Bernard’s Landing. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Picnic Shelter - One shelter is available for rent. 1. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. . Take the time to read the written material that is hanging on the walls. Called the "Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains," Smith Mountain Lake is the second largest body of freshwater in Virginia after John H. 7. 773 Ashmeade Rd, Moneta, VA 24121-3272 +1 540-346-2205 Website. Smith Mountain Lake Dam utilizes pumped-storage hydroelectricity by which water that is released downstream can be pumped back into Smith Mountain Lake for re-use. One of the prettiest sights near Smith Mountain Lake is the view from. The Sanctuary at Smith Mountain Lake is a collection of unique lake-front communities with direct access to the beautiful waters of Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. So far, it’s done an excellent job of providing both power and pastimes to the state. water is pumped back from Leesville Lake into Smith Mountain Lake dam via the pipe in the middle of the dam The reservoir is designed so water above 795 feet in elevation will flow over the spillway. 10. From Blue Ridge Parkway: Take Route 24 East exit to Stewartsville , and on to Rt 122 South. The average depth of. Harbortown Mini-Golf at Bridgewater Plaza is probably the most popular place, and there are many other activities to do and places to visit after playing. See moreLearn about the Smith Mountain Project, a two-lake complex of dams and reservoirs on the Roanoke River in Virginia, that provides power and recreation for the region. This means that when Smith Mountain generates power by passing water through the turbines, the Smith Mountain lake level can fluctuate up to two feet before Leesville Lake becomes full. Finished in 1966, the lake quickly became a hub of Virginia recreation. The majority of the south shore of the lake lies in Franklin County while a small portion, including access to the dam, lies in Pittsylvania County. Historical Pontoon Boat Tour: Ride with a guide from SML State Park to learn the history of how the lake was created, the origin of the park and more. Construction crews work at the Leesville Dam site as well the larger Smith Mountain Lake Dam. m. They completed the dam in 1967 and donated some of the surrounding land to form the park. Smith Mountain Lake offers visitors a variety of activities, such as boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and biking trails. This crane is capable of lifting 450 tons of equipment. Its purpose was to hold back the Roanoke River and create. There are also outside pathways to get a close-up view of the dam and Smith Mountain. 16503 Booker T. Also shows current level and trend (rise or fall rate). It has a number of exhibits about both the Smith Mountain Lake Dam (location of this visitor center) and also the Leesville Dam which is 19. W80°. Smith Mountain Lake was created following the construction of a hydroelectric dam for Appalachian Power Company at the confluence of the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers located at the base of Smith Mountain. 8 miles from Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center. There are a couple of places you can go to rent scenic airplane rides around Smith Mountain Lake and the Peaks of Otter. Experience the outstanding natural beauty of the Smith Mountain Lake region by planning a hiking or biking adventure. 3. Smith Mountain Lake State Park; Smith Mountain Dam; Public Notices; Home. Army Corps of Engineers Dam Name: Smith Mountain Combination Pump Storage (APPALACHIAN POWER COMPANY) Daily Levels By Month Roanoke River River. Tuesday, November 21, 2023 7:00:00 AM Level is 2. In Winter without the leaves, there's a few views of SML Smith Mountain Lake. Campfires are not allowed. If you love working in a positive environment with people…Smith Mountain Lake Dam. Alexander L. caught in 2000 from below the SML dam in Leesville Lake. Here are some Smith Mountain Lake Fun Facts. 751, where you’ll see a sign to Smith Mountain Dam Visitors Center. 