The Little Lake House · Center Hill Lake [Stay](#) [Explore](#) [Book](#) Hiker's Guide · Trails with Lake Views# The Best Hikes Near *The Little Lake House* littlelakehousechl.com Center Hill Lake, Tennessee Tony's Guide · 2026Center Hill Lake isn't just for the water. Within 30 minutes of The Little Lake House, you have access to some of the finest trail hiking in Middle Tennessee — ridge walks with panoramic lake views, forested hollows, lakeside paths, and trails leading to world-class waterfalls. This is your guide to the best of it, organized by effort.Difficulty GuideEasy — all fitness levels, flat or gentle terrain, under 2 hrsModerate — fit hikers, some elevation, 2–4 hrsStrenuous — strong hikers, significant elevation, 4+ hrs---"The lake is right outside your door. The trails take you above it."---01## Millennium Trail — Edgar Evins State Park Moderate · 2–3 Hours~15 minutes from The Little Lake House · Silver Point, TN · Free · Registration required at trailheadThe Millennium Trail is the most beloved hike on Center Hill Lake — and for good reason. The loop descends gently from the trailhead almost to lake level, follows the shoreline through mature hardwood forest, winds through quiet hollows past old homeplaces and stone fences, and brings you back up through some of the most peaceful wooded terrain in DeKalb County. On a clear morning, the lake views from the lower portions of the trail are the kind that make you stop walking entirely.It's a moderate hike — nothing that will break you — but the variety of terrain keeps it interesting from start to finish. Wildlife sightings are common: white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and a surprising range of birds for those paying attention. The trailhead requires registration; a small parking area is located at the start.Distance2.3 mi loopElevation Gain311 ftTime2–3 hours with stopsBest SeasonYear-round · Winter and early spring for clearest lake views#### What Makes It Worth the DriveConsistent lake views from a well-maintained loop trail right on Center Hill Lake. A peaceful, varied forest environment with old homeplace ruins and stone fences. The most approachable quality hike within 15 minutes of the cabin. Rated 4.2 stars from 500+ AllTrails reviews. **What to Bring** - Trail runners or hiking shoes (rooty terrain)- Water (at least 1 liter per person)- Camera — lake view sections are excellent- Register at the trailhead kiosk before departing **Little Lake House Tip** Hike this one in winter or early spring when the leaves are down — the lake views are dramatically better. Pair with the Merritt Ridge Trail (below) if you want a full-day challenge. Parking is at the Millennium Trailhead on the park road.---02## Merritt Ridge Trail — Edgar Evins State Park Strenuous · Full Day~15 minutes from The Little Lake House · Silver Point, TN · Free · Shares trailhead with Millennium TrailIf the Millennium Trail is the warm-up, Merritt Ridge is the main event. This trail branches off the Millennium approximately one mile in and climbs steeply onto the ridge above the lake — rewarding the effort with spectacular elevated views of Center Hill Lake and the surrounding hills. The ridge walk itself is outstanding: open forest, dramatic bluff sections, a mysterious wall of massive stacked stones whose purpose no one has ever fully explained, and sweeping panoramas that justify every foot of elevation gained getting there.Combined with the Millennium Trail into a full loop, this is a 7.7-mile day — one of the finest full-day hikes in Middle Tennessee. The elevation gain is serious and the terrain is rugged. It's not crowded, which is part of the appeal. Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the steep ridge descent.Distance7.7 mi combined with Millennium LoopElevation Gain1,489 ft totalTime5–7 hoursBest SeasonEarly spring for wild hyacinths · Winter for open ridge views#### What Makes It Worth the EffortA rare combination of serious ridge hiking and genuine Center Hill Lake views. Wild hyacinths covering two acres of trail in spring. A mysterious stacked-stone wall on the bluff that the park service has never explained. Sections of trail that pass remnants of the Lon Christian Homeplace deep in the hollows. One of the least-crowded quality long hikes in the region. **What to Bring** - Trekking poles — the ridge descent is steep- 2+ liters of water per person- Snacks and lunch for a full day out- Trail map — some sections are remote- Sturdy hiking boots, not trail runners- Start no later than 8am for a full loop **Little Lake House Tip** Hike the Millennium Trail first (counterclockwise to the connector), complete the full Merritt Ridge Loop, then return via the other half of the Millennium. Parking and restrooms are available at the main park, but not at the trailhead itself. This is a trail that rewards experience — if you're a casual hiker, save Merritt Ridge for your second Center Hill Lake trip and do the Millennium solo first.---03## Burgess Falls Trail — Burgess Falls State Park Moderate · 2–3 Hours~30 minutes from The Little Lake House · Baxter, TN · Free · Dogs welcome on leashFour waterfalls. One trail. 