Spend family time in Smith Mountain Lake Community Park
Enjoying Smith Mountain Lake
Smith Mountain Lake – SML to locals – is known as the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” Located in Southwestern Virginia, this large reservoir was created to generate power and control the Roanoke River’s water levels. The project spanned several decades, from its inception in the 1920s to the beginning of construction in 1960, and finally to its completion in 1963.
Considered as the “Lake Tahoe of the East,” Smith Mountain Lake is as beautiful as it is utilitarian. It is the most famous lake destination in the entire state of Virginia. With crystal blue waters nestled in a valley in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Smith Mountain Lake offers breathtaking views anywhere you turn. It is difficult for many to believe that this masterpiece of nature and human ingenuity is just about an hour’s drive from the urban energy of Roanoke and Lynchburg .
It’s no wonder that Smith Mountain Lake has become a highly sought-after holiday destination. For its residents and frequent visitors, this place is paradise on earth.
Visiting Smith Mountain Lake Community Park
Smith Mountain Lake Community Park is located on a thickly wooded peninsula at the end of Park Place Boulevard, just across the bigger – and more crowded – Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Accessing the community park takes a little more effort. If you’re going by land, the fastest way to get there is via the 122 going to Westlake. Take a right at Scruggs Road then follow the signs along the winding path pointing you to this scenic park.
Smith Mountain Lake Community Park has remained a serene respite despite being at the center of this popular tourist area. Because of its relatively smaller size and location off the beaten path, it is mostly avoided by crowds, which has helped keep its hiking trails immaculate.
Opened in 2007 in Moneta, VA, this community park is 37 acres of wholesome fun. It offers a nice place by the lake to relax and enjoy endless activities with the entire family.
Things to do in Smith Mountain Lake Community Park
Family-friendly is the best way to describe the attractions at Smith Mountain Lake Community Park. With nearly two miles of walking trails and a beach area with active lifeguards, it is the perfect playground for nature and beach lovers.
- Sightseeing
The beauty of Smith Mountain Lake is unforgettable. The stark contrast between the mountains and the water is a sight to behold. If you are the type of person who loves to go on spontaneous nature trips, this park is perfect for you. You can spend the entire day just walking around and taking in the gorgeous views.
Besides the beautiful landscape, Smith Mountain Lake Community Park offers facilities that make a nature getaway more convenient, even for families with dogs and toddlers. Benches dot the hiking trails, perfect for a quick break. Moreover, there are designated picnic areas where the entire family can enjoy a packed lunch or snacks.
- Fishing
There’s no better place to discover the joys of fishing than Smith Mountain Lake, and Smith Mountain Lake Community Park is an excellent place for new and veteran anglers. The park is equipped with a handicapped accessible fishing pier with a partial cover and a seating area. Cast a line, catch largemouth and smallmouth bass or catfish, and enjoy the stunning views in one great place.
- Picnicking
Going on a picnic is a wonderful way to spend time with the family without breaking the bank. Smith Mountain Lake Community Park is the perfect place for it. The park features picnic shelters with grills in the same location as other amenities like restrooms and playgrounds.
- Dining
For those who want to travel light and prefer eating out, there are several excellent dining options near the park:
- Old Oak Cafe
If you are heading to Smith Mountain Lake early, Old Oak Cafe should be your breakfast pit stop. Located along Scruggs Road, just a few minutes’ drive from the park, this popular breakfast spot serves home cooked-style meals in generous servings. Insider tip: get the eggs benedict and the pancakes—they’re perfect to start your day! - The Blackwater Café
Also found along Scruggs Road just a short distance from the park, the Blackwater Café is an SML favorite since 2005. Their surf and turf menu hits just the right spot after an active day at the beach, and they have a great wine list to go with the delectable food. - Portside Grill and Bar
If you’re visiting Smith Mountain Lake Community Park on a weekend, take a cruise on the lake and don’t miss the chance to dine at this lakeside open air restaurant. Serving guests only on Saturdays and Sundays, Portside Grill and Bar is the place to go to enjoy juicy burgers, Cuban sandwiches, and ice-cold beer while you watch a spectacular sunset over the lake.
