Exploring Virginia: Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Along the Blue Ridge Mountains, roughly 40 miles from both Lynchburg and Roanoke, is Virginia’s second largest freshwater lake. Smith Mountain Lake is a water lovers dream. Nature lovers and recreationalists are drawn to the array of summer activities available including boating, swimming, fishing and enjoying time on or near the water. Luckily for Virginians and visitors, an incredible state park is located along the shore.

We visited Smith Mountain Lake State Park the day before Memorial Day weekend kicked off. The park was gearing up for a busy weekend with all cabins and campsites booked but we managed to beat the crowds and practically had the park to ourselves.

As we have been visiting all of the state parks, Smith Mountain Lake quickly climbed the ranks as one of our favorites. Not only can you enjoy the beautiful lake and take advantage of all the activities, the park offers the opportunity to experience a unique natural escape beaming with native plants, environmental education programs and diverse wildlife.

Our favorite things to do at Smith Mountain Lake State Park:

1. Camping at the wonderful campground. The campground featured well maintained sites and facilities. The sites were accessible to the lake and trails that weaved through the woods and along the shore. Cabins are also available.
2. Swimming in the pristine lake. We took the Beechwood Trail from our campsite down to the lake after arriving. The quick hike through the hardwood forest, along a bubbling creek led us to a little cove where we were able to swim in the picturesque lake. We had the area completely to ourselves and enjoyed a pretty magical sunset swim. The park is also home to a large beach for swimming that is perfect for families and groups spending the day by the water.
3. Hiking the trails. While the water is the main attraction, the park’s 14 different trails are quite special. We loved the trail by our campsite but the other trails we hiked did not disappoint. Our favorite trail took us through the woods out to Osprey Point where we were able to truly take in the size (and popularity) of the lake. While we didn’t spot any of the critters that call the park home, we did see some tracks and other evidence of active wildlife.

Other things to do:

• Boating: visitors can bring or rent boats to truly get out on the lake.
• Fishing: in designated areas, fishing for smallmouth, largemouth and striped bass, catfish and other species is another popular activity.
• Biking: all of the park’s trails are open to biking
• Nature programs: Smith Mountain Lake State Park has an impressive event schedule and several interesting programs available for children including their Junior Naturalist Program.

We were only at the park for a day and night but are already planning our next trip back!

Funding Virginia’s great outdoors

Protecting Virginia’s special places means more nature for Virginians to enjoy and more nature for plants and animals to thrive. Our state parks and other protected lands are critically important to Virginians and the environment which is why we need to better protect and better fund our great outdoors.

We are visiting every state park in Virginia so check back as our adventure continues!