Radnor Lake ~ Tennessee First State Wildlife Area…
Radnor Lake State Natural Area was the first of its kind here in Tennessee. Needing a place to furnish water for steam locomotives and livestock for the Rador Train yard, the L&N Railroad purchased a track of land in the Overton Hills area of southern Davidson County in 1914. Originally used as a private hunting spot for railroad executives and guests, all hunting was banned by 1923 and declared a wildlife sanctuary. In 1962, a developer purchased the property with the intent to build subdivisions overlooking the 85 acre lake. Public outcry to preserve the pristine natural beauty and preserve the area as a park won out and in 1973, The land was purchased and the site became the first official state natural area.
Today, Rador Lake faces another delimma ~ Being loved to death. Radnor Lakes 1,200+ acres not only invites migratory birds, it provides a haven for deer, otter and other wildlife as well. Because the beauty of the area has been preserved, it invites visitors - lots of them. It's 1+ Million visitors per year make it Tennessee's 5th most popular park. While most of these visitors may be locals going for their daily walks down the paths surrounding the lake, the sentiment is the same. We all feel so blessed to have such a little piece of heaven right here in our own back yard.
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