Radnor Lake Loop
A peaceful lakeside loop through one of Nashville's most beloved urban nature preserves, circling 85-acre Radnor Lake past beaver dams, herons, and old-growth hardwoods — just six miles from downtown.
- Length
- 3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 213 ft
- Difficulty
- easy
- Route
- loop
Find the trailhead
Weather at the trailhead
76°FOvercast now
Sunrise 5:33 AM · Sunset 7:55 PM
- TodayOvercast84° / 70°F19% precip
- ThuOvercast84° / 72°F17% precip
- FriDrizzle82° / 66°F70% precip
Forecast from Open-Meteo. Mountain conditions change fast; check again before you go.
The signature walk of Nashville's urban wild. From the Walter Criley Visitor Center, the Spillway Trail crosses the dam to the first open view of the lake, then the Lake Trail hugs the north shore for 1.35 miles with dedicated wildlife observation decks — prime spots for great blue herons, wood ducks, ospreys, and the resident beaver colony.
The return leg follows Otter Creek Road, closed to motor traffic and the only section where leashed dogs are permitted.
The loop is gentle, but the park punches well above its weight for wildlife: over 240 bird species have been recorded here, and spring warbler migration in April and May is exceptional.
No dogs or jogging on the lake-side trails, and weekend parking fills fast — arrive before 8 a.m. or you'll be circling.