As the 2nd largest lake in Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake is a popular destination for visitors to Virginia's Blue Ridge and offers many great types of accommodations. This property offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to hunt, fish, hike, view wildlife and enjoy vistas overlooking beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. That’s in contrast to a run-of-river dam such as the much smaller 50-megawatt Leesville Dam 17 miles east, where water simply flows through spinning. The Smith Mountain Dam Visitor Center is open at various times; call 540-985-2587. From Blue Ridge Parkway: Take Route 24 East exit to Stewartsville , and on to Rt 122 South. Today, we’re unveiling a complete overhaul of the SML Insiders’ Guide, which has been the go-to resource for those looking for Smith Mountain Lake vacation, recreation and relocation information since it was started by Brian and Erin Raub in 1998. Waller Mill Park. What is the biggest largemouth bass caught in Smith Mountain Lake? The current state record for the fish is 53 lbs. Memorial Day through Labor Day. Reviewed August 6, 2023. Appalachian Power decided to build the dam and create the lake in 1963. Smith Mountain Lake is Virginia's most popular recreational lake. Kids love miniature golf, and there are multiple places to play at Smith Mountain Lake. correlated with miles to the dam, trends are exhibited which would be considered typical of a reservoir. 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. Ramulose Ridge Vineyards. Here are some Smith Mountain Lake Fun Facts. Find out how to visit the free Visitor Center, see the pumped-storage system, and protect the islands and blueways. The Halesford Harbour Inn at Smith Mountain Lake is a charming waterfront hotel that offers guests all of the amenities of a big resort bundled into a perfect, private getaway. Smith Mountain Lake has approximately 500 miles of shoreline. Part of the reason is that as you fish for walleyes, you’re also likely to catch. , the Franklin County Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call to report a missing person, who was last seen around the Smith Mountain Lake area, according to officials. The lake and its surrounding area are best known as an ideal place for boating, sailing, flatwater paddling, fishing, swimming, hiking, golf, watersports, and camping. For a unique experience, head to the Smith Mountain Project visitor’s center for an up-close look at how the lake’s dam was constructed in the 1960s. Built and operated by American Electric Power (formerly Appalachian Power Company), the damThese tours can be conducted within a 25 mile radius of the airport and include sights of the Smith Mountain Lake Dam, the Peaks of Otter, the D-Day Memorial, or even your own lake house! Cessna 172. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. Built in the 1960s, the lake provides recreation and a home to many but its main purpose remains the same to generate electricity. American Honey: Live music at Los Amigos Bar & Grill at Crazy Horse Marina. 27. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. In addition to the largest houseboat rental fleet on Smith Mountain Lake, we also offer a full line of pontoon boats, runabouts, fishing boats, and Wave Runners. . Smith Mountain Lake Stripers generally prefer a live shad over other baits/lures and over the years we have "Taxied" shad over the whole lake in order to. Anyone who has spent enough time at Smith Mountain Lake likely has spotted military aircraft passing overhead. If you see a malfunctioning or damaged channel, rock or shoal marker, contact TLAC at 721-4400 or at Appalachian Power’s website, smithmtn. Mar 6, 2005. Appalachian Power decided to build the dam and create the lake in 1963. Closed now : See all hours. 32 Figure 6. Get the inside scoop on where to stay, eat, shop and explore on and off the water at beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. Notes on photos above. Smith Mountain Lake Cooperative Wildlife Management Trail. Additionally, there is a picnic area on Leesville Lake below the dam that is open to the public daily. Spend the day getting soaked then catch some catfish or striped bass for an. 626 to Rt. Smith Mountain Lake Dam. The Dock at SML is the premier spot on the lake for boat storage, fuel (24/7 pay at the pump gas, fresh pizza, wings and sub sandwiches and the best boat rental fleet on the lake! Come visit this historic spot on Smith Mountain Lake known as The Home of the Pet Carp. 1 of 6. $5 for ages 6 and older. 43 reviews. In such an extensive body of water, recreation abounds. Plans are already underway for a 50-mile ultra marathon in the spring of 2016 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Smith Mountain Lake. Owned and operated by American Electric Power, the dam provides hydro-electric power for Virginia and surrounding states. 