Smith Mountain Lake (SML) is one of Virginia’s most popular getaway destinations for a good reason; recreational opportunities abound here and the greater Roanoke region, no matter the season. Rain, shine, or snow, you will always find activities to try in and around Smith Mountain Lake. This is your guide.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SML
Smith Mountain Lake is a man-made reservoir built in the 1960s to help power Virginia and its neighboring states via the Smith Mountain Dam. The surrounding area remained relatively rural until the 1980s, when an increasing number of residential developments also opened in the region. Today, the Smith Mountain Lake community numbers approximately 22,000 year-round residents.
Of course, Smith Mountain Lake’s main attraction is the lake. It has a total area of over 30 sq. mi. and covers parts of Franklin, Pittsylvania, and Bedford counties. Its deepest area, which plunges to about 250 ft., is around the dam area. And at its “full pond” state, Smith Mountain Lake can reach water levels of up to 795 ft. above sea level. Smith Mountain Lake fulfills its important role every day and, at the same time, plays host to a variety of water recreation.
Smith Mountain Lake is also noted for its 500-mi. shoreline, passing through towns such as Goodview, Moneta, North Shore, Hardy, Huddleston, and Penhook. You can make any of these communities your base and still revel in all of the activities Smith Mountain Lake and its surroundings have to offer.
When is the best time to enjoy SML?
Smith Mountain Lake is beautiful all throughout the year, but you may have some weather or temperature preferences. Take note that the area experiences moderate temperatures throughout the year, ranging from 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers can peak to up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while temperatures can drop to the 20s in the winter. It snows in Smith Mountain Lake, however it is not guaranteed.
Crowds tend to swell in the Smith Mountain Lake in the heat of the summer, from June to August. It would be best to stick to shoulder periods (before June or after August) if you would like smaller crowds as well as lower rates if you intend to stay in a vacation rental, campsite, or local bed-and-breakfast.
Now, without further ado, let us dive into the seasonal activities you can enjoy in Smith Mountain Lake.
SPRING
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
When the ground has thawed and the snow has melted, it’s time to explore the 1,500-acre Smith Mountain Lake State Park and its 14 hiking trails, all of which are open to pets as long as they are leashed.
If it’s your first time hiking at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, I highly recommend taking any of the following trails:
- Tobacco Run: Named after the tobacco barn that is also a prominent sight on this trail, many regard Tobacco Run as too easy. This loop only runs for 0.5 miles, yet rewards you with stunning views of Smith Mountain Lake. The trailhead is located at the Discovery Center Amphitheater and is marked by cobalt blue blazes. Tobacco Run connects to Opossum Trot Trail and Beaver Den Trail if you want a slightly longer hike.
- Five Oaks: Those with wheelchairs and mobility devices can traverse the first ¼ mile of this three-mile loop trail. From there, Five Oaks will take you through a forest, then past the remnants of the Five Oaks Plantation– the trail’s namesake. Next, you’ll pass through an Oak Savannah, and then reach the lake shoreline. Keep an eye out for multiple species of plants, birds, and other wildlife. The Five Oaks trail is marked by fluorescent red blazes
- Chestnut Ridge: More experienced hikers will enjoy the moderate Chestnut Ridge Trail, which traverses 1.7 miles and provides a multisensory feast. Not only will you see scenic views of Smith Mountain Lake, you’ll also smell changing forest scents while you hike. You’ll walk through a peaceful peninsula where Virginia pines grow, followed by a section of the trail where older hardwoods abound. Special sights on the Chestnut Ridge Trail include a one-of-a-kind view of Carter’s Island, thickets of moss-covered laurel, and chew marks from beavers.
Aside from hiking, you can also participate in ranger programs like canoe trips and guided night hikes. For avid runners, the Osprey 10K/5K race is held at the Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Dates vary, however.
If you’d like to stay in Smith Mountain Lake State Park overnight, you can choose between renting a cabin, camping at one of the 50 basic campsites, or connecting your RV to an available RV hookup.
