Guidebook for Center Hill Lake Region (Smithville/Sparta)
Parks & Nature
Ragland Bottom Recreation Area
1410 Ragland Bottom RdSligo Marina
350 Sligo RdVirgin Falls is 1,157-acre natural area located in White County. The natural area is named for Virgin Falls, which is formed by an underground stream that emerges from a cave, then drops over a 110-foot high cliff before disappearing into another cave at the bottom of the sink. The area is noted for its unique geological features and several (additional) other waterfalls including Big Laurel, Sheep Cave Falls, and Big Branch Falls. There are several notable caves in the area, including the cave above Virgin Falls, where the stream itself that forms the falls issues. Due to white nose syndrome, all caves on the area are closed to recreational use. The sinkholes at Virgin Falls, such as Virgin Falls Sink and Sheep Cave Sink, are characteristic of karst features found on the Cumberland Plateau. The Caney Fork River and its tributaries drain the area and contribute to the formation of the gorge. The Martha's Pretty Point provides a dramatic view of Scott's Gulf and the Caney Fork River 900 ft below.
A Note of Caution and Awareness:
The hike into Virgin Falls, which will total around 9 miles going in and out, should be considered a strenuous hike. The trail descends around 900 foot in elevation along a path that in many areas is rocky with uneven footing. Please allow 5 to 9 hours for the hike. And it is recommended to start the hike early in the day, in order to give yourself plenty of daylight. Know your physical ability! And be prepared with water, food, and clothing for the season. All hikers should let a family member or a friend know of their hiking plans, and expected time back home. At 1.5 miles there is a cable crossing at Big Laurel Creek: if the creek is flooding, please do not attempt to cross! Overall, please check the forecast before heading out on this hike.
Virgin Falls
Virgin Falls is 1,157-acre natural area located in White County. The natural area is named for Virgin Falls, which is formed by an underground stream that emerges from a cave, then drops over a 110-foot high cliff before disappearing into another cave at the bottom of the sink. The area is noted for its unique geological features and several (additional) other waterfalls including Big Laurel, Sheep Cave Falls, and Big Branch Falls. There are several notable caves in the area, including the cave above Virgin Falls, where the stream itself that forms the falls issues. Due to white nose syndrome, all caves on the area are closed to recreational use. The sinkholes at Virgin Falls, such as Virgin Falls Sink and Sheep Cave Sink, are characteristic of karst features found on the Cumberland Plateau. The Caney Fork River and its tributaries drain the area and contribute to the formation of the gorge. The Martha's Pretty Point provides a dramatic view of Scott's Gulf and the Caney Fork River 900 ft below.
A Note of Caution and Awareness:
The hike into Virgin Falls, which will total around 9 miles going in and out, should be considered a strenuous hike. The trail descends around 900 foot in elevation along a path that in many areas is rocky with uneven footing. Please allow 5 to 9 hours for the hike. And it is recommended to start the hike early in the day, in order to give yourself plenty of daylight. Know your physical ability! And be prepared with water, food, and clothing for the season. All hikers should let a family member or a friend know of their hiking plans, and expected time back home. At 1.5 miles there is a cable crossing at Big Laurel Creek: if the creek is flooding, please do not attempt to cross! Overall, please check the forecast before heading out on this hike.
Rock Island State Park is an 883-acre park located on the headwaters of Center Hill Lake at
the confluence of the Caney Fork, Collins, and Rocky Rivers. The rugged beauty of the park
includes the Caney Fork Gorge below Great Falls Dam. These overlooks are some of the
most scenic and significant along the Eastern Highland Rim. Great Falls is a 30-foot
horseshoe cascading waterfall, located below the 19th-century cotton textile mill that it
powered over 100 years ago. Rock Island became a Tennessee State Park in 1969.
109 habitants recommandent
Parc d'État de Rock Island
82 Beach RdRock Island State Park is an 883-acre park located on the headwaters of Center Hill Lake at
the confluence of the Caney Fork, Collins, and Rocky Rivers. The rugged beauty of the park
includes the Caney Fork Gorge below Great Falls Dam. These overlooks are some of the
most scenic and significant along the Eastern Highland Rim. Great Falls is a 30-foot
horseshoe cascading waterfall, located below the 19th-century cotton textile mill that it
powered over 100 years ago. Rock Island became a Tennessee State Park in 1969.
Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of Tennessee’s largest and most visited state parks. The
park encompasses more than 29,800 acres sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged
Cumberland Plateau. Laced with cascades, gorges, waterfalls, streams and lush stands of
virgin hardwood timber, the park beckons those who enjoy nature at her finest. Fall Creek
Falls, at 256 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Other
waterfalls within the park include Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Cane Creek Cascades.
