| At over 20,000 acres,
Smith Mountain Lake is the second largest lake in Virginia. Lake construction began in 1960, when engineers began the process of damming the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers at the base of Smith Mountain to generate electricity and to manage water flows on the rivers. The lake was completed in 1966.
Smith Mountain Lake is 250 feet deep at its deepest point and has excellent water purity.
The lake is up to 795 feet above sea level, with very little variation.
“Smith Mountain Lake is regularly stocked with game fish, and holds the state record for citation striped bass. Considered by many to be one of the best fishing spots in the eastern United States, the lake is home to Northern Pike, Muskie, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, White Bass, Walleye, Catfish, Crappie, and many types of Sunfish as well as trophy Stripers.” ~ Quoted from waterfrontontheweb.com
Area
Facts
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Population
Smith Mountain Lake……………. 18,000 (approx.)
Bedford County……………………. 56,100
Franklin County……………………. 45,400
Pittsylvania County………………. 57,800
The population within a 40 mile radius is about 600,000.
Location
Smith Mountain Lake borders the Southwest Virginia counties
of Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania.
Nearby cities and towns
Roanoke, Salem, Vinton, Lynchburg, Bedford, Rocky Mount,
Martinsville, and Danville are all located within a one-hour commute of
Smith Mountain Lake. Blacksburg is about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Smith
Mountain Lake.
Taxes
Bedford County: $.73 per $100
Franklin County: $.60 per $100
Pittsylvania County: $.49 per $100
State Sales Tax: 4.5%
Boating & Marinas
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Boat rentals
Cruises
Virginia Dare Cruises
Sailing
Virginia Inland Sailing
Association
Antique & Classic Boats
Smith Mountain Lake Chapter Antique & Classic Boat Society
Marinas
Crazy Horse Marina. (540) 721-1587
Camper’s Paradise Marina. (540) 297-6109
Saunder’s Parkway Marina. (540) 297-4412
Foxsport XIV Marina. (540) 721-2451
Webster Marina. (540) 297-5228
Waterwheel Marina. (540) 297-5142
Virginia Dare Marina. (540) 297-5142
Mitchell’s Point Marina. (540) 297-7174
J & M Marina. (540) 721-2992
Lake Haven Marina. (540) 927-5380
Our Place Marina. (540) 297-7325
Palmer’s Marina. (540) 576-3651
Smith Mountain Lake Yacht Club. (540) 297-4484
Outdoor Activities
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Skydiving
Airplane rides
There are several places to get scenic airplane rides around Smith Mountain Lake and the Peaks of Otter.
Smith Mountain Lake Airport – 540.297.4500
Offering 20 minute flights from the dam to the Hales Ford Bridge.
Hillman Aviation – 540.362.0711
Offering flights from Roanoke to the Peaks of Otter to Smith Mountain Lake Dam.
Parasailing
Parasailing at Smith Mountain Lake is offered by Bridgewater Marina out of their Bernard’s Landing location. For more information call them at 800.729.1639
Mini golf
Stables
Shadow Ridge Stables
10120 Booker T. Washington Highway, Wirtz VA
(540) 721-5120
Fields & Foxes
Rt. 220, Rocky Mount, VA
(540) 483-7120
Rosehill Farm
4791 Peaks Road, Bedford, VA
(540) 586-1424
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Smith Mountain Lake State park is a 1,248 acre park with 16 miles of lake frontage located in Huddleston, Virginia. The park was opened to the public in 1983. The park has 5 miles of hiking trails, a public beach with a bath house, food service, and gifts. Public fishing is available at the fishing pier, and the park offers boat launching facilities as well as jet ski, paddleboat, and pontoon boat rentals in season.
Camping sites at the State Park include a grill, fire ring, and picnic tables. There are 24 campsites offering water and electric. Rental cabins are also available, and reservations are required. To make a reservation, please call (800) 933-PARK.
The Park also hosts a variety of interpretive programs, including Junior Rangers, canoe trips, night hikes and musical events.
