Radnor Lake State Park — Attraction in Oak Hill

Are you looking for a serene escape into the heart of nature? Radnor Lake State Park in Tennessee is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors, whether you're a nature enthusiast or just seeking a tranquil place to unwind. In this post, we'll take you on a virtual journey through this breathtaking park, sharing interesting facts, essential information, and tips for an unforgettable visit.

Nestled in the heart of Tennessee, Radnor Lake State Park is a nature lover's paradise. Located in the outskirts of Nashville, this 1,368-acre park offers a diverse range of trails, wildlife, and stunning views. With a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1973, Radnor Lake State Park has been a cherished sanctuary for those seeking refuge from the bustling city life.

The park is named after Radnor Lake, a 85-acre lake known for its serene and reflective waters. It is surrounded by lush forests, making it a haven for various species of wildlife. The park boasts a variety of hiking trails, each offering its own unique charm and natural beauty.

For those who want to explore the trails in detail, we recommend using the AllTrails app, available for download on the AppStore. This app allows you to view trail maps, track your progress, and even save a summary of your hike, including distance, pace, elevation gains, calories burned, travel time, and your route on a map. It's a valuable tool for ensuring a smooth and well-documented hike.

Parking can be limited, especially during peak times, and you might find long lines of cars waiting for a spot. If you're looking to avoid the parking hassle, consider parking at a nearby church and walking to the trailhead. However, please be respectful of the church grounds, and note that many other hikers may have the same idea.

Radnor Lake State Park offers a variety of trails, each with its unique character and challenges. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, review a map of the trails online or posted at the park before venturing out. Trails range from moderate to heavy traffic, so it's a good idea to be prepared for fellow hikers.

Throughout the park, you'll find well-placed benches that offer excellent resting spots and provide fantastic views of the surrounding nature. The park's highlight is the beautiful lake, offering breathtaking views and great photo opportunities. Keep your camera handy; you're bound to capture some unforgettable moments.

One of the most exciting aspects of visiting Radnor Lake State Park is the chance to encounter wildlife in their natural habitat. During your hike, you might spot wild turkeys, turtles, snakes, deer, squirrels, and ducks. The park is a haven for these animals, and it's a privilege to observe them peacefully coexisting with nature.

While exploring the park, you'll notice signs indicating "Closed Areas" due to Bald Eagle nesting. Disturbing these nests can lead to eagles abandoning their homes, and it's important to remember that Bald Eagles are protected by law. Any disturbance can result in arrests or hefty fines. Always be respectful of the wildlife within the park and appreciate the rare opportunity to witness these majestic birds in their natural habitat.

Two of the standout trails in Radnor Lake State Park are the Gander, Cove, and Lake trails. They offer breathtaking scenery, providing an ideal setting for birdwatching and photography. These trails are perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or someone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, this park offers a haven for all. From stunning lake views to encounters with the local wildlife, Radnor Lake State Park is an experience you won't want to miss. Pack your hiking gear, grab your camera, and embark on an adventure that's sure to leave you with lasting memories of Tennessee's natural...

We arrived on a drizzly Sunday (5/4/2025) around 4pm. The parking lot at the visitor center was full and folks were parking on the road, turning a 2-lane transit into a single-lane access route. This was going to make parking our full-size truck difficult, especially when we wanted to leave. We turned around and made another pass through the parking lot and were lucky to find an open spot. One of the walkways from the lot to the visitor center was closed for rebuilding but the other, further up the lot, was open. The sign on the door listed the center open until 5pm on Sunday, but the doors were locked. The "auditorium", however, was open with a video running on loop. The restrooms were open for use. We found a brochure at the entrance that showed the available trails and selected the Lake Trail. We found the entrance and changed into our hiking boots, a good choice because of the rainy weekend.

Just past the visitor center we excitedly spotted a heron wading through the running water. Our choice to come out on this inclement day was already worthwhile.

Just past the heron, we encountered a ranger that had a camera trained on an eagle's nest across the lake. He was very friendly and had an iPhone mounted on the camera viewfinder so passersby could view the eagles in action. It was awesome and the ranger eagerly answered all our questions.

Further along we spotted more heron and a plethora of other birds to keep us interested. We spotted a heron nest in one of the trees and marveled at their "clicking" sounds. The 2+ mile trail unexpectedly ended at an old, broken-down section of Otter Creek Road that is used for pedestrians and bicyclists. We checked our map and figured we needed to follow the road to get back to the parking lot. That could be better marked.

Along the road, we saw several more herons and hit the jackpot in a tree next to the road. It had two, large heron nests, adult herons feeding their young, and several other smaller herons sitting on branches. The overall area is a feast for birders of all types and well worth the inconvenience of a...

This is such a gem to have right next to the busy city of Nashville. Easy to drive to, plenty of parking. There is a smallish parking lot at the visitors center and then there is parking along the park road. There is also the East parking lot but I didn’t go there. The lake is clean and beautiful. The water is breathtakingly calm. I sat for awhile just watching the shimmering of the waves and sun. The visitors center has some nice information about history and there was a very nice lady who recommended trails and which way to go. They also have water station and clean bathrooms and maps. The Lake trail loops around the lake and it is flat and wide. Great for strollers. The Ganier Ridge trail loops off and meets back up with lake trail and takes you up the hill. If the leaves have fallen you can see Nashville through the trees. Nice hike to break a sweat and to get away from ppl. There are a few other smaller trails on the other side of the lake. I didn’t have time for those but they looked like they headed up the hill as well. Loved that there are benches all along the trails to sit and enjoy the wind blowing the leaves, watch the gentle water, falling leaves, tons of birds, and squirrels 🐿. Even saw some turtles sunbathing and some turkey vultures feeding on a dead 🦌 Overall a beautiful place to visit. I spent a little more than 2 hrs here but you can do the lake trail...