205 habitants recommandent
Parc d'État de Fall Creek Falls
2009 Village Camp RdFall Creek Falls State Park is one of Tennessee’s largest and most visited state parks. The
park encompasses more than 29,800 acres sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged
Cumberland Plateau. Laced with cascades, gorges, waterfalls, streams and lush stands of
virgin hardwood timber, the park beckons those who enjoy nature at her finest. Fall Creek
Falls, at 256 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Other
waterfalls within the park include Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Cane Creek Cascades.
Located on the Falling Water River, this day-use park is noted for its natural beauty and four
waterfalls that cascade down from over 250 feet in elevation. The last of these falls is the
most spectacular, plunging more than 130 feet into the gorge. The area was originally
populated by Native Americans of the Cherokee, Creek and Chickasaw tribes. These tribes
used the land as a hunting ground until the late 19th century when a gristmill and sawmill
began operating on the river. The Falling Water River was used to generate hydroelectric
power for the city of Cookeville from 1928-1944. In 1973, the territory became a designated
Tennessee State Natural Area, protecting the diverse forest and aquatic habitats.
153 habitants recommandent
Parc d'État de Burgess Falls
4000 Burgess Falls DrLocated on the Falling Water River, this day-use park is noted for its natural beauty and four
waterfalls that cascade down from over 250 feet in elevation. The last of these falls is the
most spectacular, plunging more than 130 feet into the gorge. The area was originally
populated by Native Americans of the Cherokee, Creek and Chickasaw tribes. These tribes
used the land as a hunting ground until the late 19th century when a gristmill and sawmill
began operating on the river. The Falling Water River was used to generate hydroelectric
power for the city of Cookeville from 1928-1944. In 1973, the territory became a designated
Tennessee State Natural Area, protecting the diverse forest and aquatic habitats.
Arts & Culture
Local artisans exhibit and sell their work. Associated with a local university, they offer classes and workshops.
17 habitants recommandent
Appalachian Center for Craft
1560 Craft Center DrLocal artisans exhibit and sell their work. Associated with a local university, they offer classes and workshops.
Essentials
Walmart Supercenter
515 W Broad StWalmart locations in Sparta and Smithville.
Food Lion
719 S Congress BlvdSmithville, TN.
Food Scene
Smithville Donuts
306 W Broad StDelicious donuts!
A down home, meat and three/greasy spoon! Smithville, TN
10 habitants recommandent
Kilgore's Restaurant
2595 Old Nashville HwyA down home, meat and three/greasy spoon! Smithville, TN
Los Lobos
106 East Broad StreetFabulous Mexican food!
Blue Water Grille
1287 Floating Mill RdBoat or drive to this local favorite at Hurricane Marina!
Pastries, coffee, and gelato at local favorite on Sparta town square.
20 habitants recommandent
The Coffee Collective
12 Liberty SquarePastries, coffee, and gelato at local favorite on Sparta town square.
Excellent pizza on the charming Sparta town square.
14 habitants recommandent
Marioochi’s Pizzeria On The Square
10 Liberty SquareExcellent pizza on the charming Sparta town square.
Cute breakfast/linch cafe and coffee shop with lots of local goods and wares for sale as well. Smithville, TN.
Cheryl's Beau Bees
Cute breakfast/linch cafe and coffee shop with lots of local goods and wares for sale as well. Smithville, TN.
BUTTON WILLOW GENERAL STORE
114 W Main StCafe/coffee shop with shopping. Smithville, TN.
Drinks & Nightlife
Local middle Tennessee favorite brewhouse. Come enjoy their beers and gift shop. grab a beer and sit outside in their funky and fun outdoor space. Calfkiller is served on tap at many restaurant and pubs in Nashville and across TN.
About Calfkiller: It all began in 2001 with two brothers, Don and Dave Sergio, who dreamed of having some sort of a business together. Coincidentally, they were also beginning an aggressive home-brewing hobby – expanding their palettes and those of their families. The brothers loved their beers and enjoyed serving them at family functions, friend's weddings, and other festivals and contests. They had become known for making great beers and decided to pursue a side business producing Calfkiller Beer on a larger scale. Today, they continue producing wonderful Calfkiller Beers on the brewing system they pieced together. Always adding equipment when possible. Always dreaming of the future.
47 habitants recommandent
Calfkiller Brewing Company
1839 Blue Springs RdLocal middle Tennessee favorite brewhouse. Come enjoy their beers and gift shop. grab a beer and sit outside in their funky and fun outdoor space. Calfkiller is served on tap at many restaurant and pubs in Nashville and across TN.
