“This is a clean but dated motel. 45 Enterprise Ln, Smith Mountain Lake, Hardy, VA 24101-3973. Divers and remote-operated vehicles explored both sides of the dam to assure that 52-year-old structure is still in perfect working order. Everyone gathers to watch amateurs and professionals compete on the water. The lake was formed by Appalachian Power's Smith Mountain Pumped Hydro Project. This time we paid a little more and got a lake front cabin. 72'. Full pond is 795 feet above sea level. 99 mi) Quiet, Relaxing Rural Retreat, Panoramic Views (7. Beautiful lake, amazing houses along the shore. Smith Mountain Dam closed the gap completely in 1963, and Smith Mountain Lake began to fill and form behind it. Smith Mountain Lake. Fatalities from boating related incidents also saw a slight drop statewide in 2021. 751, where you’ll see a sign to Smith Mountain Dam Visitors Center. Smith Mountain Lake was created following the construction of a hydroelectric dam for Appalachian Power Company at the confluence of the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers located at the base of Smith Mountain. A barrier preventing boaters from getting too close to the Smith Mountain Lake dam has flipped over into the water. Electricity is produced using pumped storage with Smith Mountain Lake serving as the upper reservoir and Leesville Lake as the lower one. Army Corps of Engineers Dam Name: Smith Mountain Combination Pump Storage (APPALACHIAN POWER COMPANY) Daily Levels By Month Roanoke River River. At the same time, Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake are a focal point for residents, tourists, and outdoor adventure seekers. A detailed and delicate dance through history brought about SML. The community’s restaurants, bars, wineries, and breweries are. comNovember 1962: Construction completed on the Smith Mountain Lake Dam. It was created in the 1960s when a dam was built on the Roanoke River. By: Va. The lake’s history began in the 1920s when initial proposals were. com We’ve Got The Place! Features & Benefits: Climate controled units and outside non. $5 cover charge. That is 14 miles. The largemouth bass population is good with catch rates from DWR sampling rivaling nearby Smith Mountain Lake and Philpott Lake. The first time our cabin was just on a camp road. at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Striped Bass - General Discussion and Reports. , Sandy Level, Virginia. These tours can be conducted within a 25-mile radius of the airport and include sights of the Smith Mountain Dam, the Peaks of Otter, the D-Day Memorial or even your own lake house. Nagy, a Johnson City, Tennessee resident and U. Presentation of 2019 monitoring data for Smith Mountain Lake and tributaries; trophic state parameters (TP, CHL-a, SD), bacteria and algae, along with depth profiles of T, DO. Striper Fishing How-To's. m. It was an unusual lake that developed—not a typical round one. It is the largest lake in the state and covers an impressive 20,600 acres. Nearby and along the shore of Smith Mountain Lake there are lots of interesting places to visit and things to do. Smith Mountain Lake is the second largest body of freshwater in Virginia after John H. View 748 homes for sale in Smith Mountain Lake, VA at a median listing home price of $119,950. Incidents hit a 10-year peak of 110 in 2020 before dropping to 89 last year. SML Walk to End Poverty: 5K and 10K walk and run to benefit Lake Christian Ministries at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. 49 miles away . 773 Ashmeade Rd, Moneta, VA 24121-3272 +1 540-346-2205 Website. The best time for fishing on Smith Mountain Lake would be the early morning or the late evening when there are fewer people on the lake. Offering 20-minute flights from the dam to the Hales Ford Bridge. 7. Putt-Putt Golf. Making of the beds is the responsibility of the guest. Bedford County makes up the northern half of the lake with the Roanoke River as the dividing line. In other words, a two-foot decrease in Smith Mountain Lake (from 795 to 793 feet) results in Leesville Lake increasing 13 feet (from 600 to 613 feet). Striper Fishing in Smith Mountain Lake can be either relaxing or fast-paced, depending on your preference. 16430 Booker T. 00 mi) Sleep Inn & Suites Jasper I-22 (3. Along with a marina, the Smith Mountain Lake Community Park also can be found in the North Shore area. Amenities. , 272 Westlake Rd. The Bedford County Regional Water Authority (BRWA) Smith Mountain Lake Water Treatment Facility currently withdraws about 1. A barrier preventing boaters from getting too close to the Smith Mountain Lake dam has flipped over into the water. The Smith Mountain Lake Dam created the lake. 7-mile Dam Trail. as of 05:00 this morning thursday november 23, 2023, inflow to the smith mountain project was 1283 cfs and the discharge from leesville 501 cfs. Additionally, there is a picnic area on Leesville Lake below the dam that is open to the public daily. Game. In Winter without the leaves, there's a few views of SML Smith Mountain Lake. From Greensboro, NC: Take US 220 North to Rocky Mount, VA and then take Route 40 East for about 1/2 mile to Route 122. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers. The barrier’s warning signs are now underwater and out of Barrier falls at SML dam | Local News | smithmountaineagle. Appalachian’s project to rebury the dead and relocate the living cost the company between $150,000-$200,000. Smith Mountain Lake Dam Stock Photos, Images & Pictures. Smith Mountain Lake Tributary monitoring stations. Construction on the Dam began in 1959. Zillow has 42 homes for sale in 24101 matching Smith Mountain Lake. About Me. This town was founded by a man known as Abner Anthony in 1818. Smith Mountain Lake Dam. The Visitors Center gives a great historical account of the lake's formation and the building of the dam, as well as an educational explanation of how the dam produces electrical power to the surrounding counties. 43 reviews. This visitor center for the Smith Mountain Lake Project Dam is a little gem. This property offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to hunt, fish, hike, view wildlife and enjoy vistas overlooking beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. Revelle traced the origin of the name of the Roanoke River, one of the waterways now flowing into and through Smith Mountain Lake on its way to the Atlantic. Try the Smith Mountain Cooperative Wildlife Management Area. Franklin County, 540. Under low in-flow conditions, the surface elevation at Smith Mountain Lake may fall below 793 feet. The Center is open on Sundays from 1-5 p. Located about 10 miles off Virginia 40 in Sandy Level, Off the beaten path, the SM Dam is an educational adventureThe floating boat barrier that keeps boaters away from Smith Mountain Lake’s forebay between the Bedford and Pittsylvania County sides of the 800-foot-wide gap was broken Friday night by high. Smith Mountain is the first Appalachian project to utilize the pumped storage concept. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. 792. Then follow the Bedford directions above. This means that it’s accessible from a variety of roads, but the visitor center is located along Route 908, right off of. There are numerous water activities, including swimming, boat rentals, a boat ramp. . Smith Mountain Dam’s statistics are impressive. One of the prettiest sights near Smith Mountain Lake is the view from. correlated with miles to the dam, trends are exhibited which would be considered typical of a reservoir. This spacious 2-bedroom suite. Construction crews work at the Leesville Dam site as well the larger Smith Mountain Lake Dam. 23, 1962. In addition to regular water exercise classes, lap swimmers and general pool use, 23 Westlake Wellness members swam the equivalent distance from the Hales Ford Bridge to the SML Dam. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE 127/138 13000 Moneta Rd. Smith Mountain Lake: Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge, this 20,000 acre clear water lake ranks as one of my favorite walleye spots. Smith Mountain Dam is a concrete arch dam located on the Roanoke River in Virginia, creating Smith Mountain Lake. , Sandy Level, Virginia. Coordinates: 37°03′26″N 79°35′47″W Smith Mountain Lake is a large reservoir in the Roanoke Region of Virginia, [3] United States, located southeast of the City of Roanoke and southwest of Lynchburg. Feel free to stop by the wildlife blind for a quiet moment of observation. 8. These three waterways filled into a main body that encompasses more than 500 miles of shoreline. The lake and its surrounding area are best known as an ideal place for boating, sailing, flatwater paddling, fishing, swimming, hiking, golf, watersports, and camping. And that’s not a typo! The site was developed by the late Brian Raub and his daughter Erin Raub at (basically) the dawn of the internet. 99. LOCATION: Smith Mountain Dam Visitors Center is located at the eastern edge of the lake in Pittsylvania County, off Rt. Fatalities from boating related incidents also saw a slight drop statewide in 2021. 