitors can choose from the Dam Walkway for a quick 0.20-mile gravel trail with picturesque lake views or the Spillway Trail, a 0.25-mile ADA-accessible path starting at the visitor center.

For those who prefer longer hikes, the South Cove Trail provides a challenging 1.40-mile trek with ridge views, while the Ganier Ridge Trail honors naturalist Albert F. Ganier with a 1.65-mile route.

Whether you prefer a stroll through nature or a rugged adventure, Radnor Lake State Park caters to all hiking preferences. The park's commitment to providing several ADA-accessible trails ensures all visitors can partake in the beauty surrounding Nashville. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your gear, and set out to explore the natural wonders that Radnor Lake has to offer.

Visit the Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center

Part of Radnor Lake State Park’s appeal is its location in the Nashville area. It’s bordered by some of the most expensive cities in Tennesee and boasts some of the most stunning scenery in the state. Visitors to Radnor Lake State Park can explore the Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center during open house hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The center offers self-guided tours, allowing guests to view captive birds of prey, snakes, and turtles. Accessible through a 3/4-mile hike from the East Parking Area or a 1.25-mile hike from the West Parking Area, the aviary hosts species including the great horned owl, red-tailed hawk, black vulture, golden eagle, and bald eagle.

Registration is not required to visit the aviary during open house hours, but pets are not allowed on the boardwalk. Individuals with special needs can ask for assistance, including sign language support.

Those interested in attending special events or programming at the aviary are advised to check the events page regularly for updates as well as details about closures. Located at the top of Hall Drive off Otter Creek Road, the Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center is a must-visit attraction for nature enthusiasts seeking an up-close encounter with captivating bird species.

Stop by the Walter Criley Visitor Center

Since its opening in 1991, the Walter Criley Visitor Center—located on the park’s west side near the Forest Hills community—has been a hub for visitors seeking insights into Radnor Lake. Visitors can find trail maps, brochures, and birding checklists, as well as display cases that showcase everything from the area's cultural history to its wildlife, including birds, mammals, and reptiles. 

The center also hosts public restrooms, a gift shop, and park offices, serving as the main venue for ranger-led environmental education programs. Additionally, the audiovisual room is set up for film presentations and interpretive programs about the natural area conducted by the park rangers, among other activities.

Before setting out on a journey through Radnor Lake State Park, be sure to stop by the Walter Criley Visitor Center at 1160 Otter Creek Road. The restrooms are open from 7:00 a.m. to sundown, while the gift shop is open Thursday through Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

See the Birds

Birdwatchers at Radnor Lake State Park can explore trails and observation platforms to observe a diverse array of bird species throughout the year. With 211 reported bird species sightings, the park offers a rich birding experience less than 30 minutes from Downtown Nashville. During the spring and fall migrations, bird enthusiasts can spot warblers, vireos, and flycatchers. The winter season is ideal for viewing waterfowl, with 24 species spotted around the lake.

The Spillway Bridge, a 0.27-mile trail, provides an elevated view for observing birds like yellow warblers, swallows, and great blue herons. The Ganier Ridge Trail is a more challenging but rewarding 1.55-mile option, offering sightings of cerulean warblers, pileated woodpeckers, and red-eyed vireos.

For an easier trek, the 1.32-mile Lake Trail is perfect for spotting bay-breasted warblers, wood thrushes, and wild turkeys. You might also consider hiking 1.2 miles to see the Otter Creek Road Observation Platforms—they’re popular among photographers during winter and spring migrations, providing excellent views of waterfowl such as belted kingfishers and double-crested cormorants.

These diverse habitats and trails make Radnor Lake State Park a premier, year-round destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Celebrate Nature Near Nashville

Radnor Lake State Park offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy one of the best state parks near Nashville. Whether you're exploring the Aviary Education Center, birdwatching along the trails, or hiking through the beautiful landscape, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make new memories.

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