32 Figure 6. recommend going early if you are kayaking as lake gets busy with boats in. 2. Smith Mountain Project is a two-reservoir hydroelectric generation project operated by Appalachian PoPresentation of 2020 monitoring data for Smith Mountain Lake and tributaries; trophic state parameters (TP, CHL-a, SD), bacteria and algae, along with depth profiles of T, DO, pH and conductivity. Can you eat the fish from Smith Mountain Lake? Fish on Smith Mountain Lake’s Do Not. 22' and at altavista 618 cfs, stage 1. It was built by Appalachian Power for pumped-storage hydroelectricity and has five hydro-electric generators with a combined installed capacity of 560 MW. Arcadia is noted among history buffs for its richly illustrated texts. 5. The Lake is included in a report that includes 70,000 acres of Virginia's lakes and ponds, and more than 1,800 miles of rivers. The lake is man made but the scenery is beautiful. Every angler stays in the running for the grand prize awarded at the end, until the end. Also shows current level and trend (rise or fall rate). A generous fall of rain and good runoff from snow raised the level of the lake to an. At left, a view of the arch dam and the Smith Mountain Lake that stretches 40 miles upstream of the dam on the Roanoke River in southwest Virginia. 93 mi) Bedford Landings Bed & Breakfast, LLC (1. com We’ve Got The Place! Features & Benefits: Climate controled units and outside non. Tournaments. 7. Today, the visitor center provides an inside look into how the dam was created with historical accounts, interactive exhibits and scale models of the Roanoke region. Smith Mountain Lake. Value 3. There are amazing bazillionaire mansions all over the shore of this lake, it's not really a place to see lots of wildlife. See all. The mountain area is covered with trees with lake access. *1 King, 1 Queen, 4 Twin (2 bunk beds). N37°. ItHistory of the Smith Mountain Dam. It’s 235 feet tall and 30 feet thick at the base and houses five hydroelectric. However, the dam's construction did not begin until 1960. Smith Mountain Lake encompasses over 40 miles, holds 20,000 acres of water, and is surrounded by 500 miles of shoreline. On the main (Roanoke) river channel, markers begin near the Smith Mountain Dam with R-2, found on the right (starboard) side as a boater proceeds upriver from the dam’s safety barrels. The Smith Mountain Lake Insiders’ Guide has been the premier resource for those looking to vacation at or relocate to Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, since 1998. com. In a contract brewing arrangement with Railhouse, Parnell has set out to create a locally brewed beer distinctive to Smith Mountain Lake. The restaurant scene at Smith Mountain Lake is deliciously dynamic, with dozens of spots to grab breakfast, lunch and dinner both off and on the water. This visitor center for the Smith Mountain Lake Project Dam is a little gem. 3553 Trading Post Rd, Huddleston, VA 24104-3360 +1 540-296-0664 Website. Learn about the Smith Mountain Project, a two-lake complex of dams and reservoirs on the Roanoke River in Virginia, that provides power and recreation for the region. The dam was built by Appalachian Power (a division of American Electric Power) between 1960 and 1963 for the purposes of pumped-storage hydroelectricity. W80°. Get it Oct 24 - 26. Beautiful studio condos to single family homes on Smith Mountain Lake located at Mariners Landing. Owner Login Franchise. See all. Smaller and lower than Smith Mountain Lake, Leesville Lake covers 3,270 acres (13. The current state record for the fish is 53 lbs. Lunch is served. W79°. County Offices 40 East Court Street Rocky Mount 540-483-3030 Chamber of Commerce 16430 Booker T. caught in 2000 from below the SML dam in Leesville Lake. 79 mi) Wind Family Estate-Setting A New Standard for Luxury Rentals! The Smith Mountain Visitor's Center overlooks the dam and is free and open to the public. The dam at Smith Mountain Lake is operated by American Electric Power (AEP), under a license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). on March 7, 1966, the lake reaches 795 feet above sea level (full pond) for the first time. 99 $ 24. Amenities. Popular mentions. This reservoir is one of Virginia’s premier fisheries, offering outstanding fishing and other recreational opportunities. The Smith Mountain Dam is a double curvature, concrete arch spanning 816 feet and rising 235. . ) and the staff is very friendly. Huddleston, VA 24104. Beautiful lake, amazing houses along the shore. Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center. It holds back a 20,000-acre lake, with more than 500 miles of shoreline. Reports. Fatalities from boating related incidents also saw a slight drop statewide in 2021. 