There’s a scenic wonder in southwestern Virginia: a vast, beautiful lake that reflects
cloudless skies and the hazy blue silhouettes of surrounding peaks. The Roanoke
River creates the lake as it begins its descent from the Appalachians, and
tumbles a crooked path toward Albemarle Sound. Within sight of the Blue Ridge
Mountains, the Roanoke
River slows, thwarted by a man-made dam. The river backs up, spilling into low
places and creeping up tributary valleys.
The result is the 22,000-acre Smith Mountain Lake, now home to more than 18,000
people, who thrive along its 500 miles of shoreline and delight in its waters.
Smith Mountain Lake’s exquisite location has attracted new residents and businesses. The lake also
beckons vacationers, especially people who relish water sports and spending
leisure time next to Earth
’s most precious resource.
The Smith Mountain Lake Dam, built across the Roanoke River in the mid 1960s,
has not only created a beautiful lake that has benefited communities in the
three surrounding counties, but it also produces much-needed hydroelectric
power for the region.
The dam and lake are only decades old, but the river valley has been settled for
thousands of years
—first by the Sapony Indians, later by immigrants to the colony of Virginia.
Smith Mountain Lake is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in
southwestern Virginia. The Blue Ridge Parkway, which extends 469 miles south
from
Shenandoah National Park, along the high crests of the Appalachians to the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park, is within minutes of the lake. Smith Mountain Lake retains a
small-town flavor, yet is conveniently located within a modest drive of the
cities; Roanoke, Danville, Bedford and Lynchburg. Three counties border the
lake: Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania. Within proximity to the lake are the
communities of Bedford, Rocky Mount and Moneta. In addition to being close to
the area
’s scenic treasures, Smith Mountain Lake is near many historical sites, such as
Booker T. Washington National Monument and National D-Day Memorial in Bedford.
The lake
is within driving distance of the towns of Charlottesville, Appomattox, and
Lexington, which is the location of Stonewall Jackson
’s home and the George Marshall Museum.
The lake is 35 miles from Roanoke, 162 miles from Richmond, and 275 miles from
Washington, D.C. Less than three hours away is Raleigh, North Carolina.
Charleston, West Virginia is a little more than three hours, and Atlanta and
Philadelphia are six to seven hours away.
Smith Mountain Lake is a terrific place to vacation. For the thrill of water
sports, you can go sailing, or motor boating; you can water ski, windsurf or
jet ski. Anglers find the lake especially appealing because of the many
different kinds of fish they can catch: largemouth bass, rock bass, white bass,
bluegills, crappies, walleye, muskies and other species. Professional fishing
guides can take you to their favorite haunts. Of course, the lake is wonderful
for swimming or for sunbathing.
Onshore activities are plentiful, as well. You can choose from five championship
golf courses. You can play tennis, hike or ride horses. If your taste buds are
looking for an experience, try visiting any of the local wineries. All year
long, Smith Mountain Lake and the surrounding region hold festivals and
community events. Many of these occasions are annual, such as the Antique and
Classic Boat Show and Rally and the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival, and have
been traditions for more than a decade. Many of the activities are fundraisers
for charity, such as the Charity Home Tour and Gala in October. Several
national fishing tournaments provide much excitement, such as the Bassmaster
’s and BFL/FLW competitions. Whatever your interest, there is an exciting, fun
time for everyone at any of these events.
If relocation is in your plans, Smith Mountain Lake is a great place to raise a
family or to retire. Many developments have popped up around the lake that
emphasize community and quality of life. Mariners Landing offers the
combination of lake, golf, and private residences along with condominiums and
fine dining at
“The Pointe”. One of the newest developments is called “Downtown Moneta”, located in the lake town of Moneta.
The concept of the community was to bring life back into the downtown area of
Moneta, after the addition of a bypass re-routed traffic to the lake. Downtown
Moneta will consist of a variety of retail shops, restaurants, offices and
medical facilities. The style of the buildings will be traditional brick
structures, accented by park benches, streetlights and a water fountain. The
residential area of the development, called Mayberry Hills, will consist of
townhomes, and single-family homes, all done in a quaint, old-fashioned style.
“We’ve designed the entire neighborhood so you actually get to know your neighbors.
We brought back the front porch, sidewalks and tree-lined streets, so everyone
can enjoy a leisurely conversation or an evening walk with the neighbors,
” explains the developer.