7100. THE ADJUSTED RESERVOIR ELEVATION WAS 793. The Leesville Dam regulates the Smith Mountain Lake's outflows and. pH depth profiles for Smith Mountain Lake in 2020. In the spring and the fall when water temperatures are comfortable for striped. Can you eat the fish from Smith Mountain Lake? Fish on Smith Mountain Lake’s Do Not. The restaurant scene at Smith Mountain Lake is deliciously dynamic, with dozens of spots to grab breakfast, lunch and dinner both off and on the water. You can tell they all enjoyed their job and makes the experience much more pleasant! Clean kayaks and overall great day. By michaelaB3470SP. 9-meter-diameter (26-foot-diameter) openings to channel water to tThe construction of a dam in the gap of Smith Mountainin Pittsylvania County, Virginia, had been considered as early as the 1920s. SMLA WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM 2022. Smith Mountain Lake. The Visitors Center gives a great historical account of the lake's formation and the building of the dam, as well as an educational explanation of how the dam produces electrical power to the surrounding counties. the adjusted reservoir elevation was 793. Mar 6, 2016. This time we paid a little more and got a lake front cabin. Owner Login. 46 feet per hour. A hydroelectric dam was constructed by Appalachian Power Co. What is the biggest largemouth bass caught in Smith Mountain Lake? The current state record for the fish is 53 lbs. This topographic map contains these locations and features: Feature Name. SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. The staff is nice. Arcadia is noted among history buffs for its richly illustrated texts. Population: 22,000 Lake Size: 32 square miles & 500 miles of shoreline Average Depth: 55 feet. Appalachian’s project to rebury the dead and relocate the living cost the company between $150,000-$200,000. Your Stripers Landing Condominium is a four season resort. And if that isn't enough, it's surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, making it one of the most popular and. 0. Smith Mountain Dam Visitor's Center. Learn more. A team of officials surveys the future site of Smith Mountain Dam in 1960, the year that the Smith Mountain Project began construction on the border of Bedford and Pittsylvania counties. m. See all. 1 feet. 1 of 6. The center has exhibits explaining the history of the dam and how power is generated in the unique two-lake complex. m. – Swimmers are urged to avoid five small areas of Smith Mountain Lake due to high levels of bacteria after heavy rain. Residents who had land at higher elevations became lucky waterfront property owners when the new Smith Mountain Lake (known locally as SML) filled to capacity in 1966, forming a 22,600-acre body of water with 500 miles of shoreline that spans three Virginia counties—Franklin, Bedford, and Pittsylvania. For a unique experience, head to the Smith Mountain Project visitor’s center for an up-close look at how the lake’s dam was constructed in the 1960s. A barrier preventing boaters from getting too close to the Smith Mountain Lake dam has flipped over into the water. Most striped bass are caught between the dam and buoy R80 of the Roanoke Arm and up to buoy B44 of the Blackwater. Only1ravyn84. this is a good beach to take your smaller kids to enjoy a swim. Smith Mountain Lake is the largest lake located completely within Virginia. Level Controlled by: U. Sign up for free email alerts. 56°Sunny. The visitors center at Smith Mountain is open to the public with a view overlooking the dam. Current level is 792. 2. 8 of 10 at RV LIFE Campground Reviews. Hickory Hill Vineyards. m. A generous fall of rain and good runoff from snow raised the level of the lake to an. Casey Fabris. My wife and I had the best time renting a boat from Bridgewater Marina and hanging out on the Smith Mountain Lake over. Smith Mountain Dam houses five hydroelectric generators with a combined installed capacity of 560 MW. The Smith Mountain Dam is a double curvature, concrete arch spanning 816 feet and rising 235. History of the Smith Mountain Dam. The dam was built by Appalachian Power between 1960. It passes from the upper lake through turbines of Smith Mountain Dam into the lower lake. Smith Mountain Lake is the largest lake contained entirely within Virginia, with 20,600 acres and 500 miles of shoreline. Welcome to the breathtakingly beautiful Smith Mountain Lake, where the vast expanse of crystal-clear water meets the lush green forests to create an enchanting. 2072 Ford Rd, Sandy Level, VA 24161-4238. >> Learn more about the history of Smith Mountain Lake. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. The Center is open on Sundays from 1-5 p. *1 King, 1 Queen, 4 Twin (2 bunk beds). 