About Calfkiller: It all began in 2001 with two brothers, Don and Dave Sergio, who dreamed of having some sort of a business together. Coincidentally, they were also beginning an aggressive home-brewing hobby – expanding their palettes and those of their families. The brothers loved their beers and enjoyed serving them at family functions, friend's weddings, and other festivals and contests. They had become known for making great beers and decided to pursue a side business producing Calfkiller Beer on a larger scale. Today, they continue producing wonderful Calfkiller Beers on the brewing system they pieced together. Always adding equipment when possible. Always dreaming of the future.
In Woodbury, a small-batch, craft Distillery making authentic Tennessee Whiskey, Moonshine and other fine and original spirits. Tours & Tastings are available to the public. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11AM-4PM. A restaurant is available on site with food and drinks during opening hours. Visit website for current tour times and hours.
46 habitants recommandent
Distillerie Short Mountain
8280 Short Mountain RdIn Woodbury, a small-batch, craft Distillery making authentic Tennessee Whiskey, Moonshine and other fine and original spirits. Tours & Tastings are available to the public. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11AM-4PM. A restaurant is available on site with food and drinks during opening hours. Visit website for current tour times and hours.
DelMonaco Winery & Vineyards
600 Lance DrAcross the street from the town square in Sparta, Happy Trails also offers an excellent selection of local, regional, and national beers. Happy Trails has partnered with Tennessee State Parks to utilize park names and trail names for many of our beers. Our decor also pays homage to the fabulous outdoor areas located in White County as well as those throughout the state.
26 habitants recommandent
Happy Trails Brewery & Taproom
38 W Bockman WayAcross the street from the town square in Sparta, Happy Trails also offers an excellent selection of local, regional, and national beers. Happy Trails has partnered with Tennessee State Parks to utilize park names and trail names for many of our beers. Our decor also pays homage to the fabulous outdoor areas located in White County as well as those throughout the state.
The Burlap Room Beer Garden and Taphouse
175 Hurricane Ridge RdLive music venue. Smithville, TN.
Entertainment & Activities
Canoe the Caney is the destination for canoe and kayak river trips in middle Tennessee! Family-friendly and affordable!
56 habitants recommandent
Canot sur la rivière Caney
17055 Smithville HwyCanoe the Caney is the destination for canoe and kayak river trips in middle Tennessee! Family-friendly and affordable!
Harvester Performance and Event Center
The Isha Institute of Inner-sciences is a breathtaking mountain retreat created to build a foundation of complete well-being. The center offers the essence of yogic science in its purest form, through classical yoga and meditation classes within powerfully energized spaces.
Isha Institute of Inner-sciences
The Isha Institute of Inner-sciences is a breathtaking mountain retreat created to build a foundation of complete well-being. The center offers the essence of yogic science in its purest form, through classical yoga and meditation classes within powerfully energized spaces.
In Smithville, Harmony Lane Farm is a Grade "A" Dairy and farm store selling the best, freshly made, goat's milk products. Over 150 happy goats produce some of the best goat milk available. Of course, with the best milk, and the freshest ingredients, we make the best goat cheese around. Our Farm Is Open To The Public. To visit with the animals, we only accept reservations.
23 habitants recommandent
Harmony Lane Farm and Creamery
285 Harmony LnIn Smithville, Harmony Lane Farm is a Grade "A" Dairy and farm store selling the best, freshly made, goat's milk products. Over 150 happy goats produce some of the best goat milk available. Of course, with the best milk, and the freshest ingredients, we make the best goat cheese around. Our Farm Is Open To The Public. To visit with the animals, we only accept reservations.
RiverWatch Golf Club
235 Harbor Greens PlJust 1.5 hours away in Pelham is worl-reknowned music venue The Caverns. Open 7 days a week for guided cave and adventure tours too!
70 habitants recommandent
Les Cavernes
555 Charlie Roberts RdJust 1.5 hours away in Pelham is worl-reknowned music venue The Caverns. Open 7 days a week for guided cave and adventure tours too!
Bhakti Yoga & Wellness
Great local yoga studio of Sparta town square.
Shopping
The Mad Raven Coffee & Books
255 W Bockman WayThe Hitch Outfitters
Outdoor gear/Clothing
Synergy Herbal Works
14 Liberty SquareBUTTON WILLOW GENERAL STORE
114 W Main StMagnolia Roots
Women's Clothing boutique
The Male Room
102 W Walnut StMen's clothing and goods store. Great local t-shirts and goods. Cool vibe.
615Threads
Women's clothing boutique
28 Farmers and 4 Bakers providing beyond organic: produce, grain, flour, old world bread, pastries, meat, eggs, and dairy.
Farmers' Storehouse - Organic Food Co-Op , Flour Mill & Bakery
28 Farmers and 4 Bakers providing beyond organic: produce, grain, flour, old world bread, pastries, meat, eggs, and dairy.
Refined Boutique
Vintage and antique store just off of the town square in downtown Smithville, TN.