Radnor Lake State Natural Area

This was a hiking homecoming of sorts for me. I cut my teeth on the trails at Radnor Lake years ago, and these remained the only trails I knew for quite a while. Today, after years of separation, I came back. And, much like the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Radnor Lake welcomed me back with open arms.

View from the Lake Trail

 

I set foot on the Spillway Trail at 9:30 a.m., prepared to hike just over 6.5 miles on a beautifully brisk morning. The weather report said it would be a bit breezy with afternoon highs staying under the freezing mark. Given the forecast - downright cold for Tennessee - and the fact that it was Tuesday, today would be the perfect time to visit Radnor, as this is an incredibly popular park. Radnor Lake is all about hiking; little else happens here. So if the parking lot is busy, you know the trails will be, too. With only five or six other cars in the parking lot, I was confident today would be a good day.

 

Ganier Ridge Trail

 

I saw my first rafter of turkeys near the junction of the Ganier Ridge Trail and the Access Trail. And, no, I did not know a group of turkeys was called a "rafter," until I sat down to write this. The turkeys were not much bothered by my presence, as long as I didn't get too close. With little more than a week until Thanksgiving, perhaps they should be slightly more suspicious of approaching humans.

 

 



The temperature was down in the mid-20s, and the wind was indeed kicking up at times, but I was still working up a sweat climbing the hills. I had passed only one person on the trail, but footprints in the dusting of snow on the terraced steps of the South Cove Trail revealed the presence of others. At Radnor, you may never truly be alone, but visitors are generally well-mannered and respectful, allowing for a decent sense of solitude even in the middle of a large metropolitan area.

 

Dusting of snow on the South Cove Trail

 

I observed another rafter of turkeys on the South Cove Trail, before joining with the South Lake Trail to begin my hike back. With most of the leaves off the trees, the lake on my left remained within view all along the South Lake Trail; the hike through here was simply beautiful.

 

View from the South Lake Trail

 

Across Otter Creek Road, I paused before rejoining the Lake Trail for a two-peanut butter sandwich lunch. No picnicking is allowed in the park, but I figured eating was acceptable. Though I had been warm enough as I traversed the trails, my fingers were now feeling cold as I worked through my second sandwich. With only about 1.5 miles remaining to hike, I quickly finished up, slipped my fingers back in my gloves, and started moving forward again.

 

Only a few minutes later, I saw my third and largest rafter of turkeys for the day. I paused here to observe their behavior for a good five or ten minutes. I was so close that I felt as if I was standing in front of a turkey exhibit. I finally left the turkeys behind and promptly walked right beside a herd of deer! Again, I felt as if I was viewing these creatures in a zoo-like setting. After spending another five or ten minutes at this exhibit, I was ready to press on. The trail was growing short.

 

 

Wildlife on display at Radnor Lake

 

Radnor Lake is a genuine hiking paradise in the middle of the busy city. The park is clean and well-maintained, peaceful (no boats are allowed), and conveniently located. Back at the parking lot, I wondered why I had stayed away from this place for so long. Believe me, not as much time will pass between visits again. This prodigal son has learned his lesson.

 

Radnor Lake, as seen from the dam