- Old Oak Cafe
- Swimming and other water activities
Smith Mountain Lake Community Park has a designated swimming area and seasonal beach that may be used when there are lifeguards on duty. Stand up paddleboarding and kayaking are also great activities in the area, and rentals are also available seasonally.
- Hiking and bird watching
The park’s easy two-mile loop trail makes hiking a family affair. The trail just skirts the lake and goes through a lush woodland of conifers, pines, and deciduous plants. Along the way, you can spot a wide variety of bird species, including songbirds, gulls, herons, and all kinds of waterfowl.
- Shopping
Want to take a little piece of the lake with you? Drop by one of Smith Mountain Lake’s charming souvenir shops. Visit Gifts Ahoy for your standard souvenir fare, such as keychains, shirts, and home decor. Are you interested in bringing a taste of Virginia home? Mama Ann’s Gifts & Goodies sells not only beautiful trinkets and souvenirs, but also homemade sauces, jams, syrups, and other goodies.
Update on Smith Mountain Lake COVID-19 situation
Virginia and the county of Franklin have announced guidelines on visiting state and local parks amidst the current global crisis. The following is a summary of the latest guidance (updated as of March 1, 2021) on visiting parks and outdoor recreation areas in the state, including Smith Mountain Lake Community Park:
- Group gatherings of more than 25 people are prohibited in any outdoor park in the state. Likewise, visitors ages five and up are required to wear masks in indoor spaces within parks and recreation areas.
- Social distancing should be observed in all public spaces. Park visitors must maintain a distance of six feet to the next person. In places or situations where social distancing isn’t possible, face coverings are required.
- When overcrowding occurs, park authorities can impose closures or limit the occupancy.
- No team sports or entertainment group activities are allowed.
How to spend time in the outdoors safely
Experts have said that spending time in nature is an excellent way to maintain your health and well-being in these trying times. However, even while out in the great outdoors, you simply cannot let your guard down, especially when your and your family’s health is at stake.
To safely enjoy everything that Smith Mountain Lake Community Park has to offer, remember to do the following:
- Avoid peak times
When planning a visit with the family, it is best to avoid peak times and stay in sections of the park where visitors are sparse. Before visiting, check the park’s website for any updates and additional social distancing guidelines.
Likewise, take less congested routes. While it might take a few more minutes in an unfamiliar route, it is best to err on the side of caution. The fewer people you encounter outside of your group, the less likely you’ll get in contact with someone who’s infected.
- Wear a mask
The Virginia state guidelines require the wearing of masks indoors. When outdoors, you may take off your mask but must put it back on when it is not possible to put a distance of six feet between you and another person. This applies to park trails and beaches. Always bring a mask with you so you can wear it when you can’t avoid crowds or getting too close to other people.
- Pack hand sanitizers and alcohol
Aside from close contact, COVID-19 can be transmitted through respiratory droplets that stay on surfaces for a certain amount of time. This is why everyone is encouraged to always wash their hands. When you leave the house, it is ideal to always carry hand sanitizers and alcohol even on outdoor trips. Remind family members to avoid touching surfaces as much as possible. Encourage them to use hand sanitizers and refrain from touching their face during the trip.
- Sanitize surfaces before and after use
The Franklin County Parks and Recreation Department has said that park facilities like bathrooms and playgrounds are not sanitized often, so visitors are encouraged to sanitize surfaces before and after using them.
- Feeling under the weather? Stay home
When you’re not feeling well, exposing yourself to the elements lowers your immune system and makes you more susceptible to contracting COVID-19. The best time to enjoy a visit to Smith Mountain Lake is when you won’t have to worry about making your condition worse.
Why having a house near Smith Mountain Lake Community Park is the best decision you can make
Smith Mountain Lake’s breathtaking beauty and fun activities for the whole family keep people coming back for more. It’s not surprising that many tourists who frequent the area choose to make it their permanent home, or to have their very own getaway property here.
