during my recent week in nashville, i snuck out one morning while biscuit was napping to go for a hike at radnor lake state park. it’s only 15 minutes from lindsay and steve’s house which was super convenient.

i set out on the lake trail, a roughly 2 mile mostly paved loop that circles the lake, but veered off the main path a few times. the first time was to explore part of the south lake trail, an unpaved trail that runs alongside and slightly above the main trail. the lake trail was fairly crowded, so i appreciated having a bit more quiet and space to myself on the unpaved section.

that rejoined the lake trail, and i continued on the main path for about another half mile until i got to the split with the ganier ridge trail. i had seen it mentioned on all trails but initally thought i should do a shorter, flatter hike; once i got to the turnoff, though, i couldn’t resist.

the ridge trail was exactly what i wanted – a little more elevation and a lot fewer people – and i thoroughly enjoyed my hike. it was probably slightly more elevation than i should have undertaken considering i hadn’t done such a strenuous hike in 6 months, but it was lovely. the weather was nice and cool, i only saw a few people along the way, and it felt great to stretch my legs.

my favorite part of the ridge trail is that it is a loop that rejoins the lake trail with about a half mile to go until the parking lot, so i never had to double back on myself. all told i walked a little over 4 miles; i enjoyed every bit of it and was also overjoyed to take off my boots at the end of it.

if you ever find yourself in nashville and in need of some nature, i highly recommend radnor lake. shoutout to lindsay and steve who separately suggested it for me when i mentioned wanting to go on a hike while i was in town.

xx