For more information, please visit http://www.dcr.state.va.us/parks/smithmtn.htm
or contact the Park at:
Smith Mountain State Park
1235 State Park Road, Huddleston, VA 24104
(540) 297-6066
Dining
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Blackwater Cafe
Route 616
540-721-4333
Camper’s Paradise
1336 Camper’s Paradise Tr., Moneta, VA 24121, – Dreamer Walton, General Manager
540-297-6109
Carl’s Place
Route 40 East
540-576-2838
China City
Route 616, Lake Plaza
540-721-2646
China Place Shoprite Plaza
540-297-9297
Chopsticks Chinese Restaurant
Bridgewater Plaza, Moneta, VA 24121, – Shawn Lin/Jenny Chen
540-721-8839
Dairy Queen
520 Scruggs Rd., Moneta, VA 24121, – Dallas McNab
540-721-7541
Danny’s Pizza and Subs Village Square
540-297-2755
DeGrill Floating Restaurant
Smith Mountain Lake’s First Float-Thru Restaurant
Call on the lake at Cell 540-529-4745 or
540-297-8885 to leave message
Diamond Hill General Store
1017 Diamond Hill Rd., Moneta, VA 24121 – Carl & Christine Brodt, Owners
540-297-9309
Dudley Mart & Restaurant
6674 Burnt Chimney Rd. Wirtz, VA 24184
540-721-1635
El Grande Italian Restaurant
11970 Old Franklin Turnpike (Rt. 40), Union Hall, VA 24176, Joe Altadona, Owner/Manager
540-576-1120
Mangos Bar and Grill
Bridgewater Plaza on the lake
540-721-1632
Mario’s Restaurant and Pizza
16483 Moneta Rd, Halesford Center
540-297-8900
Moose’s Deli & Restaurant
Featuring sandwiches, barbecues ribs and Mexican dishes.
Outside deck overlooks the lake, casual dining.
Bridgewater Plaza Moneta, VA 24121
540-721-5255
New York Pizza
Lake Plaza, Moneta, VA 24121
540-721-4880
New York Subs
Lake Plaza, Moneta, VA 24121
540-721-9766
Old Virginia Bar-B-Que
540-489-1788
Pizza Pub Restaurant
Bridgewater Plaza 2nd Level overlooking the Lake, (Takeout available), Jerry Waters, Owner/Manager
540-721-1234
R.T.’s Dock n Dine
Bridgewater Plaza lower level, features fine dining and entertainment
16430 Booker T. Washington Hwy, Moneta, VA 24121
540-721-6540
Subway
Lake Plaza, Moneta, VA 24121
540-721-7827
Taco Bell
540-666-9417
The Landing Restaurant at Bernard’s Landing Resort
“Voted the Best Restaurant and Best Chef 2000 in Roanoke’s CITY MAGAZINE, the Landing offers gourmet dining with a innovative flair. Chef/owner Andy Schlosser says, “We’re kind of like New York with a Southern touch and an island flair.” That mixture of Broadway, Blue Ridge, and the Bahamas is evident in creations such as the Caribbean pork tenderloin with crispy sweet potatoes ($19) accompanied by a bowl of Abaco-style conch chowder ($6). The menu changes seasonally to take advantage of the freshest products and Chef Andy’s creative juices.
773 Ashmeade Dr., Moneta, VA 24121, Andy & Patience Schlosser & Mike Caudill, Owners/Managers
540-721-3028
The Lakehouse Restaurant
Route 122 Fairway Village Shopping Mall at Westlake Centre
Open 7 days weekly, Debbie Dudley, Owner, Donna MacBriar, GM
540-721-5003
The Mouse Trap
4 Bridgewater Plaza, Moneta, VA 24121, Pat & Christi Walsh
540-721-4997
The Upper Deck
Crazy Horse Marina, Moneta, VA 24121
540-721-8000
Virginia Dare Cruises
540-297-7100
Westlake Grille
360 Chestnut Creek Dr., Hardy, VA 24101, Jimmy Bennett, GM
540-721-4215
White House Corner Store
Smith Mountain Lake Parkway, Huddleston, VA 24104
540-297-6857
White House Restaurant
6732 White House Rd., Huddleston, VA 24104, Frank Brodke, Manager
540-297-7104
Fishing
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Smith Mountain Lake
is stocked with Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, and Smallmouth Bass. Northern
Pike, Muskie, White Bass, Walleye, Catfish, Crappie, and many types of
Sunfish also breed in the Lake. In 2000 a new record was set in Virginia
when a 53 pound Striper was caught just below the Smith Mountain dam.
Here are a few links to help you get started on catching a monster of your own:
Fishing Guides
on Smith Mountain Lake
Captain
Matt Terry’s Guide Service
Keeper Charters
Captain Mike’s Striper Fishing
Rockfish Adventures
Spike’s Prime Time Fishin’
Golfing
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Smith Mountain Lake is one of the Mid-Atlantic area’s most popular golfing destinations. Golfing for
beginners and experts alike is available from the lake’s quintet of courses.
