Smith Mountain Lake

Smith Mountain Lake

Welcome to Smith Mountain Lake. Virginia's Premier Lake!

What Is SML?

Known locally as "SML," it is the "Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains". Smith Mountain Lake is a large reservoir in the Roanoke Region of Virginia, located southeast of the City of Roanoke and southwest of Lynchburg. The lake was created in 1963 by the Smith Mountain Dam impounding the Roanoke River. The majority of the south shore of the lake lies in Franklin County while a small portion, including access to the dam, lies in Pittsylvania County. Bedford County makes up the northern half of the lake with the Roanoke River as the dividing line. SML consist of over 500 miles of shoreline.

Fun at SML

All seasons are fun at Smith Mountain Lake, but summers are the best. With plentiful warm-weather activities available to keep visitors, residents and their guests busy, SML is always hopping in the summer months. Among the lake's many water activities are power boating, canoeing, sailing, parasailing, swimming, fishing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing. SML's lakefront includes six free public boat launching sites, plus paid launches at more than a dozen marinas. Off-water you'll enjoy sightseeing that includes many spectacular views of SML's mountainous 500-mile shoreline, Five challenging golf courses, the SML State Park includes many miles of hiking trails, picnicking, camping, hunting, antiquing, shopping, and relaxing. Restaurants at waterfront and nearby offer everything from pizza and sandwiches to prime rib buffets and gourmet cuisine. Whether you’re looking for ideas for quiet relaxation, fun-filled family time or thrill-seeking adventures, you’ll find it at Smith Mountain Lake.