Posted January 1, 2015 | Updated August 16, 2018

Whatever you enjoy doing in your leisure time, you're likely to find it here at this incredible park of the month, Smith Mountain Lake State Park. 

Smith Mountain Lake State Park is relatively new, compared to some of Virginia's other state parks. Situated on what is considered to be Virginia's second largest recreational lake, the park was opened in July 1983 and has been extremely popular attracting visitors from all over Virginia, the U.S. and world.

Water recreation abounds at Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Fishing is fun for all ages at Smith Mountain Lake

SETTING

Exhibits in the Visitor Center tell the story of this area from long ago to the present day. Through these displays you can learn about the land, and the inhabitants of this special place. There is an aquarium with native fish showing what life is like under the water, and in season you can view the ospreycam. From their perch high above the lake the osprey go about their lives unaware that people all over the world are watching.

Smith Mountain Lake was created after Appalachian Power completed construction of the Smith Mountain Dam in 1963. Filling of the reservoir began in late 1963 and was complete in March of 1966. Appalachian Power donated the first 423 acres of land (of which 165 acres were above water) for a state park. The remainder of the 1248 acres comprising the park was purchased by the state over the next 6 years.

Since the park opened it has continued to develop, along with the resort area that has developed all around it. Nestled in the mountains of Bedford County where the foothills meet the Blue Ridge, the park is a natural oasis for people and a variety of flora and fauna. In fact, wildlife watching is a favorite activity here.

Wildlife watching is a popular pastime here at Smith Mountain Lake State Park

FAMILY FUN

The park offers 13 trails for hiking and biking, ranging from half a mile to three miles long, making this park a great place to get your exercise, and many area residents do.

Interpretive programs and activities are offered throughout the year. Wagon rides, craft programs, and Junior Ranger programs are just a few of the offerings which make a vacation here a fun trip for the entire family.

The Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park help out with many of the park's offerings, including a Winter Lecture Series that begin in January. In summer there is the “Music in the Park” series with live bluegrass and cloggers.

We haven't even mentioned all the fun water activities here at Smith Mountain Lake. There is the swimming beach where you can also rent various kinds of watercraft.

Life's a beach here on Smith Mountain Lake

FISHING

Smith Mountain Lake is famous for its fishing opportunities, and the park offers a fishing pier and boat launch. The area also has numerous guide services if you are looking for something more serious than leisurely casting from the pier. Plus there are fishing tournaments held throughout the year at the park.

NEARBY SIGHTS OF INTEREST

Area attractions include:

• Booker T. Washington's boyhood home, now a National Memorial (open daily offering historic programs and free admission) 
• Nearby in Bedford is the National D-Day Memorial. This community is home to the memorial because it suffered the largest per capita D-Day losses in the nation. 
• "Virginia's Blue Ridge" is the City of Roanoke and neighbors; with its museums and restaurants is just about an hour away.
• The Harvester Performance Center is a new, mid-sized music venue located in nearby Rocky Mount, about 45 minutes south of the park which boasts over 150 shows per year with live performances in all kinds of genres.
• Not to be missed is Appalachian Power's Smith Mountain Dam and visitor center.
• Shopping, wining and dining, festivals and a full-array of resort type activities are all here in the Smith Mountain Lake area.

You can find directions to all of these sites and more at the park office.

OVERNIGHT

Cabins are surrounded by nature

Overnight accommodations include camping and 20 cabins, 8 with water views, and some with easily accessible boat docks. The cabins here all have wood stoves rather than fireplaces. Click here for reservations.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park is located on the North shore of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County, about an hour from either Lynchburg or Roanoke.

It's all here and the livin' is easy at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Be sure to make your overnight reservations soon as the cabins are very popular. 

 

You might enjoy Pat's article "If These Hills Could Talk" about the history of the lake and park. 

Posted January 1, 2015 | Updated August 16, 2018