1. Hotels near Smith Mountain Lake Dam: (5. In 1960, Appalachian Power built a dam on the Roanoke River in Smith Mountain Gap, creating Smith Mountain Lake. Fatalities from boating related incidents also saw a slight drop statewide in 2021. It was built by Appalachian Power for pumped-storage hydroelectricity and has five hydro-electric generators with a combined installed capacity of 560 MW. Smith Mountain Lake State Park. 2. for Smith Mountain Lake or landward of the 620 foot contour line projected into project waters for Leesville Lake. Filters. Lakeside has plans to add more trucks, personnel and regional coverage this year as the craft beer revolution gains further footing in Southwest Virginia. Dept. While there is a lot of fish still in the main basin around the dam, a lot of fish have moved up the river arms to feed before the water. When you cast your line at Smith Mountain Lake, there's a good. Smith Mountain Damclosed the gap completely in 1963, and Smith Mountain Lakebegan to fill and form behind it. Smith Mountain Lake Stock Photos, Images & Pictures. SML Walk to End Poverty: 5K and 10K walk and run to benefit Lake Christian Ministries at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. The dam was completed in 1963 and has a history of recreational and real estate development. The PCB fish consumption advisory covers Smith Mountain Lake from below Niagara Dam on the Roanoke River downstream to Smith Mountain Dam, including the Blackwater River arm up to the Rt. Zillow has 42 homes for sale in 24101 matching Smith Mountain Lake. Smith Mountain dam holds water in the Smith Mountain Lake reservoir until releasing it to generate power. correlated with miles to the dam, trends are exhibited which would be considered typical of a reservoir. View 754 homes for sale in Smith Mountain Lake, VA at a median listing home price of $119,950. 2 km 2) and contains 94,900 acre-feet. A generous fall of rain and good runoff from snow raised the level of the lake to an. The City of Roanoke and surrounding suburbs is 25 to 45 minutes away. The main channels of. 83'. 33 Figure 6. I think that it was probably built in the 1960's or so. Smith Mountain Dam is a concrete arch dam on the Roanoke River in Virginia, creating Smith Mountain Lake. 1. m. of Conservation & Recreation. 1. Smith Mountain Dam Visitor's Center. One of the lake community’s most popular events will showcase award-winning wineries from all across the Virginia region while also playing host to a variety of food vendors, artisans and. Washington National Monument, 540-721-2094), the Blue Ridge Parkway and Peaks of Otter, 540-857-2485. S. Smith Mountain Lake State Park; Smith Mountain Dam; Public Notices; Breaking News. Dams. From $55/night - Compare 8 cabins & cabin vacation rentals in Smith Mountain Lake area! Find best cheap deals easily & save up to 70% with AirCabins. Zillow has 6 homes for sale in Penhook VA matching Smith Mountain Lake. 55' and at altavista 856 cfs, stage 2. There are many things to do in the Smith Mountains. 2021. Gear Check; News; Fishing; Hunting; Regional ReportsSmith Mountain Lake is a large reservoir in the Roanoke Region of Virginia, located southeast of the City of Roanoke and southwest of Lynchburg. To mark the 50th anniversary, more than 100 Smith Mountain Lake supporters gathered Monday morning for Full Pond Day. a Map showing tributary sites below Smith Mountain Lake Dam. Leesville Lake is absolutely beautiful. It expands for 40 miles and offers 500 miles of shoreline. Reviews Q&A. Appalachian Power operates the Smith Mountain Lake Dam and sometimes needs to pull water back into the lake from downstream. Along the shores of this park is the Smith Mountain Lake State Park. This spacious 2-bedroom suite. If you’re looking for an off-water excursion for out-of-town guests, especially kids, consider taking a trip to Smith Mountain Dam. m. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground offers both RV and tent camping. Share. Additionally, there is a picnic area on Leesville Lake below the dam that is open to the public daily. About Me. Putt Around Smith Mountain Lake! No one visits Smith Mountain Lake with the aspiration of playing mini-golf, but at Harbortown Mini-Golf at Bridgewater Plaza, Westlake Safari Miniature Golf off Route 616, or Hot Shots Family Fun Center on Route 122, you may find that playing a fun and exciting game of miniature golf might just be the. Here you’ll discover cuisines ranging from American grill to Asian fusion to Mexican and Italian, plus quirky food trucks, mom-and-pop ice cream shops and farmer’s markets, each with. There is no admission charge for the Visitor’s Center. Biking Trails • Hiking Trails. Waterfront shoreline: 500 miles. 8. 