Some of the most challenging greens in the state plus breathtaking views of
surrounding mountains are all part of the action!
Mariner’s
Landing is an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones. Located off Rt. 626 in Huddleston, Virginia. It is a semi-private course with memberships now available. Nine of it’s 18 holes play along or over water.
Women, championship, men and senior tee boxes are available. Call 540-297-7888.
Sycamore Ridge, a challenging eighteen hole course with a driving range and putting green. It is a long time favorite with seniors and women. It is a more hilly course with views of the lake.
Sycamore Ridge is open to the public and memberships are available.
Located at 1270 Trails Road in Goodview, Virginia. Call 540-297-6490.
The Waterfront is an 18-hole PGA-championship course created in 1981 by golf
architect George Dillon, formerly of George Fazio and Associates. This private
course is available to members and their guests and to those renting one of the
development’s condos with golf privileges. Contact Waterfront Properties at
540-721-8659.
The Water’s Edge Country Club was named one of the country’s best new
courses by Golf Digest in 1992. It features 5 sets of tees and 6 holes
that play along the lake plus outstanding big-water views from 17 holes. This
course was designed by Robert F. Loving Jr. and features a par-3 seventh hole as
an island green surrounded by water. The Water’s Edge is private and members
must be property owners.
The Westlake Golf and Country Club was designed by golf architect Russell
Breeden, know for courses across Virginia and in the Myrtle Beach, SC area. This
course is a striking 18-hole course centered around a restored farmhouse
converted into a clubhouse/restaurant/pro-shop/banquet-facility. The Westlake is
semi-private – members may reserve tee times up to 7 days in advance; the public
may reserve up to 3 days in advance. This is a scenic course with tree-lined fairways and rolling creeks.
Located at 360 Chestnut Creek in Hardy, Virginia. Call (800) 296-7277 or (540) 721-7277
Sightseeing
activities near Smith Mountain Lake
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Smith Mountain Dam
Booker T. Washington National Monument
National D-Day Memorial
Virginia Explore Park
Center in the Square
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Mill Mountain Zoo
Blue Ridge Parkway
Dixie Caverns
Jefferson Center
Smith Mountain Lake Visitor’s
Center Arts & Culture
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Museums & galleries
Art Museum of
Western Virginia
Studios on the Square
The Gallery at Jefferson Center
Perspectives Gallery at Smith Mountain Lake Theatre
Mill Mountain Theatre
Roanoke Ballet Theatre
Music
Opera Roanoke
Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
Arts Organizations
The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge
Hotels & Lodging
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Vacation Rentals
Smith Mountain Lake Rental Properties, Inc.
Resorts
Bernard’s Landing Resort and Conference Center
Hotels & Motels
Comfort Inn Smith Mountain Lake
Budget Host Inn Rocky Mount
Ratliff Inn
Camper’s Paradise
Motel
Bed & Breakfast
Maridor Bed & Breakfast (Roanoke)
Chateauware Bed & Breakfast (Boones Mill)
The Claiborne House
Manor at Taylor’s Store
Campgrounds
Crazy Horse Campground
Goose Dam Campground
Campers Paradise
Blue Ridge Campground
Houseboats
Adventures on Houseboats
Driving
distances to Smith Mountain Lake
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Atlanta………………….. 480 miles
Baltimore…………..….. 220 miles
Greensboro……………. 120 miles
New York………………. 430 miles
Philadelphia…..………. 260 miles
Richmond………..……. 130 miles
Roanoke………….…….. 25 miles
Washington DC………. 190 miles
Flying
to Smith Mountain Lake
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Commercial flights:
Roanoke Regional Airport
(ROA) is located about 45 minutes from Smith Mountain Lake.
Private planes:
Smith Mountain Lake Airport is a general aviation airport with a 3000
foot runway. For information, please contact owner/operator Joe Borgess
at (540) 297-4500.
Schooling
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Franklin County Schools
Bedford County Schools
Roanoke County Schools
Pittsylvania County Schools
Local Weather
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At Smith Mountain Lake, you’ll find wonderful places and people. Our area’s great natural beauty–from the waters and woods to the Blue Ridge Mountains–is the perfect destination for your very own style of fun, whether you seek days full of activities or good old fashioned relaxing.
Current Weather Report Here.
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