Great Falls Dam, Hydroelectric dam in White County, United States
Great Falls Dam is a hydroelectric facility on the Caney Fork River that generates electricity for Tennessee. The construction uses an underground water conduit system that directs water to a powerhouse located downstream.
The facility was completed in 1916 by Tennessee Power Company and was the first successful impoundment of the Caney Fork River. This project marked a turning point in how the region managed its water resources for power generation.
The dam reflects the importance of harnessing water power for electricity and shows how the region developed its natural resources to serve communities.
The site offers viewing areas at the dam and access to the adjacent lake that extends for several miles along the river. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Water does not flow directly over the visible dam but is instead directed through an underground tunnel to a distant powerhouse. This hidden infrastructure allows the water power to be harnessed efficiently and out of sight.
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