3553 Trading Post Rd, Huddleston, VA 24104-3360 +1 540-296-0664 Website. Live music at The Dam Grill, 6724 White House Road, Moneta. Casago Smith Mountain Lake: 4 Br: LAKE Allure - LF204 H SP in SML-Huddleston-State Park to Dam. The park includes a beach and almost two miles of. Free or royalty-free photos and images. The Smith Mountain Dam is a double curvature, concrete arch spanning 816 feet and rising 235. Smith Mountain Dam is a concrete arch dam located on the Roanoke River in Virginia, creating Smith Mountain Lake. “Adequate for the price but the place reeked of cigarette smoke. , Sandy Level, Virginia. Conceived in the 1920s, the Smith Mountain Dam Project was designed to generate electricity for the area by damming the Roanoke River. Leesville has a healthy walleye population. The double curvature concrete arch dam is 816 feet long and 235 feet high and has five generating units at 65 megawatts each. Built on the Roanoke River and completed in the mid-1960s, the project’s two dams and reservoirs have added about 600 miles of new shoreline and about 24,000 surface acres of water for multiple uses. 5 FT PER DAY, TO AN ELEVATION OF 1841 FT THROUGH NOVEMBER 12TH TO ALLOW PROPERTY OWNERS TO MAINTAIN DOCKS AND SHORELINE. 4. With suites, condos, and homes available for both. 11. #11 Best Value of 321 places to stay in Sandy Level. Smith Mountain Dam spans 816 feet across the gap of Smith Mountain. That is 14 miles. The non-lakefront. m. The upper reaches of the tributaries are more riverine in water quality and the lower reaches, closer to the Smith Mountain Lake Dam, exhibit more lacustrine water quality as can be seen in Figure 2. 4. 9. A generous fall of rain and good runoff from snow raised the level of the lake to an. Coordinates: 37°03′26″N 79°35′47″W Smith Mountain Lake is a large reservoir in the Roanoke Region of Virginia, [3] United States, located southeast of the City of Roanoke and southwest of Lynchburg. At the same time, Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake are a focal point for residents, tourists, and outdoor adventure seekers. F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft, many out of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina, can often be seen flying over Smith Mountain Lake and other points in the Roanoke region. At right, a closer look at the 71. Smith Mountain Dam spans 816 feet across the gap of Smith Mountain. And don’t even think about cutting between them unless the water’s high, you’re jet boating. Niburg says the lake is a great. A generous fall of rain and good runoff from snow raised the level of the lake to an. Jun 2019. From $15 an hour. at Smith Mountain Gap in 1960. In Lynchburg, College Lake dam is listed in fair condition, but an extreme weather event in 2018 caused downstream residents to evacuate their homes when a storm dropped several inches of rain on the city in less than an hour. 50 years after Smith Mountain Lake's creation, Franklin County is a changed place. Review of Smith Mountain Lake State Park. . Appalachian Power deploys divers on Friday to make an underwater inspection of the Smith Mountain Dam. This is the second year for the Runners face uphill battles in Dam 50K and 5KThe Smith Mountain Dam Visitor Center is open at various times; call 540-985-2587. The lake has many coves, perfect to spend the weekend or the entire week. Smith Mountain Dam Visitor's Center. 7-mile Dam Trail. The lake was created in 1963 by the Smith Mountain Dam impounding the Roanoke River. Effective 11/20/2023 at 16:05. Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center. AEP WILL DRAWDOWN CLAYTOR LAKE STARTING NOVEMBER 1ST, AT A RATE OF 1. Held at the Smith Mountain Lake State. This property offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to hunt, fish, hike, view wildlife and enjoy vistas overlooking beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. Kids love miniature golf, and there are multiple places to play at Smith Mountain Lake. L. APPENDIX. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. Smith Mountain Lake Coffee House did exceptionally well during their first year of business, and in March of 2020 they were able. Don in VA If you go to see Smith Mountain Lake Dam DO NOT use Google maps for directions. Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy (SMLCA) recently welcomed its high school students to the 2023-2024 school year with a new 26,000 square-foot facility, featuring 13 classrooms and a 300-seat cafeteria/conference room. June 8, 2023. MONETA, Va. Smith Mountain Lake Community Park. Striped Bass - General Discussion and Reports. 76 mi) Best Dam View at Smith Mountain Lake!!! (1. Since then, the area has grown into an upscale lakefront community with high-end homes, retail and commercial developments, and a host of recreational facilities. Mar 6, 2005. Lakefront development approved by supervisors. Additionally, there is a picnic area on Leesville Lake below the dam that is open to the public daily. Beautiful studio condos to single family homes on Smith Mountain Lake located at Mariners Landing. m. Striped bass have been stocked into this reservoir since impoundment in 1963. The Smith Mountain development utilizes a two-foot power pool. 12 reviews #16 of 30 Restaurants in Moneta $$$$ Italian Armenian. + Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Map. Smith Mountain Lake Community Park has a trail totaling 3 miles of pleasant lake and wooded view hiking. Login/Register; Home; What’s New. Ships from and sold by Amazon. . 