908 at 2072 Ford Rd. Review. Power generation was suspended at the dam as inspections were underway. March 7, 1966: The lake reached full pond (795 feet) Area: 20,260 acres. Ships from and sold by Amazon. This town was founded by a man known as Abner Anthony in 1818. Biking Trails • Hiking Trails. Ships from and sold by EVML Map Outlet. This long-time lake event allows you to tour eight spectacular waterfront homes while raising money for area charities. The reporter, Susan Lewis Flinner, passed away in 2014 at the age of 74. Leesville Lake has a maximum refill rate of 1. Incidents hit a 10-year peak of 110 in 2020 before dropping to 89 last year. 1-2 people – $550; 3 people – $575; 4 people – $600; 5 people – $625; 6 people – $650; For Trips made in advance, I do require a deposit to reserve and secure the. This is quite a beautiful lake, we were camped in Smith Mountain Lake State Park and rented a runabout for a day to explore the lake. The giant project, which began in 1960, is complete. Smith Mountain Lake is tucked far away in rural SW Virginia but the long drive is worth it. Franklin County, 540. One of the prettiest sights near Smith Mountain Lake is the view from. Several cabins are also available for rent that can provide an ideal setting for those looking to enjoy nature or spend time with family or friends. The majority of the south shore of the lake lies in Franklin County whThe construction of a dam in the gap of Smith Mountain in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, had been considered as early as the 1920s. The Visitors Center gives a great historical account of the lake's formation and the building of the dam, as well as an educational explanation of how the dam produces electrical power to the surrounding counties. Browse Getty Images' premium collection of high-quality, authentic Smith Mountain Lake Virginia stock photos, royalty-free images, and pictures. Smith Mountain Lake is the largest lake located completely within Virginia. The hydroelectric dam. Follow the Lynchburg directions above. Your Stripers Landing Condominium is a four season resort. Browse Getty Images' premium collection of high-quality, authentic Smith Mountain Lake Dam stock photos, royalty-free images, and pictures. Melissa McSherry: Live music at Fables & Feathers Winery. Smith Mountain Lake is an artificial reservoir created by a dam which blocks the natural flow of the Roanoke River Source: Virginia Department of Transportation, Bridges and Culverts In Lynchburg, Liberty University discovered that the donation of Ivy Lake in 2008 provided not only a 112-acre recreational site for students, but also a financial. fluctuate between 613 feet and 600 feet during normal operations as measured at the dam. Jason Emmel, of Louisa, Virginia, broke the state record catching a 66-pound, 5-ounce blue catfish with a bow and arrow, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. April 13, 1965: Water rises in Smith Mountain Lake behind the dam on the Roanoke River. 5 FT PER DAY, TO AN ELEVATION OF 1841 FT THROUGH NOVEMBER 12TH TO ALLOW PROPERTY OWNERS TO MAINTAIN DOCKS AND SHORELINE. 2021. 46 feet per hour. It has a number of exhibits about both the Smith Mountain Lake Dam (location of this visitor center) and also the Leesville Dam which is 19. With suites, condos, and homes available for both. Dubbed the Jewel of the Blue Ridge, the man-made lake reached capacity March 7, 1966. These three waterways filled into a main body that encompasses more than 500 miles of. Your satisfaction is first and foremost to the Oliver family, who have owned and operated the marina since 1996. 0. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. Napoli By The Lake. Information regarding boating and fishing access sites and the waterbodies and parks they inhabit as to allow you to find a location for your water recreation activities. A couple days ago I tied a few orange ribbons to reveal hidden sections of the unmaintained part of the trail beyond the towers. Washington National Monument, 540-721-2094), the Blue Ridge Parkway and Peaks of Otter, 540-857-2485. ). Officials stated that the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area to search for the individual and located. Slocum’s Appaloosa Ranch, located near Smith Mountain Lake, offers just that with trail riding and horseback riding lessons for locals and travelers alike. The live bait techniques used to catch striped bass vary depending on the time of year. Smith Mountain Lake Although there is no hard evidence of the rumored town of Monroe beneath Virginia’s beloved Smith Mountain Lake, many still believe that the truth lies beneath the water. Or, you can let someone else take the reins during an old-fashioned carriage ride. 83'. 