Often referred to as "The Jewel of the Blue Ridge," Smith Mountain Lake was created in 1966 when engineers dammed the Blackwater and Roanoke rivers flooding Smith Mountain Gap. American Electric Power (formerly Appalachian Power) built the Smith Mountain Dam and began making electricity for the surrounding communities. Today, the lake is a renowned recreational and retirement destination along with the best place to live to enjoy the "lake lifestyle".

Smith Mountain Lake is a 30-45 minute drive from either Roanoke or Lynchburg. The lake covers parts of three Virginia counties -- Franklin, Bedford, and Pittsylvania. Three airports -- Smith Mountain Lake Airport, Roanoke Regional Airport, and Lynchburg Regional Airport serve the area. The recreational opportunities are outstanding with boating, fishing and golfing being the most popular. Smith Mountain Lake Virginia, VA covers over 40 miles, 20,000 acres of water, and is surrounded by 500 miles of shoreline. For boaters there are marinas conveniently located all over the lake. Fishermen love the lake for the citation striped bass (Smith Mountain Lake Striper Club). For golfers there are 5 private and public golf courses. Smith Mountain Lake State Park provides camping and recreational opportunities as well.

History fills the area around Smith Mountain Lake. Within a short distance are the Booker T. Washington National Monument, the D-Day Memorial, Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest, the Blue Ridge Parkway, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and of course, the Smith Mountain Dam Visitors Center. Nearby Ferrum College (in Franklin County) boasts another national attraction, the acclaimed Blue Ridge Institute. Its outreach is through a museum, archives, records division and re-created German-American farmstead. Browse the site for Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate.

Local gourmet dining includes Viera's, The Landing, and Blackwater Cafe