Monterey, Baxter, Sparta, Smithville, McMinnville, Altamont, Spencer and Gordonsville are among the towns that are at least partially drained by the river.

The name "Caney Fork" comes from the dense cane breaks that grew along the river's banks when European explorers first arrived in the area.

The dam is named for the Great Falls of the Caney Fork, caused by the descent of the stream off of the Highland Rim to the level of the Nashville Basin.

Unlike the Great Falls Dam, this project flooded several small communities and thousands of acres of land previously devoted to agriculture.

Below Center Hill Dam, the stream crosses into Smith County and is bridged by Interstate 40 five times in under four miles.

The bluegrass band Balsam Range has a song of the same name on their album "Last Train to Kitty Hawk".