With its undiminishing popularity over the years, Smith Mountain Lake is also an ideal location for real estate investments. With tourists flocking to the area every year, short-term rentals are always in demand.
Furthermore, in light of the pandemic, more people today are looking to move away from crowded urban centers and into places where there’s more open space. As a result, a Smith Mountain Lake home promises to become even more desirable in the long term.
If you’re on the fence about buying a property in Smith Mountain Lake, here are just a few reasons why you should finally make that leap:
- That coveted waterfront lifestyle
Did you know that living near a body of water is good for your health? When you live near a lake, a river, or the ocean, you enjoy fresh air, refreshing views, bountiful sunshine, and the calming sound of the gentle waves. A waterfront area also invites a healthy and active lifestyle, particularly in Smith Mountain Lake where you can enjoy a host of activities in the great outdoors.
- Access to Lynchburg and Roanoke
There is no denying the astounding beauty of the Smith Mountain Lake area. But what makes this place even more special is the proximity to urban locations like Lynchburg and Roanoke. Buying a home in Smith Mountain Lake means you get to enjoy the best of both worlds. Bask in the beauty of nature while getting great access to the conveniences of city living. Who says you need to choose?
- Friendly & Welcoming Neighborhoods
The different communities within Smith Mountain Lake are diverse and colorful. Each has its own distinct charm and brand of Virginia warmth. Purchasing a home in this beautiful location means you get to enjoy everything a small-town has to offer. A friendly and welcoming community—that is what awaits you and your family in Smith Mountain Lake.
- A wide range of real estate options
Contrary to popular belief, living by a lake isn’t reserved for the rich and famous. At Smith Mountain Lake, there are plenty of real estate opportunities at every price point. Whether you are looking to purchase a single-family home, invest in a condo, or buy a sprawling estate, there is something to match what you’re looking for.
Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate: Buying A Home in the Area
Buying a home is as rewarding as it is complex. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or have done it before, it’s one of the most exciting experiences you can have in life.
But along with this, there are plenty of intricacies involved in buying real estate, especially in a highly desirable area like Smith Mountain Lake. And when you’re buying a waterfront property, the challenges are even more pronounced.
To ensure that you get the best results in your Smith Mountain Lake real estate transaction, keep these important pointers in mind:
- Visit the lake
Most homebuyers today start their search online. While this first step is convenient, especially considering the global pandemic, there is nothing quite like experiencing Smith Mountain Lake’s splendor in person. It is a good idea to take a trip to the lake early on in the process to see what awaits you. See as many neighborhoods as you can so you’ll have an idea on what would be perfect for you and your family.
- Factor in the value of home improvements
Buying a lakefront home is a dream for many. However, waterfront homes are also more susceptible to damages caused by the elements. Make sure to ask for a property disclosure from the seller and have a professional home inspection done so you get a good picture of the property’s condition. Furthermore, you may want to add features like a dock or a jetty. In determining your offer price for the home, factor the costs of any needed improvement and repairs.
- Connect with a seasoned local Realtor
A home, particularly one that’s waterfront, is a major investment. It is a long-term commitment that requires great care and deliberation. Partnering with an experienced Realtor who is also a local expert can make the entire process less daunting and help you avoid costly mistakes. Moreover, the right professional will be able to offer you properties that you otherwise wouldn’t be privy to.
Live your dream waterfront lifestyle today
I have called Smith Mountain Lake home for more than two decades. My family and I moved to this beautiful area over 20 years ago and that remains to be one of my best decisions to date. I love being a resident of Smith Mountain Lake and I’m eager to help you live the dream, too!
As a resident, I know the ins and outs of the SML community by heart. Whether you’re looking to live permanently by the lake, have your very own getaway, or invest in this highly sought-after area, I have the knowledge and local expertise to help you find the lakefront home that’s perfect for you.
Learn more about the beautiful homes for sale and residential developments here in Smith Mountain Lake. Get in touch with me today at this website or give me a call at 540.493.1690 to get started.