“Even the smallest act of caring for another person is like a drop of water. It will make ripples throughout the entire pond.”

- Bryan Matteo

Tims Ford Lake: Everything You Need to Know

Tims Ford Lake is a reservoir finished in 1970 and run by the Tennessee Valley Authority in southern middle Tennessee. Because of the damming Elk River, Tims Ford reaches 34 miles upstream throughout Franklin and Moore counties. 

Tims Ford Lake's shoreline totals 246 miles, and at the complete pool, the reservoir covers 11,950 acres. 

The massive dam and reservoir construction program under TVA, following its creation in 1933, had to purchase more than one million acres of land to create 34 reservoirs in five of the seven states under the Tennessee Valley region.

Aside from power generation and recreation, Tims Ford Lake gives water supply and flood damage reduction downstream on the Elk River, mainly for Fayetteville, TN.

Tims Ford Lake Activities

Considered one of Tennessee's most breathtaking and scenic lakes, Tims Ford Lake earns the name as one of the best fishing and recreational lakes you can find in Southeast Tennessee. 

You can do water sports, camping, fishing, and hiking in o this picturesque lake. Tims Ford's amazing bodies of water are famous among canoeists, kayakers, and anglers.

Tims Ford Lake: Fast Facts

• Tims Ford Dam began its construction in 1966 and was completed in 1970.

• The dam is 175 feet tall and extends 1,580 feet over the Elk River.

• Tims Ford Reservoir's water level ranges on 15 feet in an average year.

• A flood-storage capacity of 219,600 acre-feet.

• The hydroelectric plant consists of one generating unit.

“Not every lake dreams to be an ocean. Blessed are the ones who are happy with whom they are.”

- Mehmet Murat ildan

Have fun at Tims Ford Lake!

Tims Ford Lake Map

Here's the map of Tims Ford Lake.

Tims Ford Lake History

How did Tims Ford Lake get its name? The lake got its name after Abner Tims, who helped construct a ford over the Elk River on his property used for many years. He owned property in the 1800s, which is now the sight of the dam. 

Is Tims Ford Lake closed?

Unfortunately, the pool at Tims Ford State Park is closed for the 2021 summer season for the sake of public health and staff safety. However, the park remains open and is still your place to enjoy watersports and recreation this summer. You can learn more about their updates here about pool closures.

Is Tims Ford Lake safe to swim in?

Well, you may ask, "Why can't you swim in Tims Ford Lake?" But here is the straight answer: no, you can't swim in the lake. Swimming is prohibited at the park.

How far is Tims Ford Lake from Nashville?

Quick answer: 100 miles. Being one of the best recreational lakes in the southeast, Tims Ford Lake is 100 miles from Nashville and Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Tims Ford State Park: Your Tennessee State Park

Tims Ford State Park, also called Tims Ford State Rustic Park, is a state park in Tennessee, Franklin County. It's a 1,2321 acres-land located on the Tims Ford Reservoir. The state park is located on the north shore of Tims Ford Lake near the north slope of the Cumberland Plateau, about ten miles from Winchester City. Furthermore, its beauty sits in south-central Tennessee. 

Tims Ford State Park: Fast Facts

Address: 570 Tims Ford Dr, Winchester, Tennessee

Website: https://www.tnstateparks.com/parks/tims-ford?fbclid=IwAR3cT0BAzj2D-KBQ4p-W2XTsCgkZYj__o8KkSL1AzNJ1Hsu_t-61SErFRNI

Telephone Number: (931) 968-3536 

Opening Hours: 8:00 a.m.

How to get there (map): https://goo.gl/maps/R5GJMowW6Wp1ZuyA6

Tims Ford State Park Map

Here’s the map for Tims Ford State Park.

List of activities and amenities you can do and find at Tims Ford State Park:

• Biking

• Boating/Marina

• Holiday Landing Resort and Marina

• Bear Trace Golf Course

• Cabins

• Camping

• Conference Facility

• Fishing

• Hiking Trails

• Picnic Facilities

• Swimming

• And many more

Tims Ford Lake Marinas

Here are some of the marinas you can visit in Tims Ford Lake.

1. Tims Ford Marina and Resort

Address: 175 Marina Lane, Winchester, TN 37398

Phone: (931) 967-4509

Website: https://www.timsfordmarina.com/

2. Holiday Landing Marina

The bluegill grill restaurant on Tims Ford Lake

Address: 912 Old Awalt Rd, Tullahoma, TN 37388

Phone: (931) 455-3151

Website: http://holidaylanding.com

3. Twin Creeks Marina

Address: 91 Slip-A Way, Winchester, TN 37398

Phone: (931) 201-4003

Website: https://www.twincreekstfl.com

The newest bar & grill on Tims Ford Lake

Other Things You Can See Near Tims Ford Lake

1. The Ice Cream Shop

Address: 1499-1353 Tims Ford Dr, Winchester, TN 37398

Phone: (931) 967-6711

Website: https://www.lakeviewmarinatimsford.com/eats-frozen-treats

Your frozen treats on the lake.

2. Dry Creek Beach

Address: 3 Dry Creek Ramp Rd, Winchester, TN 37398

Indeed, there are so many things you can do and discover about Tims Ford Lake. It’s truly a magnificent gift that Mother Nature has given us.

Did we answer most of your asked questions? We hope we did!

If you did enjoy our drone shots and photos of Tims Ford Lake and if you’re looking for real estate photography, book your photoshoot with us today.

We also have a community resource guide that you might want to check out. Check out other guides in Winchester or other neighborhoods in Tennessee.