Center Hill Lake

Center Hill Lake is a reservoir in Middle Tennessee spanning roughly 74 square kilometers with a shoreline extending about 668 kilometers. The water reaches depths of up to 58 meters in places and is surrounded by forested hills and small coves.

Congress authorized the dam construction in 1942 after Pearl Harbor to generate power for defense industries in the Southeast. Work began in the Forties and was completed in the Fifties, impounding the Caney Fork River.

The reservoir takes its name from nearby Center Hill, a tract of land that early settlers named for its central position in the region. Families come here to picnic along the wooded shores while anglers seek out favorite spots along its many coves.

Several boat ramps such as Big Hurricane Creek and Cane Hollow offer water access and allow launching of watercraft. A few marinas along the shore rent out equipment and offer slips for longer stays.

The ecosystem here supports fish species including bass, walleye, and crappie that draw anglers from across the state. The branching shoreline offers quiet fishing spots often accessible only from the water.

Location: Tennessee

Inception: 1942

GPS coordinates: 36.09694,-85.82667

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29