8 miles upstream from the alpine glacial limit. The striped bass in Smith Mountain Lake are strong fish that can annihilate inferior gear. Get the inside scoop on where to stay, eat, shop and explore on and off the water at beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. The development, proposed by Willard Investment Properties, would include 30 single-family homes and a. The reservoir was constructed in the early 1960’s and is owned by American Electric Power Company and is managed. While you are there you can pet some animals at the petting zoo, go on a trail ride on horses, or go on a carrage way. W79°. Home. m. A generous fall of rain and good runoff of show had raised the lake level to an elevation of 782. $230 - 1 hour. Bask in the magnificent views as you hike the local trails or while you take out a kayak and cruise along the waters of the lake! test. Jun. the adjusted reservoir elevation was 793. Dams. Most largemouth bass are between 8 and 17 inches but there is a fair number of larger fish up 22 inches. , Huddleston, 540-297-6830. The dam created Smith Mountain Lake as its reservoir, where recreation and real estate have become popular. 7. Also near the park are the Booker T. From Rocky Mount, 20 minutes west on Route 40 is the Smith Mountain Lake Dam, museum and park. The non-lakefront. Location 4. Organizers said they hope the event, sponsored by AEP and the Franklin County YMCA, will start and finish on top of the dam and take runners on a winding route that will include mountain trails. Local News breaking. See moreLearn about the Smith Mountain Project, a two-lake complex of dams and reservoirs on the Roanoke River in Virginia, that provides power and recreation for the region. The lake is a fairly new lake compared to many others in the region, it was dammed in the 1960’s as Appalachian Power built Smith Mountain Dam at Smith Mountain Point, an area where the mountain range dips and creates a “V” if you will. Smith Mountain Lake is a 20,600-acre impoundment located near Roanoke, Virginia. Striped bass have been stocked into this reservoir since impoundment in 1963. 908 at 2072 Ford Rd. WSET ABC 13 covers news, sports and weather in the Heart of Virginia: Lynchburg, Danville and Roanoke and nearby communities including Amherst, Lexington, Cave Spring. Beautiful Smith Mountain lake. Smith Mountain Lake offers visitors a variety of activities, such as boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and biking trails. There are many things to do in the Smith Mountains. 2016 / 2017 Series. Get more information on the Smith Mountain Project and the Visitor Center. 99 $ 24. Nice getaway at Smith Mountain Lake. For more information, visit vadarecruises. this is a good beach to take your smaller kids to enjoy a swim. to dusk. Smith Mountain Lake was formed in the 1960s as a power generation project of Appalachian Power, part of American Electric Power (AEP). The terminal moraine is located to the south of Grand Lake and is mapped as glacial drift. Smith Mountain Dam is a concrete arch dam located on the Roanoke River in Virginia, creating Smith Mountain Lake. Smith Mountain Lake near Rocky Mount, Virginia, provides 500 miles of shoreline to one of Virginia's most popular recreation areas. A1. Login/Register; Home; What’s New. m. Leesville Reservoir is a 3,400-acre impoundment located near Altavista Virginia. L. Built on the Roanoke River and completed in the mid-1960s, the project’s two dams and reservoirs have added about 600 miles of new shoreline and about 24,000 surface acres of water for multiple uses. com. Only1ravyn84. In other words, a two-foot decrease in Smith Mountain Lake (from 795 to 793 feet) results in Leesville Lake increasing 13 feet (from 600 to 613 feet). m. Water temperatures also remain warm. It will lead you up an improved but unpaved goat. At Smith Mountain Lake, there was one boating fatality in 2021. 77. Appalachian Power deploys divers on Friday to make an underwater inspection of the Smith Mountain Dam. Biking Trails • Hiking Trails. When hydroelectric power was of top priority about 50 years ago, the damming process began on the Roanoke and Blackwater Rivers. The dam was built by Appalachian Power between 1960 and 1963 for the purposes of pumped-storage. Built in the 1960s, the lake provides recreation and a home to many but its main purpose remains the same to generate electricity. Smith Mountain Lake Fishing. Kerr Reservoir/Buggs Island Lake. See what other travelers are saying. Smith Mountain Lake is known the world over as an ideal summer vacation destination. Rural Retreat Lake. 95. 4. Beautiful area and lake. On September 24, 1963, the Smith Mountain Dam was closed and the lake began to form. 2020 Sportsman 247 or 25Ft 2009 Carolina Skiff both of which accommodate fishing parties up to six. The majority of the south shore of the lake lies in FraSmith Mountain Lake State Park: What a gorgeous park and campground - See 107 traveler reviews, 86 candid photos, and great deals for Huddleston, VA, at Tripadvisor. 626. 