Smith Mountain Lake is the second largest freshwater lake in the state of Virginia, and it provides just as much beauty as it does square footage. Sprawling across 32 miles, the lake and its surrounding park offer swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, camping, trails, and an amphitheater with performances.
In the 1960s and ’70s, the area around Smith Mountain Lake was extremely rural. Now it’s become a developed recreation hub garnering large numbers of visitors every year.
Flickr / Kipp Teague
One of the most enticing offerings of the lake is the sandy beach, where families can enjoy a waterside day with swimming, sunning, and fun.
Flickr / Virginia State Parks
The lake is located in the valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is often referred to as “the jewel” of the mountains. With 500 miles of shoreline surrounding the lake, there are endless ways to enjoy its beauty.
Flickr / Virginia State Parks
Whether you choose to enjoy the lake from the sandy beach, the nearby golf course, or on the water itself, you won’t be disappointed.
Flickr / Virginia State Parks
Locals aren’t the only ones enchanted by the landscape. Rumor has it that Sissy Spacek, Joe Montana, and Tom Cruise have all owned homes on Smith Mountain Lake. And when you see a sunrise like this, it’s easy to understand why.
Flickr / Larry Smith
On any given day, you’ll find local fishermen at the docks scouting striped bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and blackmouth bass, all natives to the lake.
Flickr / Virginia State Parks
For generations Smith Mountain Lake has served as a getaway spot for families, locals, and visitors of all kinds. Whether you come for a day of beach fun or to camp in the park and canoe on the lake’s pristine waters, you’ll find a slice of peace here that’s rare in our modern world.
Flickr / Kipp Teague
Flickr / Virginia State Parks
Flickr / Larry Smith
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Address: Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, USA
