Tennessee State Parks First Hike Series at Radnor Lake 2016

After Thanksgiving Hike—–Harris Ridge Phase #1 Hike

Friday, November 25^th at 11am. Join Park Ranger Dustin Crowell for a hike to one of the park’s newest ridgetops acquired in a partnership between the State of Tennessee and Friends of Radnor Lake in 2011. This 37 acre addition now known as Harris Ridge #1 was the first of two ridgetops acquired along the southeastern boundary over the past 6 years. See the views from the ridgetop, learn about the watershed, viewshed, historical and natural features of this property. Meet at the Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center. Bring water, a walking stick and wear sturdy shoes. This strenuous hike is off-trail, approximately 2.5 hours, limited to 20 hikers ages 14 and up. Reservations are required and open Monday, November 21st at 9:30am by contacting Ranger Dustin Crowell by email at Dustin.Crowell@tn.gov

After Thanksgiving Hike—-Harris Ridge Phase #3 Sunset Hike

Friday, November 25^th at 2:30pm. Join Dr. Doug Heffington, geography professor at Middle Tennessee State University, Park Ranger Paul Schauer and Park Manager Steve Ward for a hike to one of the park’s newest ridgetops that was acquired in 2015 in a partnership between the State of Tennessee, Friends of Radnor Lake and the Harris Family along with 34 additional acres currently being added to complete this project. The hike will explore not only the natural environment but the cultural landscapes of the past as well. Dr. Heffington will hike the group through historic areas that contain remnants of the Nashville to Franklin Interurban railway system, historic homesteads, erosional check dams and water retention cisterns while Park Ranger Manager Steve Ward explains the diversity of flora and fauna on this new acreage, new trail opportunities once the acquisition of all phases of this project are complete. Park Ranger Paul Schauer will close out the hike as park visitors enjoy sunset view atop the ridge while seeing the award winning tulip poplar tree which recently won the Big Tree Award by the Nashville Tree Foundation. The natural and cultural elements combined are essential in creating a sense of place for Radnor, historically and present day. This 2.5 hour strenuous hike will be limited to 30 visitors ages 14 and up. Reservations are required and open Monday, November 21st at 9:30am by contacting Lyndy Maness by email at Lyndy.Maness@tn.gov

First Hike Series: 14^th Annual New Year’s Eve Hike at Radnor Lake State Natural Area

Saturday, December 31^st at 10pm. Join Park Manager Steve Ward and Park Ranger Michael Barnes, for a midnight hike to the newest acquired ridgetop at Radnor Lake State Natural Area. Acquired in 2015 and known as Harris Ridge Phase 2, this addition 17 acre addition to the 37 acre Harris Ridge Tract was acquired in a partnership between the State of Tennessee, Friends of Radnor Lake and the Harris Family. See the night views from the newly acquired ridgetop, learn about the watershed, viewshed, historical and natural features of this property. Meet at the East Parking Area off of Franklin Road. Bring water, a walking stick, headlamp and wear sturdy shoes. This 3 hour strenuous hike will be limited to 30 visitors ages 14 and up. Reservations are required and open Monday, December 26th at 9:30am by contacting Lyndy Maness by email at Lyndy.Maness@tn.gov

First Hike Series: New Year’s Day Hike #1 at Radnor Lake State Natural Area

Sunday, January 1st at 9am. Join Park Ranger Dustin Crowell for a hike to one of the park’s newest ridgetops acquired in a partnership between the State of Tennessee and Friends of Radnor Lake in 2011. This 37 acre addition now known as Harris Ridge #1 was the first of two ridgetops acquired along the southeastern boundary over the past 6 years. See the views from the newly acquired ridgetop, learn about the watershed, viewshed, historical and natural features of this property. Meet at the Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center. Bring water, a walking stick and wear sturdy shoes. This strenuous hike is off-trail, approximately 2.5 hours, limited to 30 hikers ages 14 and up. Reservations are required and open Monday, December 26^th at 9:30am by contacting Ranger Dustin Crowell by email at Dustin.Crowell@tn.gov

First Hike Series: New Year’s Day Hike #2 at Radnor Lake State Natural Area

Friday, January 1^st at 1pm. Join Ranger Will Peters for a hike to a hike to one of the newest acquired ridgetops that was acquired in 2011 in a partnership between the State of Tennessee, Friends of Radnor Lake, Vanderbilt-Dyer Observatory and the Land Trust of Tennessee. Known as the Hideaway Tract, this 63.5 acre acquisition surrounding Vanderbilt-Dyer Observatory will allow visitors to see the view into Brentwood from the top of the southwestern ridgetop while learning about the watershed, historical and natural features of this property. Thanks to our partners at Vanderbilt-Dyer Observatory, we will be leading this from Dyer Observatory off Oman Drive. Bring water, a walking stick and wear sturdy shoes. This 2 hour strenuous hike is off-trail, limited to 20 hikers ages 14 and up. . Reservations are required and open Monday, December 26th at 9:30am by contacting Ranger Will Peters by email at Will.Peters@tn.gov