8. Jun 2019. , 272 Westlake Rd. m. In the Summertime, it's mostly shaded and very few views of Smith Mountain Lake along the way. Smith Mountain Dam Visitor's Center. See all. The Smith Mountain Lake level can fluctuate up to two feet before Leesville Lake becomes full. The largest lake wholly within Virginia, it became a popular residential area and. Harbortown Mini-Golf at Bridgewater Plaza is probably the most popular place, and there are many other activities to do and places to visit after playing. Population: 22,000 Lake Size: 32 square miles & 500 miles of shoreline Average Depth: 55 feet. Look at the photos. Finished in 1966, the lake quickly became a hub of Virginia recreation. The Smith Mountain Dam project was built at the point where the river cut throu. Escape the chaos of the city and embrace Virginia's natural beauty when you plan your next vacation at Mariners Landing. Appalachian Power Company’s Smith Mountain Lake Dam Visitors’ Center is a popular attraction and is. This is a very nice campground tucked in the hills surrounding Smith Mountain. That is 14 miles. correlated with miles to the dam, trends are exhibited which would be considered typical of a reservoir. Cleanliness 4. Share. The primary inflows for the lake are the Roanoke River and Blackwater River. I have heard several people talking about Stripers below the SML Dam. Largemouth bass comprise the bulk of this fishery and far outnumber smallmouth. 9. Smith Mountain Lake is a 20,600-acre impoundment located near Roanoke, Virginia. These fast-moving fighter jets are based out of. caught in 2000 from below the SML dam in Leesville Lake. 11. The difference is in what takes place from the beginning until the end of the tournament. Firstly, it's essential to know that Smith Mountain Lake State Park has six hiking trails which include the 1. September 24, 1963: The process of filling Smith Mountain Lake began. The dam itself stands 235 feet tall, 816 feet long, and 30 feet thick at the base. At Smith Mountain Lake, there was one boating fatality in 2021. Dam construction began in 1960. Along the shores of this park is the Smith Mountain Lake State Park. If you live in Penhook, North Shore or Union Hall you're less than 10 miles from Smith Mountain Lake. 🙂 The pair transferred ownership to us – long-time. On 7 March 1966. Call 540-985-2587 for hours. ”. Download Smith Mountain Lake Dam stock photos. You can tell they all enjoyed their job and makes the experience much more pleasant! Clean kayaks and overall great day. 43 mi) Breathtaking views of Smith Mtn all year long! Perfect for families - sleeps 13! (1. There is no admission charge for the Visitor’s Center. S. 8 miles upstream from the alpine glacial limit. S. The Dam Grill on Facebook. Follow Rt. Putt Around Smith Mountain Lake! No one visits Smith Mountain Lake with the aspiration of playing mini-golf, but at Harbortown Mini-Golf at Bridgewater Plaza, Westlake Safari Miniature Golf off Route 616, or Hot Shots Family Fun Center on Route 122, you may find that playing a fun and exciting game of miniature golf might just be the. A generous fall of rain and good runoff from snow raised the level of the lake to an. Experience the outstanding natural beauty of the Smith Mountain Lake region by planning a hiking or biking adventure. With over 500 miles of wonderfully scenic waterfront property, Smith Mountain Lake presents a myriad of ownership opportunities. The Smith Mountain Dam is a double curvature, concrete arch spanning 816 feet and rising 235. Then follow the Bedford directions above. 0. 7 miles from Smith Mountain Dam Visitor's Center. Appalachian continues to monitor lake levels to determine if any triggers can be implemented. Dams. Smith Mountain Lake Stock Photos, Images & Pictures. In 1960 at Smith Mountain Gap, construction began on what was to become Smith Mountain Lake. Incidents hit a 10-year peak of 110 in 2020 before dropping to 89 last year. comThe very popular Smith Mountain Lake is an impoundment of the Roanoke River. SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE. Leesville Reservoir is a 3,400-acre impoundment located near Altavista Virginia. Zillow has 145 homes for sale in Moneta VA matching Smith Mountain Lake. The Smith Mountain Lake level can fluctuate up to two feet before Leesville Lake becomes full. A1. m. The upper reaches of the tributaries are more riverine in water quality and the lower reaches, closer to the Smith Mountain Lake Dam, exhibit more lacustrine water quality as can be seen in Figure 2. A couple days ago I tied a few orange ribbons to reveal hidden sections of the unmaintained part of the trail beyond the towers. Close by are SML State Park and SML Community Park, each offering lakeside trails suitable for the whole family. See pricing and listing details of Smith Mountain Lake real estate for sale. 10. Feel free to stop by the wildlife blind for a quiet moment of observation. Smith Mountain Lake . At the base of Smith Mountain in Pittsylvania and Bedford counties is the Smith Mountain Lake Dam. These Are The 10 Best Family Activities On Smith Mountain Lake. From To. , Huddleston, 540-297-6830. This was the first commercial saturation diving system and was designed by Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Underseas Division (Tom O'Neill and Alan Krassburg) for use in clearing the. 33 Figure 6. Smith Mountain Lake Water Level. Smith Mountain Lake Insiders’ Guide Gets a Major Facelift. 