Tennessee State Parks

Boating

Boat Ramp Access: During the fall and winter, please check with the park office regarding lake levels and boating access.

The marina located at Edgar Evins State park is open year round. There are two boat launch ramps within the Park. The facility includes 300 slips, 250 that are covered. A full service dock is available. Dock fees are determined by the size of the slip. For rental fee information call: 1-888-858-5695

A privately owned restaurant is located at the marina. More information.

Tennessee Boating Regulations

Events and Planned Programs

2013 May Events (pdf) including our new Campsite Decoration Contest, pontoon boat rides, and more.

2013 June Events (pdf)

June 8 - Free Fishing Day
Don’t have a fishing license? No worries…you don’t need one! TWRA recognizes June 8th as “Free Fishing Day” in Tennessee - resident or not, any person of any age can fish TN public waters without having a license. This event is for all ages and experience levels. Whether you have fished before or just thought about it, come to the park to enjoy a Free Day of Fishing. Bring your own rod or you may borrow one of ours for these programs, but supplies are limited, so they are first come, first serve. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Free snacks and water provided by the Friends of Edgar Evins State Park. Learn more.

Park Events
Waterfall Tour - Friends of Edgar Evins - March
Celebration of Spring - April (wildflowers, birding, hiking, and more)
Western Wallflower Week - May View Flyer
Memorial Day Campsite Decoration Contest - View Flyer
Annual History Hayride - Friends of Edgar Evins - October
Fall Pontoon Boat Cruises - Friends of Edgar Evins – November

Area Events
Celebration, Appalachian Center for Crafts – 1st weekend in April
Annual Fiddlers Jamboree – Smithville TN. – weekend closest to July 4th
Lancaster Fire Hall Jam – 2nd Saturday in August
Off the Beaten Path Tour – Smithville Chamber of Commerce – early Fall
Center Hill Lake Clean-up Day - sponsored by Corps of Engineers – 1st Sat. in October

Interpretative programs for all ages are scheduled during the summer months. Subjects range from local history to flora and fauna. Special programs are also provided upon request.

Bird Checklist for Edgar Evins State Park
Butterfly Checklist for Edgar Evins State Park

Fishing

Beautiful Center Hill Lake has become a very popular fishing and water-skiing area. Fishermen can expect catches of largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky bass as well as catfish, crappie, walleye, white bass, bluegill and bream. Grab a can of worms and a fishing rod and fish from the bank anywhere in the park except near or on the boat launch ramp and the courtesy dock. The lake is open for fishing year-round. Professional fishermen are drawn by the three species of bass found at the lake and several tournaments thrive at the lake. Fishermen need to make sure to obtain the proper Tennessee fishing license from any sporting good store or the marina.

Tennessee Fishing Regulations

Hiking

There are approximately 11 miles of trails at Edgar Evins from moderate to strenuous. Of the five trails the longest and most challenging is the 5.5 mile Merritt Ridge Trail which rises upon the ridges from an intersection along the 2.5 mile Jack Clayborn Millennium Trail Loop. By combining the two trails a hiker can enjoy approximately 8 miles of diverse terrain. Both the Millennium Trail and the Merritt Ridge Trail share the same trail head. Registration is required at this trail head. Other trails vary in length from ? to 1.5 miles and do not require registration. The Highland Rim Nature Trail, located at the Visitor Center, is especially noted for an abundance of spring wildflowers.

Picnic Facilities

Four picnicking areas contain individual tables and grills. All of the picnic areas are shaded and most have a view of the lake. Picnic areas are located at the shelter area, near boat launch 1 and two sites are located near boat launch 2. There are three picnic shelters located near the marina. They can be reserved, otherwise they are available on a first-come first-serve basis.

Each shelter has approximately nine picnic tables and can accommodate up to 75 people.  A huge fireplace/grill is located in each pavilion.

Shelters may be reserved through the park office up to one year in advance. Restrooms and playfields are located nearby.

Swimming

There is a small pool available for cabin guests only, with no lifeguard on duty. The pool is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Center Hill Lake offers public swimming at your own risk.