99. 2016 / 2017 Series. 7 miles from Smith Mountain Lake Dam. correlated with miles to the dam, trends are exhibited which would be considered typical of a reservoir. , 272 Westlake Rd. Smith Mountain Lake is a large man-made lake (the largest lake contained entirely within Virginia, according to Wikipedia) nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to Roanoke, VA. Coast Guard Licenses and are fully insured as fishing guides. From Greensboro, NC: Take US 220 North to Rocky Mount, VA and then take Route 40 East for about 1/2 mile to Route 122. We only went there to see the dam. Smith Mountain Lake Visitors Center. The largest lake wholly within Virginia, it became a popular residential area and. With the start of the new year, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is now requiring individuals to obtain a boating access permit to use public boat ramp facilities at. The first time our cabin was just on a camp road. However, the dam's construction did not begin until 1960. Smith Mountain Lake near Rocky Mount, Virginia, provides 500 miles of shoreline to one of Virginia's most popular recreation areas. com. Smith Mountain Lake Dam #1 of 3 things to do in Sandy Level 9 reviews. April 13, 1965: Water rises in Smith Mountain Lake behind the dam on the Roanoke River. . Washington Highway Moneta 540-721-1203 Toll free 800-676-8203 With more than 500 miles of pristine shoreline, Smith Mountain Lake is the jewel of the Blue Ridge. However, the dam's construction did not begin until 1960. From Richmond: Take Route 460 West to Lynchburg. And there are some swimmers who made the return trip from the dam back to the bridge. The Lake is included in a report that includes 70,000 acres of Virginia's lakes and ponds, and more than 1,800 miles of rivers. The media manager of the utility company, American Electric Power, wanted to invite me and my wife as honored guests at a special July 9, 2016, celebration. Smith Mountain Lake is one of the favorite attractions in the area. At the base of Smith Mountain in Pittsylvania and Bedford counties is the Smith Mountain Lake Dam. It is not fancy and the inside dining is quite plain but with a view of the lake. 77. In such an extensive body of water, recreation abounds. For live bait fishing purposes, you should use at least 12-pound test line or greater. Lynchburg Powersports at Smith Mountain Lake, 16889 Smith Mountain Lake Pkwy. A generous fall of rain and good runoff from snow raised the level of the lake to an. Additionally, there is a picnic area on Leesville Lake below the dam that is open to the public daily. The state park has lots of amenities (beach, interpretive. County Offices 40 East Court Street Rocky Mount 540-483-3030 Chamber of Commerce 16430 Booker T. The dam was built by Appalachian Power (a division of American Electric Power) between 1960 and 1963 for the purposes of pumped-storage hydroelectricity. Smith Mountain Dam closed the gap completely in 1963, and Smith Mountain Lake began to fill and form behind it. of 1. This was the first commercial saturation diving system and was designed by Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Underseas Division (Tom O'Neill and Alan Krassburg) for use in clearing the. Smith Mountain Project is a two-reservoir hydroelectric generation project operated by Appalachian PoPresentation of 2020 monitoring data for Smith Mountain Lake and tributaries; trophic state parameters (TP, CHL-a, SD), bacteria and algae, along with depth profiles of T, DO, pH and conductivity. You can hike on either side of the Smith Mountain Dam, but both end up in spots overlooking the dam and the lake. 8-mile Fountain Creek Trail, and the 1. Hidden Valley Trail. View 748 homes for sale in Smith Mountain Lake, VA at a median listing home price of $119,950. With more than 20,000 acres of pristine waters and 500 miles of picturesque shoreline, Smith Mountain Lake is an outdoor lover’s paradise located at the foot of the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains. Popular mentions. 45 reviews #1 of 4 Restaurants in Huddleston $$ - $$$ American Bar Pub. Smith Mountain Lake is a popular destination located in the breathtakingly beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. 7 oz. The dam overlook IS worth it. 87 mi) Hampton Inn Jasper, Alabama (3. 7-10 p. The lake was created in 1963 with the construction of the Smith Mountain Dam on the Roanoke River. 4500. 