Nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Spanning over 20,600 acres with 500 miles of shoreline, it’s the second-largest freshwater lake in the state, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities.
You can enjoy a variety of experiences, from action-packed water sports and hiking to peaceful fishing and lakeside relaxation. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway, this lake delivers unforgettable experiences. With its stunning backdrop and changing scenic views throughout the seasons, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories.
Discover Smith Mountain Lake’s Natural Beauty
Smith Mountain Lake, with its serene waters and lush surroundings, is the perfect spot for those looking to connect with nature. The lake’s natural beauty is complemented by two magnificent parks: Smith Mountain Lake State Park and Smith Mountain Lake Community Park.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Smith Mountain Lake State Park spans 1,248 acres with approximately 16 miles of lakefront, offering a comprehensive outdoor experience. The park features a 500-foot-long beach area perfect for swimming, with lifeguards on duty during peak season. Visitors can enjoy hiking on trails that wind through diverse ecosystems, ranging from easy walking paths to more challenging routes with spectacular views.
Smith Mountain Lake Community Park
The 37-acre Smith Mountain Lake Community Park provides a family-oriented, ADA-equipped facility for fishing and family recreation. The park features a partly-covered fishing pier known for catching striped bass. Both parks offer picnic areas with tables and grills, making them ideal for family gatherings or romantic lakeside meals.
Water Activities at Smith Mountain Lake
You can enjoy numerous water activities on Smith Mountain Lake, from relaxing to adventurous. The lake’s expansive 20,600-acre surface is perfect for a variety of fun experiences.
Boating and Water Sports
Boating is the quintessential Smith Mountain Lake experience. You can rent pontoon boats starting at $200 for 8+ hours, as well as ski boats, personal watercraft, fishing boats, and even houseboats. Enjoy water sports like wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, and jet skiing in the lake’s numerous coves and open water areas.
Equipment rentals are available at several marinas around the shoreline, making it easy to try new water activities during your vacation.
Swimming and Beach Areas
Swimming is popular at designated beach areas in both Smith Mountain Lake State Park and Community Park. These areas offer sandy shores and roped-off swimming zones, providing safe environments for families with children.
For a unique water experience, visit Blackwater Junction cable park for wakeboarding and wakeskating in a controlled environment just off the main lake.
Fishing Adventures on the Lake
If you’re an angler, you’ll love Smith Mountain Lake for its exceptional fishing opportunities. The lake is home to a diverse fish population, including striped bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and muskellunge. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, Smith Mountain Lake offers a unique fishing experience.
Top Fishing Spots
The Smith Mountain Lake Community Park features a partly-covered fishing pier known for its striped bass. Areas near the dam are also popular, as the deeper waters harbor larger fish. With its varied fish population, Smith Mountain Lake is a must-visit destination for any angler.
Hiring a Fishing Guide
Hiring a local fishing guide at Smith Mountain Lake can significantly enhance your fishing experience. Guides know the best spots, seasonal patterns, and expert techniques, ensuring you make the most of your time on the water. They also provide all the necessary gear, so you can focus on reeling in the big one.
Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia: Best Things to Do for History Buffs
History enthusiasts visiting Smith Mountain Lake will find a wealth of fascinating attractions to explore. The region is steeped in history, offering a range of captivating sites that provide a glimpse into the past.
Booker T. Washington National Monument
The Booker T. Washington National Monument is a significant historical site that commemorates the life of Booker Taliaferro Washington, born into slavery in 1856. This monument, established in 1957 by Presidential Proclamation, features preserved plantation buildings, including slave quarters and a tobacco barn, as well as farm animals like pigs, ducks, and chickens.
National D-Day Memorial
Just a short drive from Smith Mountain Lake, the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, honors the Allied forces who participated in the Normandy invasion during World War II. This memorial complex features sculptures, a reflecting pool, and educational exhibits that pay tribute to the thousands of young men who lost their lives on D-Day.
Both of these historical sites offer a poignant look into the past, making them must-visit destinations for history buffs traveling to Smith Mountain Lake.
Scenic Cruises and Tours
Experience the beauty of Smith Mountain Lake from a new perspective with a scenic cruise or tour. You can enjoy the lake’s picturesque views and learn about its history and ecosystem while relaxing on a boat.
