America the Beautiful – By Cooper Chilton

RADNOR LAKE STATE PARK

OK, have you had enough of the holiday season, the ball games, parties, toy runs, and especially relatives? How about enjoying sitting beside a quiet lake, watching a different type of wildlife, or wandering around in nature? Visit Radnor Lake State Park, a hidden gem, located just south of downtown Nashville. Located on narrow Otter Creek Road between Franklin Road and Granny White, Radnor Lake is a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle. Otter Creek Road, where as teenagers, we used to race our hot rods and watch submarine races with our girlfriends, (and escape the security officer), is now blocked off at each end’s entrance to the park. Now, the lake is a protected natural area.

Radnor Lake was built in 1914 by the L&N Railroad to provide water via a 6 mile long water pipe to the steam engines and livestock at Radnor Yards. A caretaker would open and close the valve, which can still be seen every day. With the advent of the diesel engine the water was no longer needed. In the 1960’s, to stop a 200 home development of the beautiful area, locals raised funds to purchase the lake. In 1973 it opened as the first State Natural Area. Additional purchases have expanded the park to 1,339 acres of unspoiled land. It has become so popular with hikers and nature lovers that parking of cars is a real challenge. However, there is adequate reserved motorcycle parking at both ends of the park and still plenty of places for quiet relaxation. This is perfect for a nice stroll through nature. Besides the lake, caretaker’s house, dam, and valve house, a major attraction is the Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center. Opened in 2015, this center provides a home for injured and non-releasable birds of prey, with 5 aviaries for captive birds of prey, a flight aviary for eagles, a 550 foot boardwalk, and 50 seat amphitheater for ranger led programs. Swimming, fishing, hunting, and motorized vehicles on the trails are prohibited. Bicycles, jogging, and dog walking are permitted only on Otter Creek Road.

However, if you’re still in the holiday spirit, how about a ride to Christmasville or Holladay TN? Christmasville Community was once a prosperous area with shipping on the Obion River, but can only be recognized by an Historic marker and a sign at the volunteer fire department a couple of miles north on US 79 off of US 70A at Trezevant and Holladay is a suburb of Camden on route TN 197.

Thanks to Scott for subbing for me for America the Beautiful last month with his great article on his trip out west while we in Italy!

Ride Safe and Have Fun!! Cooper