Radnor Lake State Park is a 1,332-acre park and is protected as a Class II Natural Area. It is unique due to the abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities, environmental education programs, hiking opportunities and its location in an urban area. The park is day-use only and the more than six miles of trail are strictly used for hiking, photography and wildlife observation. Pets, jogging and bicycles are only allowed on the Otter Creek Road trail. The Lake Trail is accessible to people with all-terrain wheelchairs.
The park is perfect for nature enthusiasts to observe owls, herons and water fowl as well as many species of amphibians, reptiles and mammals such as mink and otter. Hundreds of species of wildflowers, mosses, fungi, ferns and other plants as well as trees, shrubs and vines add to the natural ecological diversity of the area. Several ranger-led programs are planned throughout the year including canoe floats, wildflower walks, astronomy night hikes, nature hikes, programs on snakes, off-trail land acquisition hikes and birds of prey.
First time visitors are encouraged to visit the Walter Criley Visitor Center to view interpretive exhibits on the history of the natural area, cultural/historical artifacts, wildlife displays, view a wall size map of the trail system and/or watch an 18 minute film on how the natural area was saved in the early 1970s.
In 2011, the Historic Valve House Trail opened for park visitors with recently completed interpertive panels focusing on the L & N Railroad construction of the dam in the early 1900s. Just a short 10 minute hike from the Walter Criley Visitor Center, this interpretive trail will be complete within the next 2 years with the construction of the Historic Valve-House.
The Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center opened in May 2015 and houses several birds of prey ranging from great horned owls to bald eagles. This 550 foot boardwalk and aviary complex are the epicenter of our birds of prey programming and offer park visitors a unique opportunity unparalleled in Middle Tennessee.
The Friends of Radnor Lake help protect, preserve and promote the natural integrity of the park through a variety of environmental efforts. Thanks to their generosity and support, Radnor Lake continues to be a place of natural beauty and wonder, for all to enjoy.