Blue Ridge Parkwayv
Smith Mountain Lake State Park isn’t the only scenic park nearby; there’s also the Blue Ridge Parkway, which stretches for 469 miles west to east. There are several access points near Roanoke, located about 30 minutes away from Moneta, one of the towns surrounding the lake.
Most people drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway– over 14 million people travel down the route every year– but if you want a more grounding experience, consider going hiking or staying at any of the lodges, cabins, and campgrounds in the area during springtime. This way, you can see the land blanketed with carpets of wildflowers, as well as take detours to check out the waterfalls in the area. Furthermore, you can also join guided tours and programs to gain a deeper insight of the Blue Ridge’s cultural and historical heritage.
Another great time to visit the Blue Ridge Parkway is in the fall, when the trees turn into various shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Fishing
For avid anglers, spring is a great time to throw a line and reel in some catches. Fish are plentiful in numerous spots around Smith Mountain Lake, but local fishermen advise staying near submerged timber for a productive day of fishing.
Some of the fish you might catch during this time of the year include gizzard shad and stripers. These two types of fish are especially abundant between May and June.
SUMMER
Boating and water sports
Summer is the best season to spend as much time as you can on the lake. There are a wide variety of water activities that can be done on Smith Mountain Lake, from swimming to kayaking and canoeing. People are also permitted to run watercraft– such as jet skis and sail boats– on the lake. If you don’t have your own boat but would still like to spend a day on the water, you can also find many boat rentals located around the lake.
Events and festivals
Smith Mountain Lake and its surrounding towns play host to a number of events throughout the summer. Some of the most notable ones include:
- A Day at the Lake, which is organized by the Smith Mountain Lake Association and typically held at the Crazy Horse Marina. It’s a free event that aims to bring together residents as well as tourists through games as well as activities on and off the water.
- Juneteenth Celebration, an annual event that celebrates the end of the Civil War and the release of many of that era’s indentured servants. Smith Mountain Lake’s Juneteenth celebrations are usually held at the Booker T. Washington National Monument and involves live music entertainment, history demonstrations, and guided tours.
- 4th of July Celebrations and Fireworks, with various festivities set up around Smith Mountain Lake. Expect fireworks displays from numerous SML towns and smaller festivities such as Fire WORX Fest at Moneta and the All-American Festival & Fireworks at Spring Valley Farm.
- Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days, a pirate-themed weekend bonanza that features a boat battle using water cannons. Don your best impression of a pirate to win the costume contest and sample fares and wares from participating businesses around the lake.
AUTUMN
Wineries
The moderate climate, coupled with the fertile soil, make the Smith Mountain Lake and Roanoke region a fantastic place to cultivate grapes and grow fine. And autumn is the best time to sample the local bottles from the following wineries:
- Ramulose Ridge Vineyards: Established in 1995, this family-owned and operated winery creates small-batch, handcrafted wines using sustainable farming methods. Sample dry, semi-sweet, and sweet wines as well as their handcrafted sangria in their tasting room while enjoying a spectacular view.
- Hickory Hill Vineyards: Hickory Hill Vineyards has been operational since 2001, making it one of the older wineries in the Smith Mountain Lake area. It’s also family-owned and operated: three generations of the Furrow family have overseen this vineyard.Hickory Hill Vineyards is known for their prize-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, a dry red wine aged in French oak that has notes of black fruit. If you prefer semi-sweet wine, try the Redbud, which is a dark rosé. For an even sweeter wine, sample the Sweet Red Sail, a mixture of Cabernet sauvignon and Cabernet Franc that pairs well with figs, blue cheese, and chocolate.
- Peaks of Otter Winery: Located an hour away from Westlake Corner, this winery is highly regarded for their fruit wine. They make 25 different varieties, mostly made from fruits grown in the farm’s own orchard– blackberries, apples, and blueberries. The more adventurous might want to try mixed fruit wine including the Chili Dawg, a mixture of apple and chili wine that has a spicy kick.
