About the Park

Tennessee's First State Natural Area

Radnor Lake State Park and State Natural Area in Nashville, TN is the first State Park to have been given the designation of Natural Area in the State of Tennessee. Radnor Lake State Park is just over 1,400 acres, with the lake accounting for 85 acres of the park.

As a protected Class II Natural Area, Radnor Lake 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 7.75 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.

Hours of Operation:

Natural Area: 6:00 am until 20 minutes after sunset (365 days a year)
Restrooms: 7:00 am until dark

Walter Criley Visitor Center: 7:00 am until dark
Radnor Lake Gift Shop: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (closed for lunch from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm). Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Walter Criley Visitor Center and Radnor Lake Gift Shop can be accessed by car from the West Parking Area via Granny White Pike.

Address:

1160 Otter Creek Road, Nashville, TN 37220

Phone:

(615) 373-3467

Parking:

There are two parking areas with restroom facilities on Radnor Lake property, both on Otter Creek Road. Otter Creek Road is not accessible to motor vehicles between parking lots.

East lot: This lot is accessed from Franklin Road, turning west from Franklin Road at the traffic light at Otter Creek Road and Hogan Roads. Continue approximately 1.25 miles and the parking lot is on the right.

  • Days with an increased number of visitors will cause cars to back up on Otter Creek Road while waiting for available parking.

West lot: This lot is accessed from Granny White Pike, turning east from Granny White at Otter Creek Road near the Granny White Market and Strong Tower Bible Church. Once on Otter Creek, proceed 1,000 ft. to the parking area. Please adhere to the 20 mph speed limit on this road.

  • Drive to the far end of the lot before turning left into the parking lot. The lot has one-way traffic from the lakeside toward Granny White Pike.
  • Overflow parking is available on Otter Creek Road beyond the parking lot on the left side of the road.
  • Days with an increased number of visitors will cause cars to back up on Otter Creek Road while waiting for available parking.