Center Hill Lake
Tennessee36.0282°N | 85.7590°W
Center Hill Lake is located in middle Tennessee – essentially central to Knoxville, Nashville and Chattanooga. Contained mostly in DeKalb County, the lake also travels into some small parts of Putnam and White County. Surrounding towns include Baxter, Smithville, Silver Point, Buffalo Valley, Sparta, Rock Island, and other rural communities.
Originally created in 1948 by a dam constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Center Hill Lake stretches 64 miles long covering an area of 18,220 mostly undeveloped acres. With roughly 415 miles of shoreline and easy rolling ridge tops, Center Hill Lake is known as a well-preserved and peaceful santuary.
Major tributaries of the lake include the Caney Fork River and the Falling Water River. Edgar Evins State Park, Burgess Falls State Park and Rock Island State Park contain portions of the lake’s shoreline. Peaceful coves wind to Burgess Falls & Fancer Falls waterfalls and other waterfalls, hiking trails and scenic lookout points can be found near the lake.
The emerald-like waters are well-known for fishing and recreational activities include kayaking, wakeboarding, skiing, and other interests. With Tennessee’s four distinct seasons, Center Hill Lake continues to be an ever-changing and alluring destination.
Tucked away in the thick of rural Tennessee, Center Hill Lake hosts a few widely popular annual events including July 4th Fireworks Shows and Wakefest.
We look forward to seeing you.



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Center Hill Lake
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You looking for the waterfalls?
That’s right! Center Hill Lake has two waterfalls accessible by water and several others to scope out near the lake.
There are also three bordering state parks.
You looking for the waterfalls?
That’s right! Center Hill Lake has two waterfalls accessible by water and several others to scope out near the lake.
There are also three bordering state parks.
Not a local? Not a problem. Allow us to be your guide.
A Tour of Belle & Beau Acres
An off-grid camping experience in Baxter, Tennessee. Waterfront camping with waterfall on site.
Window Cliffs in Baxter, Tennessee
A 275-acre state natural area near Burgess Falls & Cookeville Boat Dock.
Rock Island State Park
One of three state parks that border Center Hill Lake!
Flight Tours with Tennessee Flying Machines
Gain a new perspective of Center Hill Lake from a bird’s eye view! Tour the lake, waterfalls, and surrounding area with country music star & legend Aaron Tippin & his crew.
Music City Jet Bikes
Jet bike rentals at Center Hill Lake
Labor Day Weekend Events at the Lake
2020 Labor Day Weekend Events at Center Hill Lake