Smith Mountain Lake

About Smith Mountain Lake

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, the country's most popular recreational lake offers 20,800 acres of beautiful lake to explore. Smith Mountain Lake was created by the Appalachian Power Company by damming the Roanoke and Blackwater rivers.

The 40-mile lake was first reached in 1966 by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Virginia Department of Natural Resources (VDNR).

SML was built to protect against flooding and generate electricity from hydropower using an unusual pumpback system from neighboring Leesville. Known for its exceptional recreational opportunities, it was built on the banks of the James River. Smith Mountain Lake enjoys a convenient city - as do amenities that complement the natural beauty of its natural surroundings. It is located in the heart of Virginia, a short drive from Richmond and the state capital, in an area with a population of about 1,000 people. In spring and autumn, thousands of people populate the lake, many of them swimming in its shallow waters, canoeing, kayaking and paddling.

The five golf courses directly on the lake attract locals and visitors, and the reservoir welcomes many visitors to its shores. Smith Mountain Lake has 18,000 permanent residents, but many of them are moving out of the northern states, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Bighorn and striped bass are among the most popular catches for anglers, but Smith Mountain Lake is also home to a variety of other fish species, including blue, black and white perch.

On a hot summer's day in Virginia, there's nothing wrong with diving into the cool waters of the SML, but many prefer to swim and soak up the sun in the well-appointed Smith Mountain Lake State Park. You can do this from the jetty or boat, or you can swim or kayak on the shore of the lake.

While the beach in the park is popular, Smith Mountain Lake State Park also features a number of well-appointed cabins and a designated bathing area. The park is a popular place for residents and visitors, and curious visitors will enjoy its visitor center, which has been visited by millions of visitors since it opened in 1967. It provides information about the history of the lake, its history as an important part of the natural history of Virginia and its current status as one of the oldest US national parks.

Watch an audiovisual presentation showing how the dam was built, or view a mural showing Smith Mountain Gap before the area was flooded.

Smith Mountain Lake is about 55 feet deeper than the dam, with an average depth of about 55 feet. The visitor centre at the reservoir is freely accessible and takes one to two hours to get to know the inner workings of the reservoirs. See photos and descriptions of local wildlife, learn about power generation and the history of Smith Mountain Dam and its construction.

The water level in the pumping system fluctuates by only two metres - all year round, because the system is baked. SML is a pumped storage plant with a capacity of 1.5 million cubic feet per second (mb / d).

SML is a fishing paradise - classified by Bassmaster as the 25 best lakes in the USA and hosts several national professional fishing tournaments shown on ESPN, including the Bassmasters Elite Series tournaments.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has been stocking the lake with striped bass since the years before it was seized in 1963. Fishermen appreciate the abundance of perch, bluefin perch and other fish species in Smith Mountain Lake.
Nature lovers can not get enough of the green forest and its natural beauty, as well as the beautiful waterfalls.

The lake is part of the US National Park System, which hosts over 17 million visitors a year. The Booker T. Washington National Monument is just minutes away and the main entrance to the park is just a short drive away.

From our lookout point on the park path, we spread out and take our cameras with us on the way to have an incomparable view of what is unfolding. At a glance, prepare for "Ahh" and "Ohhh" when our cameramen respond to "Ahh" and "Ohhh" every time we drive, when the view unfolds around us.

Smith Mountain Lake is one of Virginia's most popular lakes, with stunning sunsets and a glass of wine that exceeds all expectations. With its exceptional offer, it is an ideal destination for families and couples looking for an affordable romantic getaway. Pensioners are attracted by the picturesque view, the fireplace reading and the beautiful view from the park path.

Smith Mountain Lake, headquartered in Lakeland, is home to the world's largest private golf course, the Smith Lake Golf Course.