The Ultimate Guide of Things to Do in Smith Mountain Lake
Smith Mountain Lake is a beautiful snaking lake located in the Roanoke Region of Virginia. The population of the lake is around 22,000 people. The average depth of the lake is 55 ft., and a maximum depth of 250 ft., which makes it ideal for water sports. From the waters of Smith Mountain Lake and the woods of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this lake has so much natural beauty to discover. This blog post highlights a few things to do on the lake this season!
1. Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Smith Mountain Lake is the second-largest lake in Virginia. SML has a lot more to offer other enthusiasts in addition to traditional water sports, boating, fishing, and swimming. State Park guests enjoy hiking, camping, biking, picnicking, and much more. Smith Mountain Lake State Park was established in 1967, and the visitors center has some interesting exhibits such as the history and folklore of Smith Mountain Lake. There are hiking trails, fish, swimming a 500-foot-long beach, picnic areas, RV hookups, 50 campsites, and cabin rentals. The park totals 1,248 acres and approximately 16 miles of lakefront. They are located in Bedford County, Huddleston, Virginia, on the north side of the lake, off Route 626 otherwise known as Smith Mountain Lake Parkway.
2. Smith Mountain Lake Community Park
The 37-acre Smith Mountain Lake Community Park opened in 2007. They are providing a family-oriented environment for fishing and recreation. The park offers a partially covered fishing pier which is the largest on the lake. This pier is known for the catch of striped bass. There are also hiking trails, picnic shelters, a playground, a public beach, a bathhouse, and over 200 parking spaces. Entry to the park is free but there is a small fee to enter the beach area being 3 dollars (cash only) per adult with children under the age of 3 for free. This park is in Franklin County on the south side of the lake, off Route 616.
3. The Blue Ridge Parkway
While you visit Smith Mountain Lake, you can always visit the Blue Ridge Parkways. There are 3 entrances near SML. More than 14 million visitors travel its roads and enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway every year. Within the 469-mile-long BRP, there are 15 visitor centers, cabins, lodges, restaurants, campgrounds, picnic areas, trails, and overlooks. Locations of the entrances are the northern entry from Moneta, Virginia, following Route 122 north to Bedford, then Route 43 northwest until it intersects BRP. The central entry is in Moneta, Virginia following Route 122 north toward Bedford, then Route 24 west until it intersects with the BRP. The southern entry from Moneta Virginia follows Route 1222 south toward Rocky Mount, then Route 220 north until it intersects with the BRP.
4. Bridgewater Plaza
Bridgewater Plaza offers everything from mini golf, shopping, dining options, coffee, family fun centers, and ice cream. Some great dining options include Mangos, Cancun, and Moosie’s. Some entertainment options offered at the plaza include Harbor Town Golf and an arcade.
5. Hickory Hill Vineyards
The vineyard’s tasting room and shop are in a 1923 farmhouse. The original sleeping porch was replaced with the tasting room in 2001, and the original kitchen was converted into a cozy gift shop. When you visit, plan to relax and slow down a bit. Their wine experiences include traditional guided wine tasting, a flight of 4 wines of your choice, a full-tasting flight, wine by the glass, or wine by the bottle. They carry charcuterie and cheese along with other light options to go along with the tasting. Something to note is due to the winery being family-run, the hours of operation are seasonal.
6. Go boating on the lake!
Whether you dock your boat at our marinas or rent a boat from our marina, boating on the lake is an essential summer activity. With Goodhue Boat Company having two convenient locations on opposite sides of the lake no matter where you stay or live on the lake, we will have you covered.
Smith Mountain Lake and its surrounding areas offer an escape from reality. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a boater, a foodie, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Smith Mountain Lake has something to offer everyone. So, pack your bags, don't forget your swimsuit, and get ready to embrace the beauty of Smith Mountain Lake with the help of Goodhue Boat Company.