Center Hill Lake in The Upper Cumberland

Center Hill Lake is conveniently located in middle Tennessee- between Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. It stretches sixty-four miles covering an area of 18,220 acres in DeKalb County. There are many surrounding towns such as Baxter, Smithville, Silver Point, Sparta, Rock Island, and other rural communities. It has roughly 415 miles of shoreline and is known for being well preserved and providing a peaceful sanctuary for those around it. Center Hill is full of things to do for people of all ages. State Parks, such as Edgar Evins State Park, Burgess Falls State Park, and Rock Island State Park contain portions of the lake’s shoreline perfect for sunbathing or a stroll by the water. Several waterways that disperse from the lake lead to Burgess Falls, Rock Island, and Fancher Falls waterfalls. There are several other hiking trails and scenic lookout points along the lake, and they are all worth visiting! Center Hill lake has beautiful emerald-like waters and it’s known for fishing, kayaking, wakeboarding, skiing, and other interests. Tennessee experiences all 4 seasons, and they are incredibly displayed on Center Hill Lake. 

Center Hill Lake is much more than just a lake. It displays colossal waterfalls and mesmerizing scenery that make it a place worth visiting. Burgess Falls is noted for its natural beauty and a plunging 130 feet waterfall into the gorge. It is common for kayakers and other boaters to paddle to the bottom of the falls from Center Hill Lake. The lake also borders one of the most scenic state parks in Tennessee, Rock Island State Park. The picturesque 870 acres is located on the headwaters of Center Hill Lake at the convergence of the Caney Fork, Collins, and Rocky Rivers. Anyone looking to experience the natural wonders of Tennessee should visit this state park. Fancher Falls is another waterfall located on the lake. It’s also known as Taylor Creek Falls and has an impressive height of 80 feet. It’s great for swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, and boating. Fancher Falls is only accessible by boat and it makes this place feel even more like a myth! 

There are several marinas on Center Hill Lake and one of the oldest and most frequently visited is Hurricane Marina. It boasts twenty-four hour fuel stations and the new Blue Water Grille restaurant. Every inch of the marina was designed with the boat owner’s convenience in mind. They have a fully stocked ship store with everything you need to host a party or outfit your boat on Center Hill Lake. There is also a golf cart valet service that will take you directly from the parking lot to the pier. Talk about convenience! The Blue Water Grille is a relaxed southern style restaurant. They create daily specials with seasonal ingredients chosen by their talented chefs. They also offer delicious local craft beers and frozen drinks. There is something for everyone at Hurricane Marina. 

Edgar Evins Marina is another popular marina on Center Hill Lake. It is nestled in a secluded harbor and located inside the breathtaking Edgar Evins State Park. It is a full service marina with 338 covered and uncovered slips, hydro ports for jet skis, free water service, and wifi. They also have valet service to escort their guests from the parking lot to the marina. A rarity is that they have a “no charge” launch ramp! Edgar Evins also has a lovely campground for those wanting to experience a night under the stars.

Center Hill Lake has several other campgrounds for those looking for a wild getaway. Anyone looking to escape the city and flee to the rural park should head towards Center Hill Lake’s campgrounds. There is also lodging for anyone wanting to unwind, relax, and recharge! Tennessee experiences all four seasons, and that makes this area one of the perfect scenic spots. 

As for fishing, Center Hill Lake offers great year-round fishing opportunities for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, White Bass, Striped Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Walleye,  Bluegill, Longear Sunfish, Warmouth, Muskie, Paddlefish and Channel Catfish. 

Center Hill Lake boasts many amenities for year round fun for families and sportsmen alike. It is a Tennessee jewel and offers many rare experiences you can only find in central Tennessee. Take the time, drive the scenic routes, and enjoy your time taking in all Center Hill Lake has to offer.