Come to Smith Mountain Lake
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People come from all over the world to visit Smith Mountain Lake and enjoy sun-filled days of boating, fishing, water skiiing, wake boarding and wave running. Then there is the golfing, hiking, shopping and dining. Did we say there is something here for every taste?
Just because you asked, Smith Mountain Lake was created in 1960 when Appalachian Power built a dam on the Roanoke River in Smith Mountain Gap.
Construction of the dam was completed in 1966, and in 1967 Appalachian Power donated the first parcel of land for what would become the Smith Mountain Lake State Park.
Great Living with Easy Access
Over 22,000 lucky residents actually live here full-time and cruising along the shoreline, we can see why. The views are spectacular, the climate mild and there is still room to breathe. The enclaves and communities that surround Smith Mountain Lake range from quaint to breathtakingly elegant; many featuring their own private boat docks.
Located about midway between Lynchburg and Roanoke, it is easy to get to by car or air. Perhaps you never heard of Moneta, Diamond Hill, Goodview, Hardy, Burnt Chimney, Crossroads Scruggs, White House or Union Hall but if you happen to find yourself in any of these communities, you are probably no more than 2 miles to 10 miles from the lake or one of it's tributaries. The lake borders three counties; Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania.
For all you private pilots, there is a privately owned general aviation airport on the northeastern side of the lake at White House, about four miles southeast of Moneta. It's FAA identifier is W91 and has one 3,058 foot by 50 foot asphalt runway. The south end is designated No.5 with an elevation of 854.7 feet and a heading of 058 magnetic and 045 true. The north end is No. 23 with an elevation of 892 feet and a heading of 232 magnetic and 225 true. Go to:
for complete information on W91.
Wining and Dining at Smith Mountain Lake
Smith Moutain Lake has been blessed with a perfect climate for growing grapes which, of course, means that there is no shortage of vineyards to visit and spectacular wines to sample.
As to dining, no matter what your cravings, there is a cuisine to match.
The spectrum ranges from simple sandwiches to the finest elegant dining whether it be a romantic lakeside meal, a dinner cruise, a drive-in for the best burger around or all the traditional steak, seafood, buffet and ethic fares.
If you would like to see a list of the best restaurants at the lake, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the link to the "Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains".
Is There Anywhere to Stay at Smith Mountain Lake?
Guest lodging abounds for the vacationer or longer term visitors with amenities and facilities for every budget. There are on-the-water and off-water rental homes, town homes, condos, bed and breakfast inns, motels, cabins and campgrounds.
If you have a computer and like to do your own research, just Google "Smith Mountain Lake vacation rentals" and the selections you will find are truly eye-popping.
If you would rather speak to a real human being by phone, contact the SML Chamber of Commerce at (800) 676-8203 or (540) 721-1203 and the helpful people there will gladly assist you in locating rental agents.
Really, What is there to do at Smith Mountain Lake?
Literally, there is something to so every day, every month, and every season at the lake.
Every month of the year offers some type of special activities beginning with a new year celebration January to the Virginia Dare Flotilla for Toys in December.
In every month in between are classic boat shows, wine festivals, bass tournaments, Fall Chili Festivals, antique exhihits, Charity Home tours, golf tourneys, boating poker runs and on and on.
Did we mention golfing?
Smith Mountain Lake is a well known mid-Atlantic golfing destination.
Famous course designers, the likes of Russell Breeden, F.F. Loving, Jr. and Robert Trent Jones, have each created signature courses with immaculate greens situated near the water.
There are three public courses and two private courses at the lake.
The three public courses with their pro-shop phone numbers are:
How about fishing?
About a dozen public marinas are scattered along the 40-mile coastline which ensures that there is no shortage of facilities to meet our boating needs.
You can launch your own boat or rent a wide selection of house boats, bass boats, pontoon boats, sailboats or motor boats for personal sightseeing.
The lake is famous for its great fishing and is host to the Bassmaster Elite Blue Ridge Brawl Tournament.
It is home to Large and Smallmouth Bass; Striped Bass that average 10 to 15 pounds with an occasional 40-pounder; Crappie; Flathead, Channel and White Catfish; Sunfish and an occasional Musky and Walleye.
If you are new to the lake, you can take your chances or hire one of the many fishing guides in the area.
How About a Walk in the Woods?
Smith Mountain Lake State Park hosts the public beach but it also boasts miles and miles of hiking trails.
In fact, there are 13 hiking trails ranging from half a mile to three miles long. The trails meander through the park’s various features, including hardwood forests, pine forests, secluded coves and picturesque vistas. The are open year-round during daylight hours.
The park is on the north shore of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County, approximately 40 miles from both Lynchburg and Roanoke and 140 miles from Richmond. To get there, take U.S. 460 to Route 122 South to Moneta, then go east on Route 608 to White House. Next go south on Route 626 for two miles to park entrance.
Come Home to Smith Mountain Lake
If you aren't tempted yet, did we mention tht the average summer temperature is in the mid-80s and the winter temperatures seem to like it at 40 degrees.
Now doesn't that beat the hundred degree and humidity of the coastal resorts and surely it beats the blizzards and ice in the Northeast.
Oh yes, and the annual rainfall is around 45 inches (unless we happen to be in the middle of a drought) and the winter months usually promise about 15 inches of snow. Sounds like a perfect four-season climate, well, it is.
Getting sick here is not allowed but if the unforseen happens, you could get sick in worse places. Smith Mountain Lake has 10 hospitals and lots of medical facilities in close proximity to the lake.
So as they say, come on down, we'll leave a light on for you.
And by the way, there is a website that goes way in depth on Smith Mountain Lake (no pun intended) and you can link to it here Smith Mountain Lake, Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's everything you ever wanted to know about the lake area.
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