The Complete Guide to Boating on Center Hill Lake

If Percy Priest is Nashville's everyday lake and Old Hickory is the weekend destination, Center Hill Lake is the crown jewel — the lake you plan a trip around. Located about 70 miles east of Nashville near Smithville and Cookeville, Center Hill offers 18,000 acres of mountain-clear water surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden waterfalls, and scenery you won't find anywhere else in Middle Tennessee.

Buyers from all over the region bring boats purchased at Bill's Used Boats in Hermitage to Center Hill regularly — and we know exactly what types of boats perform best on this lake.

The Basics

• Surface area: 18,000 acres
• Shoreline: approximately 415 miles
• Known for exceptional water clarity — often compared to mountain lakes
• Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers
• Surrounding the Caney Fork River watershed

Marinas on Center Hill Lake

Center Hill Lake Marina (Silver Point, TN) — Full-service marina with fuel, slips, and launch access near the dam.

Holmes Creek Marina — Popular on the upper end of the lake. Good access from Cookeville.

Floating Mill Marina (Silver Point) — Full service with cabins, camping, and boat rentals. Great home base for a weekend trip.

What Makes Center Hill Special

The limestone cliffs. After heavy rains, waterfalls cascade directly into the lake from cliff faces that rise 50-100 feet above the water. The water stays cool longer into summer than Percy Priest or Old Hickory — making it a favorite escape during July and August heat.

Best Spots on Center Hill Lake

Cliff jumping coves — Well-known spots where limestone cliffs meet the water at swimable depths. Ask locals at the marina.

The upper Caney Fork channels — Winding, narrow, and beautiful. Great for slow cruising and exploration.

Floating Mill area — The main recreation hub. Anchoring in coves near the marina creates an impromptu boat community on summer weekends.

Best Boats for Center Hill Lake

• Tritoons — The main channel can build serious chop. A tritoon handles it confidently while still being fun in the coves.
• Wake and surf boats — The clear water and open channels make Center Hill exceptional for wake sports.
• Bowriders — Perfect for exploring the narrow upper channels and cliff coves.

Planning Your Center Hill Trip

• Book marina slips or camping spots early — Center Hill fills up fast on summer weekends
• Bring enough fuel — the lake is large and gas can be limited in some areas
• The drive from Nashville is about 70 miles — factor in trailer time on mountain roads

Heading to Center Hill this summer? Call us at (629) 245-2628 — we'll make sure you're in the right boat for this lake.