250 feet of combined drop. Burgess Falls State Park protects a dramatic stretch of the Falling Water River — the same river whose waters eventually flow into Center Hill Lake right outside your cabin door — as it descends through a limestone gorge in four distinct stages: a 20-foot cascade, a 30-foot upper falls, an 80-foot middle falls, and the 136-foot main event, Burgess Falls, plunging into a gorge so dramatic it stops most hikers mid-step.The River Trail is 1.5 miles round-trip and involves steep staircases, rocky riverside terrain, and exposed roots — it's not a stroll. The section from Middle Falls back to the parking lot is most easily done via the service road, which is gentler on the knees than retracing the river route. For the full waterfall experience, this is one of the finest short-but-serious hikes in Tennessee.Distance1.5 mi round tripElevation Gain~243 ft · steep stairsTime2–3 hours with stopsFalls Count4 waterfalls · 136 ft main drop#### What Makes It Worth the DriveFour distinct waterfalls in a single trail, culminating in a 136-foot finale into one of the most dramatic gorges in Middle Tennessee. A free state park experience 30 minutes from the cabin. Consistently rated among the top waterfall hikes in Tennessee. **What to Bring** - Sturdy hiking shoes — no sandals or flip flops- Trekking poles for steep stair sections- Water (1+ liter per person)- Camera — every overlook delivers- Arrive before 9am (parking is very limited in 2026) **Little Lake House Tip** Hike down via the River Trail and return via the service road — it's a better experience and much easier on the return. The upper parking lot is closed in 2026 while a new visitor center is under construction, making parking extremely limited — arrive before 9am on any weekend or risk turning back without hiking. No designated swim area at the park itself; to see the base of the main falls, rent a kayak from Cane Hollow Recreation Area and paddle upriver. One of the most stunning perspectives in Tennessee.---04## Pedigo Point Trail — Appalachian Center for Craft Moderate–Strenuous · 2 Hours~10 minutes from The Little Lake House · Smithville, TN · FreeThis one is The Little Lake House's local secret. The Pedigo Point Trail starts at the Appalachian Center for Craft at Tennessee Tech — a short drive down the road — and drops steeply through beautiful forested terrain to a natural swimming area on Center Hill Lake. It's the only hike on this list where the trail reward is the lake itself. On a warm day, the combination of a real hike and a lake swim at the bottom is as good as it gets.Fair warning: the descent is steep, and the return is steeper. What goes down must come back up — and the uphill return is the honest part of this trail. But the lake access at the bottom, the forest quality throughout, and the quick drive from the cabin make Pedigo Point the closest thing to a private lake hike you'll find in the area.Distance~2.1 mi round tripElevation Gain413 ft · steep returnTime~2 hoursBonusNatural lake swimming area at the base#### What Makes It Worth the ClimbThe only trail near the cabin that rewards you with direct lake swimming at the end. A steep, honest forest hike with genuine solitude and quality views of Center Hill Lake on the descent. Less than 10 minutes from the front door. **What to Bring** - Sturdy shoes with grip — loose terrain on descent- Swimsuit and towel if visiting the swim area- Water and snacks- Start at the Appalachian Center for Craft sign on the front lawn **Little Lake House Tip** Do this hike in the first half of the day — the swim at the bottom is the reward, and you'll want daylight and energy for the climb back. Ask us at check-in for the local trailhead details; it's close enough to feel like your own backyard trail.---05## Berry C. Williams Overlook — Appalachian Center for Craft Easy · 30–45 Minutes~10 minutes from The Little Lake House · Smithville, TN · FreeNot every great view requires miles of trail. The Berry C. Williams Overlook is a gentle walk up an overlook road from the Appalachian Center for Craft that delivers two spectacular panoramic views of Center Hill Lake — including the Candy Fork River curving under Hurricane Bridge and the open lake horizon beyond. It's the fastest route to an elevated lake view in the area, and it's beautiful at any time of year.This is the walk for mornings when you want to feel like you've explored something without committing to a full hike — or the perfect short outing with older guests, kids in tow, or anyone who just wants the view without the effort.DistanceShort · 30–45 min walkDifficultyEasy for all agesBest TimeSunrise · Sunset · Anytime#### What Makes It Worth the StopTwo sweeping lake views from an easy walk. Hurricane Bridge and the Candy Fork River visible from the overlook. No significant elevation, no technical terrain — just a beautiful vantage point 10 minutes from the cabin. **Little Lake House Tip** Combine this with a visit to the Appalachian Center for Craft's gallery — open daily, free to enter, featuring jewelry, ceramics, blown glass, woodwork, and textiles made by students and regional artists. A great 2-hour morning outing before a lazy afternoon on the deck.---At a Glance · Hikes Near The Little Lake House| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Drive ||---|---|---|---|| Millennium Trail | 2.3 mi loop | Moderate | 15 min || Merritt Ridge (combined) | 7.7 mi loop | Strenuous | 15 min || Burgess Falls | 1.5 mi out-and-back | Moderate | 30 min || Pedigo Point | 2.1 mi out-and-back | Moderate–Strenuous | 10 min || Berry C. Williams Overlook | Short walk | Easy | 10 min |---After the HikeThe deck, the hammock, and the fire pit will be waiting for you. The Little Lake House is designed for exactly this: a hard morning on the trail, a late afternoon on the deck with a cold drink and a lake view, and a fire after dark. Firewood is provided.[Book your stay at The Little Lake House →](https://www.littlelakehousechl.com/book)