Ready to trade traffic jams for lake views and your inbox for sunshine?
Center Hill Lake in Tennessee is a favorite for locals, with its sparkling water, forested hills, and just the right mix of adventure and relaxation.
This road trip itinerary takes you to some of the best things to see and do around the lake, from splashy swim beaches to epic waterfalls, and cozy campgrounds.
Whether you’re here for the hikes, the boats, the snacks, or just a solid spot to hammock and do absolutely nothing, you’re in for a good time.
Let’s hit the road (and the water) and see what makes this lake trip one you’ll definitely want to do again.
(Psst, you definitely don’t want to miss number 5 on the list).
1. Edgar Evins State Park
Edgar Evins State Park sits on the shore of Center Hill Lake in Tennessee, about 1 hour from Nashville, and it’s packed with jaw-dropping lake views.
This park offers charming cabins right along the shoreline with beautiful lake views, and there are about 12 miles of hiking trails here.
The Merritt Ridge Trail, including its connector from the Millennium Trail, is about 5.35 miles long and takes you through hardwood forest with some rewarding lake views along the way.
You’ll also find a full-service marina with boat rentals as well as a campground with 60 platform sites for tents and RVs (plus some primitive campsites).
There are also plenty of spots for fishing and swimming.
2. Floating Mill Park
Just across the lake from Edgar Evins, Floating Mill Park has lake access for swimming, shady picnic spots, and easy boat access.
It’s located on the shores of Center Hill Lake near Silver Point, and it’s one of the go-to spots for families looking to splash around or launch a kayak.
There’s a big campground with around 100 sites in the park, and some sit close to the lake, so you can fall asleep to the sound of gentle waves.
If you’re into fishing, Center Hill Lake around Floating Mill is known for bass and crappie, with good spots near the coves and boat ramp.
3. Hurricane Marina
Just a quick drive from Floating Mill, Hurricane Marina is a lively spot with floating docks, boat rentals, and even occasional live music nights.
This full-service marina sits in a scenic cove off Floating Mill Road near Highway 56, and is the perfect place to rent a pontoon, grab a drink, and cruise Center Hill in style.
The onsite restaurant, Twisted Oar, serves up burgers, fish tacos, and cold drinks with front-row lake views.
Even if you’re not boating, it’s a super fun place to hang out, people-watch, and soak up the weekend energy.
4. Appalachian Center for Craft
A short drive from Hurricane Marina, the Appalachian Center for Craft is a hidden gem tucked in the woods overlooking Center Hill Lake, offering far more than your average art stop.
It’s part of Tennessee Tech University and features galleries full of handmade pottery, glass, woodwork, metal, and textiles from local and national artists.
You can watch artists at work in the studios and even sign up for a hands-on workshop if you’re feeling creative.
There’s also a nature trail starting near the center that winds through the forest and offers peaceful views of Center Hill Lake.
5. Burgess Falls State Park
About 30 minutes from the Appalachian Center for Craft is Burgess Falls State Park with four waterfalls crashing down along a super scenic 1.5-mile trail.
The grand finale is Burgess Falls itself, a beautiful 136-foot drop that thunders into a rocky gorge and sends mist flying through the air.
The trail follows the Falling Water River and has lookout points all along the way, so you get non-stop views of smaller falls like Little Falls (30 feet) and Middle Falls (80 feet) before hitting the big one.
It’s not a long hike, but the views are incredible, and while you can’t access the base of the falls, there are several lookout points that give you stunning vantage spots.
6. Ragland Bottom Recreation Area
Just when you think Center Hill Lake can’t get any better, Ragland Bottom Recreation Area offers quiet lakefront campsites and peaceful sunrise views.
It’s located on the southern side of the lake near Sparta, and it’s a favorite for campers who want to skip the crowds and just chill by the water.
The campground has 40 sites with water and electric hookups and 16 primitive tent sites.
Plus, there’s a boat ramp, a swimming area, and several spots right along the shoreline that are perfect for relaxing, skipping rocks, or setting up a hammock.
It’s also very close to Sligo Marina, so you can swing by for snacks or boat rentals without driving far.
7. Smithville
From Ragland, it’s about a 15-minute drive to Smithville, the perfect small-town pit stop to grab a bite, stretch your legs, and check out some local charm.
It’s the county seat of DeKalb County and home to the famous Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree, a huge music and craft festival that takes over downtown every July.
Main Street has a few cute shops, local diners, and some mural art that makes for fun photo ops.
It’s also a convenient place to stock up on groceries, ice, or anything else you forgot to pack before heading back out to explore more of Center Hill Lake.
8. Twisted Oaks
If you’re craving a cold drink and some live tunes after wandering around Smithville, Twisted Oaks is a nearby local hangout you won’t want to miss.
It’s a cozy bar and music venue just a few minutes from downtown with a dog-friendly outdoor patio and a stage where you can enjoy live music from local bands.
The drinks menu is packed with local beers and fun cocktails, and you can grab food like burgers, fish and chips, and other favorites to go with the music.
Whether you’re two-stepping under the string lights or just kicking back with a beer, this is a great stop before the next leg of your Center Hill Lake adventure.
9. Hidden Harbor Marina
Just when you think you’ve hit every cool spot on Center Hill Lake, Hidden Harbor Marina slips in with a calm, family-friendly vibe and everything you need for a laid-back lake day.
It’s tucked into a quiet cove near Smithville, and it’s perfect for renting a pontoon or fishing boat and enjoying the lake without the weekend chaos.
They’ve got a store with snacks and gear, plus comfortable cabins where you can stay the night and wake up with the lake just outside your door.
You can catch a beautiful sunset over the water, with a peaceful atmosphere broken only by the sounds of frogs and the occasional boat cruising by.
10. Center Hill Dam
Before you wrap up your Center Hill Lake adventure, swing by Center Hill Dam.
Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers back in the 1940s, it’s about 250 feet tall and stretches over 2,000 feet across the Caney Fork River.
You can take in awesome views from the overlooks, with the lake on one side and the river far below on the other.
Right below the dam, you’ll find river access with spots to fish, relax by the water, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a bald eagle overhead.
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