| Radnor Lake State Natural Area | |
|---|---|
Radnor Lake |
|
| Location | Davidson County Nashville, Tennessee |
| Area | 1,200 acres (4.9 km2) |
| Created | 1973 |
| Operated by | Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation |
| Website | http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/RadnorLake/ |
Radnor Lake State Natural Area is a popular state natural area in Nashville, Tennessee.
The 1,200+ acre (4.45 km²) nature preserve lies in the heart of Nashville, unusual for a major American city. Four unpaved trails wander through the woods surrounding the lake, where hikers enjoy wilderness native to Middle Tennessee, including river otters, beavers, mink, muskrat, bobcat, coyote and the white-tailed deer. The most popular trail is the paved road that runs along the water, where cars are no longer allowed. There is a visitor's center open daily.
Radnor Lake was created by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company in 1914, and was initially used for watering steam locomotives and supplying the watering pens for shipped livestock. Afterwards, it became a local sportsman's club for L & N executives and guests. In 1962, the property was sold to be developed but initial work proved to be problematic and public pressure influenced the state to purchase the property in 1973 and create the State's first Natural Area.
Any hunting within the natural area is illegal.
Radnor Lake State Natural Area is a Class II State Natural Area, meaning it is a day use area only, and there is no camping or picnicking allowed.