Center Hill Lake

Smithville · 158 Resource Lane Smithville TN 37166

Location Details

Visual Character

“Dramatic Cumberland Plateau Corps lake with massive concrete dam and canyon-like gorge; deep clear water; spectacular fall foliage; remote Tennessee Highland Rim setting”

About this location

Center Hill Lake is one of Tennessee's most visually dramatic Corps of Engineers reservoirs — carved into the Cumberland Plateau's Highland Rim, with a massive concrete dam creating a canyon-like gorge that fills with rushing water during controlled releases. The 18,220-acre lake features deep, clear water, limestone and shale bluffs, and some of the finest fall foliage color in the Southeast. Nashville District requires an event permit for commercial filming through the lake resource manager. The dam structure and tailwater gorge provide exceptional engineering drama. Downstream, Rock Island State Park features spectacular waterfalls where the Caney Fork, Collins, and Rocky rivers converge. Fall Creek Falls State Park — one of the Southeast's most dramatic parks — is nearby. Tennessee Entertainment Commission incentives apply to in-state productions. Strong for thrillers, outdoor adventure films, and Southern Appalachian stories needing genuine plateau landscapes.

Where you'll be