Smith Mountain Lake (SML) is a beautiful lake with over 500 miles of shoreline. It is a reservoir with primary inflows from the Roanoke River and Blackwater River. The dam was begun in 1960 and finished in 1963, but March of 1966 was the first time the lake was at full pond. In 2016, Smith Mountain Lake is celebrating 50 years with many special events along with the many other regular events and festivals.
The lake has many activities both off and on the water including the Tom Maynard Poker Run, annual SML Fishing Tournament, Antique & Classic Boat Festival, Pirate Days and the SML Wine Festival.
SML was featured in the Hallmark movie, “Lake Effects,” and has appeared in other movies including “What About Bob?”
The lake and surrounding area is beautiful and is well worth a visit! Below are some links to various Smith Mountain Lake businesses:
Smith Mountain Marine is a proud member of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, a great place for area information, events calendar, and much more: visitsmithmountainlake.com
Bedford Area Welcome Center: visitbedford.com
Franklin County, Virginia information: visitfranklincountyva.org
Crystal Shores Marina (where Smith Mountain Marine is located) for slip and dry rack rental: crystalshoresmarinaresort.com
Get membership with TowBoat US and they will be there to help you when you need it! We like the care they take towing and docking your boat. Many of our customers have membership, which includes other features including bringing you gas & jump starts. For membership on Smith Mountain Lake, contact: TowBoatUS SML
Smith Mountain Lake State Park: SML State Park website
Boat rentals at Parkway Marina, SML: Boat Rentals at Parkway
Waller’s Bar & Grill (seasonal) at Crystal Shores Marina: holleratwaller.com
Smith Mountain Lake Level (updated hourly): Lake Level
Booker T. Washington National Monument: BTW website
Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries/Boating: dgif.virginia.gov/boating
REMEMBER: On July 1, 2016, the Virginia Boating Safety Education Requirement took effect in the state of Virginia. “In 2007, the Virginia General Assembly enacted a law to establish a boating safety education compliance requirement. This requirement has been phased in over the past several years; and by July 1, 2016, all operators (regardless of age) of PWCs and operators (regardless of age) of motorboats with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater will be required to have a boating safety education course completion card on board when operating a PWC or motorboat.” For information on the requirements and links to classes, please click on this link: DGIF boater education information . Many classes are free and some have a cost. There are also online classes in addition to the various classes being held around the state of Virginia.