2-5 p. Nov 2019. . Call 540-985-2587 for hours. Ships from and sold by EVML Map Outlet. MONETA, Va. com Construction Continues for Smith Mountain Lake Project. Niburg says the lake is a great. The lake has many coves, perfect to spend the weekend or the entire week. Campfires are not allowed. 2021 . The 2023 Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival is returning to Crazy Horse Marina on Saturday, September 23rd and Sunday, September 24 th. read more. If you see a malfunctioning or damaged channel, rock or shoal marker, contact TLAC at 721-4400 or at Appalachian Power’s website, smithmtn. At this park you can experience all the area has to offer with swimming, boating, hiking, fishing and more. Follow Rt. 4-mile Deer Island Trail, the 3. When you cast your line at Smith Mountain Lake, there's a good. Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Huddleston is rated 8. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers. m. ). Its purpose was to hold back the Roanoke River and create. Lincoln, Nebraska 82 contributions 20 helpful votes. 10. Experience the outstanding natural beauty of the Smith Mountain Lake region by planning a hiking or biking adventure. When people ask about hiking Smith Mountain, this is the trail we recommend. The storm, coupled with recent rains, caused the lake to rise, topping the dam and covering Lakeside Drive. That is a 28-mile roundtrip. For a unique experience, head to the Smith Mountain Project visitor’s center for an up-close look at how the lake’s dam was constructed in the 1960s. 79 reviews. The PCB fish consumption advisory covers Smith Mountain Lake from below Niagara Dam on the Roanoke River downstream to Smith Mountain Dam, including the Blackwater River arm up to the Rt. Can you eat the fish from Smith Mountain Lake? Fish on Smith Mountain Lake’s Do Not. Also shows current level and trend (rise or fall rate). Learn more. Leesville Lake is absolutely beautiful. Washington Highway, Unit 2, Moneta; 540-721-1203. Numbered and lighted channel markers are mounted on pilings along Smith Mountain Lake’s two main river channels (Roanoke and Blackwater) and its major creeks (Craddock and Witcher near the dam, Walton Creek near R22, Gills Creek midway up the Blackwater, Bull Run and Little Bull Run on the Penhook side, and Beaverdam Creek. This crane is capable of lifting 450 tons of equipment. 32 Figure 6. The team then moved to Leesville Lake, which is on the other side of the Smith Mountain Lake Dam. The average depth of SML’s 20,600 acres is 55 feet. I think that it was probably built in the 1960's or so. Also shows current level and trend (rise or fall rate). The Smith Mountain Lake area is approximately 5,000 acre public hunting and fishing area located on one of the region’s most beautiful and most prominent geologic features at the southeast end of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford and Pittsylvania counties near Roanoke, Virginia. 83'. Smith Mountain Lake Dam. The primary inflows for the lake are the Roanoke River and Blackwater River. “This is a clean but dated motel. 3-mile Lake Trail, the 1. Write a review Upload a photo. Fully customizable! Up to 3 passengers based on combined weight. The surrounding area is also scenic. Jason Emmel, of Louisa, Virginia, broke the state record catching a 66-pound, 5-ounce blue catfish with a bow and arrow, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. The Smith Mountain Dam Visitor Center is open at various times; call 540-985-2587. ItHistory of the Smith Mountain Dam. . Dams. The Smith Mountain Visitor’s Center overlooks the dam. See what other travellers are saying. Follow the Lynchburg directions above. 53 mi) Best Dam View at Smith Mountain Lake!!! (1. The mountain area is covered with trees with lake access. Smith Mountain Dam, built by a South Bend, Indiana, company, cost more than $60 million and was capable of. lynchburgpowersports. Water stored in Smith Mountain Lake passes through turbine-generators at Smith Mountain Dam to produce electricity. Dams. Effective 11/17/2023 at 05:05. In the Summertime, it's mostly shaded and very few views of Smith Mountain Lake along the way. Lakefront development approved by supervisors. 