Virginia Dare Cruises
The Virginia Dare, a 19th-century replica paddlewheel boat, offers two-hour narrated cruises covering 10 miles of the lake’s easternmost shores. You can enjoy lunch or dinner onboard while taking in the spectacular views of lakefront homes and Smith Mountain Dam. The cruises operate from April to December, providing a unique experience on Smith Mountain Lake.
Guided Boat Tours
For a more personalized experience, Captain Vic’s Sea Ray Services provides private narrated tours for up to six people. You can customize your route and enjoy a leisurely cruise without the responsibilities of operating a boat yourself. Additionally, the Smith Mountain Lake State Park offers wildlife and nature cruises on their pontoon boat, with narration by park rangers or Virginia Master Naturalists.
Golf and Land Activities
Golfers and nature lovers alike will find plenty to enjoy around Smith Mountain Lake. The area offers a mix of golf courses, hiking trails, and scenic drives that showcase the natural beauty of the region.
Golf Courses Around the Lake
Smith Mountain Lake is a golfer’s paradise, with two public and two private 18-hole golf courses. The Mariners Landing Country Club is particularly noteworthy, offering a scenic golfing experience with its lakeside location and well-maintained course. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy beautiful fairways with lake and mountain views, enhancing their golfing experience.
Hiking and Nature Trails
Beyond golf, the area around Smith Mountain Lake offers numerous hiking trails and scenic drives. The nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” provides 469 miles of scenic roadway with numerous overlooks offering spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains. Hikers can explore trails ranging from easy family-friendly paths to challenging routes for experienced hikers, enjoying seasonal displays of wildflowers and vibrant foliage.
Family Entertainment Options
At Smith Mountain Lake, you can create lifelong memories with your family through its diverse entertainment options. The area is designed to cater to visitors of all ages, ensuring that everyone has a great time.
Miniature Golf and Amusements
Smith Mountain Lake offers several miniature golf courses and amusement centers. Hot Shots family entertainment center features a miniature golf course, an outdoor pavilion for music and games, and a new barn for axe throwing. Harbortown Miniature Golf Course is another popular spot, located over the water at Bridgewater Plaza.
The area is also home to Fun-N-Games Arcade, located in the popular plaza at Hales Ford Bridge, Franklin County. These entertainment options provide a fun-filled experience for families during the summer months.
Movies and Indoor Activities
For rainy days or evening entertainment, Westlake Cinema at Westlake Towne Center is a great option. The cinema features four screens with stadium seating, Real D3D capabilities, concessions, and arcade games, showing the latest Hollywood releases year-round.
A unique experience for kids is feeding the enormous carp at Bridgewater Plaza. The carp, ranging from 24 to 36 inches long, eagerly snatch popcorn right from your fingers, creating a memorable and fun activity for the family.
Wine, Beer, and Local Cuisine
As you explore the Smith Mountain Lake region, you’ll discover a thriving scene of wineries, breweries, and distilleries. This area is perfect for those who enjoy wine, beer, and local cuisine, offering a unique blend of flavors and experiences.
Wineries and Breweries
The Smith Mountain Lake region is home to charming wineries and delightful breweries. Local wineries offer breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains along with award-winning wines. Craft beer enthusiasts can appreciate the distinctive styles produced by local breweries. The annual Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival is a highlight, featuring wine tastings, artisan vendors, and live music.
Waterfront Dining
Waterfront dining is a highlight of any visit to Smith Mountain Lake. Numerous restaurants offer spectacular views along with cuisine ranging from casual pizza and sandwiches to upscale seafood and gourmet offerings. You can enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants on the waterfront, savoring local flavors and enjoying the scenery. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Smith Mountain Lake has something for everyone.
Planning Your Perfect Smith Mountain Lake Getaway
As you plan your trip to Smith Mountain Lake, consider the vast array of accommodations available to suit your needs. From waterfront vacation homes and cabins at Smith Mountain Lake State Park to hotels, resorts, and houseboats, you have numerous options to choose from.
The timing of your visit is crucial, as peak season (June-August) offers a wide range of activities but comes with higher prices ($700-$15,000 per week for waterfront rentals). In contrast, the shoulder seasons provide a great balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more flexible booking options.
When planning your itinerary, don’t forget to research boat rental options and familiarize yourself with Virginia’s boating safety requirements. With a mix of water activities, historical explorations, and family entertainment, you’ll experience the best of Smith Mountain Lake. Leave some room for spontaneous discoveries and relaxation to fully appreciate the natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere that makes this destination special.
