Great Falls Lake. A hydroelectric plant and dam built by the Tennessee Electric Power Company was completed in 1917, creating Great Falls Reservoir with 125 miles of shoreline. From about 1920 to 1940, this lake was the leading recreation resort area in Middle Tennessee. The natural beauty and recreation potential of this park make it an important part of the total park system. In 1964, a group of local citizens had a dream and formed a steering committee to spearhead efforts toward establishing a park at Rock Island. During the next seven years, this committee worked with both the Tennessee Valley Authority and state officials and managed to acquire, through purchase, several tracts of private property. Then, in 1971, some 350 acres were leased from TVA. The TVA lease, the private tracts, and additional land leased from the US Army Corps of Engineers comprise the present park. Initial development was begun in 1969 and continues today. There is a free public launching ramp on Great Falls Lake. The Blue Hole, on Center Hill Lake, lies adjacent to the park shore. It is considered one of the finest fishing places in the state. It is also accessible via a boat launching ramp three miles from the park office. Fishing is best in the spring, but visitors enjoy boat riding and skiing well into the fall. (See Center Hill Lake)