6-meter-high (235-foot-high) dam, which has three 7. Questions & Answers. , the Franklin County Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call to report a missing person, who was last seen around the Smith Mountain Lake area, according to officials. Smith Mountain Lake Insiders’ Guide Gets a Major Facelift. As the oldest commercial vineyard and winery at Smith Mountain Lake, a visit to Hickory Hill Vineyards is a must. Bedford County makes up the northern half of the lake with the Roanoke River as the dividing line. Kerr Reservoir, located partly in North Carolina, is the largest in Virginia, with a total of 49,000 acres and 800 miles of shoreline. Smith Mountain Dam is known as a pump-storage facility. Local News. Fairway An area of open water extending outward from an open end of a boat slip intended to provide navigation room for a boat to exit or enter its moorings. Smith Mountain Lake is a 20,600-acre impoundment located near Roanoke, Virginia. Smith Mountain Lake State Park; Smith Mountain Dam; Public Notices; All the latest SML fishing tips! By Captain Travis Patsell Cats N’ Stripers Guide Service ; Jun 12, 2013 Jun 12, 2013; 0; Facebook;. Westlake Safari Miniature Golf off Virginia 616 and Hot Shots Family Fun Center off. caught in 2000 from below the SML dam in Leesville Lake. Smaller and lower than Smith Mountain Lake, Leesville Lake covers 3,270 acres (13. The center has exhibits explaining the history of the dam and how power is generated in the unique two-lake complex. Or, you can let someone else take the reins during an old-fashioned carriage ride. Smith Mountain Dam Visitor's Center #2 of 3 things to do in Sandy Level 10 reviews. Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Huddleston, Virginia: 51 reviews, 35 photos, & 17 tips from fellow RVers. 57 mi) Wind Family Estate-Setting A New Standard for Luxury Rentals!Though this reservoir was created for electricity production with the construction of the Smith Mountain Dam in 1963, it is now the focal point for a bustling recreation scene. Written August 10, 2020. Smith Mountain Dam is a concrete arch dam located on the Roanoke River in Virginia, creating Smith Mountain Lake. The Roanoke River, along with the Blackwater River, form Smith Mountain Lake’s two major arms. (tastings from noon to 2 p. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Picnic Shelter - One shelter is available for rent. Insiders’ Guide 2023 SML THINGS TO DO SML LODGING Smith Mountain Lake is a refreshingly different destination in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The double curvature concrete arch dam is 816 feet long and 235 feet high and has five generating units at 65 megawatts each. This year, the Smith Mountain Lake community celebrated the 50th anniversary of the lake reaching full pond after the. Kerr. That means bringing water through the intakes from Leesville Reservoir. 27. Know what's coming with AccuWeather's extended daily forecasts for Smith Mountain Lake State Park, VA. 9-mile Chestnut Ridge Trail, the 2-mile Rolling Meadows Trail, the 1. Franklin County YMCA hosts second annual SML Dam 50k & 5k on SaturdaySmith Mountain Lake also has a variety of other fish, including large and smallmouth bass, white bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, yellow perch and bluegill. Smith Mountain Lake. Smith Mountain Lake, nestled in a broad valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, covers 20,600 acres and has over 500 miles of shoreline. 4-mile Deer Island Trail, the 3. Spend the day getting soaked then catch some catfish or striped bass for an. Smith Mountain Lake is known the world over as an ideal summer vacation destination. 20. The Smith Mountain Dam Visitor Center is open at various times; call 540-985-2587. Great view of the water. Nearby and along the shore of Smith Mountain Lake there are lots of interesting places to visit and things to do. Amenities. 7 miles from Smith Mountain Dam Visitor's Center. A couple days ago I tied a few orange ribbons to reveal hidden sections of the unmaintained part of the trail beyond the towers. Smith Mountain Lake is the second largest body of freshwater in Virginia after John H. -It was a very solitude trail, that dam just made our trip. The Smith Mountain Visitor's Center overlooks the dam and is free and open to the public. Smith Mountain Lake State Park: Great swim, safe and beautiful environment. Most largemouth bass are between 8 and 17 inches but there is a fair number of larger fish up 22 inches. Information regarding boating and fishing access sites and the waterbodies and parks they inhabit as to allow you to find a location for your water recreation activities. Abstract and Figures. The lake has many coves, perfect to spend the weekend or the entire week.