9. Along with a marina, the Smith Mountain Lake Community Park also can be found in the North Shore area. 2-5 p. Built and operated by American Electric Power (formerly Appalachian Power Company), the damThese tours can be conducted within a 25 mile radius of the airport and include sights of the Smith Mountain Lake Dam, the Peaks of Otter, the D-Day Memorial, or even your own lake house! Cessna 172. Parking is limited at Salthouse. The hydroelectric dam consists of 175,000 cubic yards of concrete and has the capacity to generate 605 megawatts of electricity for up to 11 hours. The Center is open on Sundays from 1-5 p. 908 at 2072 Ford Rd. Smith Mountain Lake State Park; Smith Mountain Dam; Public Notices; Home. Smith Mountain Lake is a popular destination located in the breathtakingly beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The state park has lots of amenities (beach, interpretive. I have heard several people talking about Stripers below the SML Dam. April 13, 1965: Water rises in Smith Mountain Lake behind the dam on the Roanoke River. Biking Trails • Hiking Trails. At right, a closer look at the 71. Tuesday, November 21, 2023 7:00:00 AM Level is 2. 16503 Booker T. “The problem there was that the lake fluctuates too much so that you get a lot of shallow areas. . The linen package for this home is an additional $158 + tax and includes sheets, pillowcases, 2 bath towels, 1 hand towel and 1 wash cloth per person as well as a kitchen starter kit. Smith Mountain Lake Virginia stock photos are available in a variety of. May 6, 2023. In addition to Little Bit, other islands included in the project are Bar Island (near Smith Mountain Dam), Brides Island (the third in a series near channel marker R4), Bird Island (near Vista Pointe) and Cup. 2017 / 2018 Series. Leesville Lake has a maximum refill rate of 1. to 4 p. a Map showing tributary sites below Smith Mountain Lake Dam. Facebook. Jason Dunovant. This story was originally published in The Roanoke Times on Sept. Washington HWY, Moneta VA 24121, 434-426-1520, mySMLteam. The hydroelectric dam. comThe very popular Smith Mountain Lake is an impoundment of the Roanoke River. Nov. Lakeview Trail: Yellow Blazes, 0. North Shore is easily accessible from Virginia 220 and Virginia 460. Upon arriving, go to the Visitor’s Center. There are no developed facilities. Smith Mountain Lake, which was created by the dam, is the largest lake contained entirely within the state of Virginia, and about 22,000 year-round residents now live along its shore. The operating range for Leesville is between 600 and 613 feet in elevation. With 4 distinct seasons, low taxes, low crime, and traffic a non-issue, Smith Mountain Lake is a great place to live. 69 mi) Bedford Landings Bed & Breakfast, LLC (1. So far, it’s done an excellent job of providing both power and pastimes to the state. The dam created Smith. m. 3. Abstract and Figures. Dept. ) and the staff is very friendly. Fortunately for beer and wine enthusiasts, Smith Mountain Lake is surrounded by several top-notch breweries and vineyards, some close by and all within driving distance. >> Learn more about the history of Smith Mountain Lake. Smith Mountain Dam, built by a South Bend, Indiana, company, cost more than $60 million and was capable of. Smith Mountain Lake Stripers are ferocious fighters and can be caught all year long. The 40-mile-long lake first reached its “full pond” level of 795 feet above sea level in 1966. This was the first commercial saturation diving system and was designed by Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Underseas Division (Tom O'Neill and Alan Krassburg) for use in clearing the. Get it Oct 24 - 26. American Honey: Live music at Los Amigos Bar & Grill at Crazy Horse Marina. Rates on Smith Mountain Lake for Full day trip 8-9 hours, up to 6 people. The double curvature concrete arch dam is 816 feet long and 235 feet high and has five generating units at 65 megawatts each. Reviewed August 6, 2023. You’ll find it in central Virginia among the Blue Ridge Mountains; from Washington DC, it’s about four hours southwest. We know there are many vacation options available to your family. Smith Mountain Lake. It can be rented from 8 a. read more. If you love working in a positive environment with people…Smith Mountain Lake Dam. Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center. 91 mi) Holiday Inn Express Jasper (1. Easy booking process on-line and arrived to such a friendly and professional staff. THE ADJUSTED RESERVOIR ELEVATION WAS 793. Social Security Administration claims representative, just completed his second history book, “Smith Mountain Dam and Lake”, one in a legion of Images of America texts for South Carolina-based Arcadia Publishing. Construction of the dam began in 1960 and took a crew of 200 six years to move the 300,000 cubic yards of earth and forest to make room. Known as the “jewel” of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Smith Mountain Lake is now our home and serves as an inspiration for creating beers that celebrate our area. Smith Mountain Lake is a large man-made lake (the largest lake contained entirely within Virginia, according to Wikipedia) nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to Roanoke, VA. From To. The two dams will form a hydroelectric power unit, with