Because of its expansive size, Smith Mountain Lake reaches into the counties of Franklin, Bedford and Pittsylvania, with the majority of the shoreline in Franklin County. Vacationers come from all over to enjoy the water sports, fish, and sightsee on the 500 miles of shoreline. With the wide variety of recreational activities the lake offers, there is no doubt Smith Mountain Lake is the main source of entertainment for vacationers and residents alike. Compared to other lakes, Smith Mountain Lake is relatively new. In 1960, the dam was formed to generate electrical power for the Appalachian Power Company. It took six years and a crew of 200 to move 300,000 cubic yards of mountain forests to make way for the 175,000 cubic feet of concrete used to build the Smith Mountain Dam. The dam walls were complete in September 1963 and the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers began filling Smith Mountain Lake. Capacity was reached on March 7, 1966 and the lake became the recreational capital of Southwest Virginia. Smith Mountain Lake and surrounding areas not only offer a wide variety of activities on and off the water, but the history of the area is an equally big attraction. In addition to the Smith Mountain Lake Dam, the community is home of The National D-Day Memorial, The Booker T. Washington National Monument, Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, and The Blue Ridge Institute at Ferrum College. World-class historical sites, fantastic dining and entertainment options, beautiful sunsets, water sports, boating, skydiving and horseback riding are just a few of the reasons why many vacationers decide they simply can’t leave Smith Mountain Lake. In fact, our small community of 18,000 has grown in a large part due to vacationers who permanently relocate to the area. Whether you are looking to raise a family, start a business, or retire, there is a perfect place in the Smith Mountain Lake community for you.

Community | 9 Aug 2007 | 7:33 am