- Brooks Mill Winery: Another local fruit wine producer, Brooks Mill Winery specializes in blueberry, blackberry, peach, pear, and plum wines. Some of these fruit wines have dry alternatives if that’s more to your taste. If the weather is good, you can enjoy a six-wine flight outdoors for just $5. Take note that Brooks Mill Winery closes every winter but reopens in April.
- LeoGrande Vineyard and Winery: Located approximately an hour away from Smith Mountain Lake, LeoGrande Vineyard and Winery is for lovers of Italian-style wine. Their cellars are filled with bottles of sangiovese, nebbiolo syrah and barbera, as well as French whites like sauvignon blanc and chardonnay.
Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival
The Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival is also held every autumn. It showcases wines from all over Virginia. Aside from wine, festival goers will also enjoy two days of live music. Once you’ve had your fill of wine, visit the craft vendor section, where you’ll be sure to find unique handcrafted items and special gifts.
Fishing
When the summer crowds have gone, it’s time to head back to Smith Mountain Lake to fish once again. Different kinds of bass, as well as crappie, catfish, and muskellunge, are some of the fish you can catch during this season. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the elusive walleyes, which naturally breed in small numbers.
Find a good spot and fish away. If you’re looking to catch a trophy-sized bass, you might want to engage a fishing guide. There are over a dozen guides based at Smith Mountain Lake who can come to your assistance.
Golf
Autumn’s crisp weather is perfect for playing golf. Furthermore, the SML Fall Classic Golf Tournament is always held during this time; this year’s tournament will be held at Mariners Landing Country Club, which is home to a championship golf course designed by legendary course architect Robert Trent Jones. Mariners Landing is one of the two public golf courses in Smith Mountain Lake. The other one is Copper Cove Golf Club, which has a 6,511-yard golf course designed by Russell Breeden. Both golf clubs are open year-round, weather permitting.
There are two more golf courses in Smith Mountain Lake but are exclusive to members and their guests. These are the Waterfront Country Club and the Water’s Edge Country Club. The Waterfront Country Club’s 4,777-6,684 yard championship golf course was created by George Dillon of the Fazio Design Group. Meanwhile, the Water’s Edge Country Club’s golf course was created by R.F. Loving Jr. and renovated in 2007 by Richard Mandell, an architect from PInehurst, North Carolina.
WINTER
Indoor recreation
If you’re lucky enough to own or rent a home or cabin with a wood stove, now is the time to sit back and relax, preferably with a hot toddy. Many residents and visitors also look forward to the annual Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park Winter Lecture Series.
SML Chili Festival
If you’re willing to brave the cold, the SML Chili Festival is held every winter. There’s nothing quite like eating hot chili while the temperature drops. This year’s version will be held on November 2, 2024, from lunch until the late afternoon. You can learn more about the 2024 SML Chili Festival here.
Bird watching
For those who just can’t resist the call of the great outdoors, winter is a great time to go bird watching in the Smith Mountain Lake area. Various waterfowl, joined by gulls and grebes, have been observed to fly and stay in the vicinity during the winter months.
Search the Smith Mountain Lake State Park with your binoculars for signs of woodpeckers and nuthatches as well; there are seven types of woodpeckers and three kinds of nuthatches that make their nests within the state park.
WATCH THE SEASONS UNFOLD IN SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE
As a resident and local real estate specialist with 30+ years of experience, I’ve seen just how beautiful and alive Smith Mountain Lake can be throughout the year. Fishing in the spring, lake activities in the summer, wines and fall foliage in the autumn, and cozy community gatherings in the winter– you’ll never run out of activities whether you choose to live here permanently or call SML your go-to getaway spot.
I’m Jane Horne, and I specialize in Smith Mountain Lake homes for sale. It would be an absolute pleasure to be a part of your personal real estate journey. Get in touch with me today or, if you’re still doing some research, check out my blog to learn more about Smith Mountain Lake real estate and lifestyle.