the smaller Leesville operation repumping water to the Smith Mountain Lake reservoir to be used again for power generation. SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE. You can hike on either side of the Smith Mountain Dam, but both end up in spots overlooking the dam and the lake. Featured below in this map of Smith Mountain Lake are Smith Mountain Lake State Park, the Booker T. Smith Mountain Dam. 2015 / 2016 Series. Held at the Smith Mountain Lake State. The VDWR theorizes that when that water is returned to Smith Mountain, walleye hitch a ride. A generous fall of rain and good runoff from snow raised the level of the lake to an. At Smith Mountain Lake, there was one boating fatality in 2021. The campground also has 20 cabins available for reservation, which can be made up to 11 months in advance. Also near the park are the Booker T. The dam was built by Appalachian Power between 1960. This property offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to hunt, fish, hike, view wildlife and enjoy vistas overlooking beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. 2. 7 miles from Smith Mountain Lake Dam. This magnificent 1,000-acre community resort is surrounded by the beautiful peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains and overlooks the waters of gorgeous Smith Mountain Lake. Download Smith Mountain Lake Dam stock photos. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. Several cabins are also available for rent that can provide an ideal setting for those looking to enjoy nature or spend time with family or friends. Memorial Day through Labor Day. Very quiet as opposed to9 Smith Mountain Lake which can be riotious on warm weekends. What is biting at Smith Mountain Lake? Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth bass) are the most sought after species by anglers at Smith Mountain Lake. The Smith Mountain Lake area is approximately 5,000 acre public hunting and fishing area located on one of the region’s most beautiful and most prominent geologic features at the southeast end of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford and Pittsylvania counties near Roanoke, Virginia. . Close by are SML State Park and SML Community Park, each offering lakeside trails suitable for the whole family. 5/8/1962. From Blue Ridge Parkway: Take Route 24 East exit to Stewartsville , and on to Rt 122 South. Jun 2019. To mark the 50th anniversary, more than 100 Smith Mountain Lake supporters gathered Monday morning for Full Pond Day. This is quite a beautiful lake, we were camped in Smith Mountain Lake State Park and rented a runabout for a day to explore the lake. Smith Mountain Lake is a 20,600-acre impoundment located near Roanoke in Bedford and Franklin counties. If you’re looking for an off-water excursion for out-of-town guests, especially kids, consider taking a trip to Smith Mountain Dam. The Dam at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia was shot with my Mavic Pro in 4KAmazing View, Quiet Cove of Bernards Landing, Sandy Beach, 3 Kings and Twin Bunk. Your Stripers Landing Condominium is a four season resort. Front Door Properties brokered by Wainwright & CO. See what other travelers are saying. On the main (Roanoke) river channel, markers begin near the Smith Mountain Dam with R-2, found on the right (starboard) side as a boater proceeds upriver from the dam’s safety barrels. I think that it was probably built in the 1960's or so. That is 14 miles. Historical Pontoon Boat Tour: Ride with a guide from SML State Park to learn the history of how the lake was created, the origin of the park and more. 07 feet/hour). Anyone who has spent enough time at Smith Mountain Lake likely has spotted military aircraft passing overhead. Smith Mountain Lake encompasses over 40 miles, holds 20,000 acres of water, and is surrounded by 500 miles of shoreline. With 16 miles of lake frontage, the 1,248-acre Smith Mountain Lake State Park is indeed a water enthusiast’s paradise. Surrounded by mountains, Smith Mountain Lake is Western Virginia’s biggest playground. The giant project, which began in 1960, is complete. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers. LOCATION: Smith Mountain Dam Visitors Center is located at the eastern edge of the lake in Pittsylvania County, off Rt. Lakefront resort at Smith Mountain Lake. 32 Figure 6. Since the building of the dam and expansion of the lake, there have been several rumors about a city under Smith Mountain Lake. Nature & Wildlife Areas. Alexander L. A generous fall of rain and good runoff from snow raised the level of the lake to an. 87 mi) Hampton Inn Jasper, Alabama (3. Cow Pie Bingo raises $10,000 for local student scholarships. Free or royalty-free photos and images.