10. THE ADJUSTED RESERVOIR ELEVATION WAS 793. Here you’ll discover cuisines ranging from American grill to Asian fusion to Mexican and Italian, plus quirky food trucks, mom-and-pop ice cream shops and farmer’s markets, each with. Striper Fishing in Smith Mountain Lake can be either relaxing or fast-paced, depending on your preference. If you love working in a positive environment with people…Smith Mountain Lake Dam. Children are welcome to participate in instructor-led pony carousel rides around the lake and pond. . Smith Mountain Lake Fishing. Smith Mountain Dam, built by a South Bend, Indiana, company, cost more than $60 million and was capable of. Free or royalty-free photos and images. Everyone gathers to watch amateurs and professionals compete on the water. Find out. The water depth at the dam is recorded as 200 feet on that day. Along with a marina, the Smith Mountain Lake Community Park also can be found in the North Shore area. So far, it’s done an excellent job of providing both power and pastimes to the state. On April 21, 1964, water had reached 145 feet deep and rising up the face of Smith Mountain Dam. Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center. Construction of the dam began in 1960 and took a crew of 200 six years to move the 300,000 cubic yards of earth and forest to make room. Nov 2019. Smith Mountain Dam is a concrete arch dam located on the Roanoke River in Virginia, creating Smith Mountain Lake. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground offers both RV and tent camping. 1. SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. Putt Around Smith Mountain Lake! No one visits Smith Mountain Lake with the aspiration of playing mini-golf, but at Harbortown Mini-Golf at Bridgewater Plaza, Westlake Safari Miniature Golf off Route 616, or Hot Shots Family Fun Center on Route 122, you may find that playing a fun and exciting game of miniature golf might just be the. Review. On September 24, 1963, the Smith Mountain Dam was closed and the lake began to form. May 19, 2022 Updated Jun 29, 2023. Hillman Aviation – 540. See the best nearby hotels See the best nearby restaurants See the best nearby attractions. John H. Its deepest point is an impressive 250 feet, though its average depth is 55 feet. While there is a lot of fish still in the main basin around the dam, a lot of fish have moved up the river arms to feed before the water. Nice getaway at Smith Mountain Lake. And if that isn't enough, it's surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, making it one of the most popular and. #11 Best Value of 321 places to stay in Sandy Level. Adjacent docks with opposing slips share the same fairway. Trips Alerts Sign inSmith Mountain Project, Sandy Level, Virginia. If you’re looking for an off-water excursion for out-of-town guests, especially kids, consider taking a trip to Smith Mountain Dam. Construction on the Dam began in 1959. Dams. Smith Mountain Lake Dam. First time to try SML and kayaking on Smith Mountain Lake. Only 11 left in stock (more on the way). Don in VA If you go to see Smith Mountain Lake Dam DO NOT use Google maps for directions. m. See pricing and listing details of Smith Mountain Lake real estate for sale. , Sandy Level, Virginia. Smith Mountain is the first Appalachian project to utilize the pumped storage concept. 76. West of Smith Mountain Dam, the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers covered 20,600 acres that had primarily been farmland, forming Smith Mountain Lake. The Smith Mountain Lake level can fluctuate up to two feet before Leesville Lake becomes full. Army Corps of Engineers Dam Name: Smith Mountain Combination Pump Storage (APPALACHIAN POWER COMPANY) Daily Levels By Month Roanoke River River. Dining. Customers will fish off either a 25 ft. of Conservation & Recreation. In Lynchburg, College Lake dam is listed in fair condition, but an extreme weather event in 2018 caused downstream residents to evacuate their homes when a storm dropped several inches of rain on the city in less than an hour. Water stored in Smith Mountain Lake passes through turbine-generators at Smith Mountain Dam to produce electricity. This story was originally published in The Roanoke Times on Sept. Smith Mountain Lake’s low water level continues to be a concern for lake residents and businesses. Consequently, fishing is generally not as productive from Smith Mountain dam to approximately mile marker 6. The Lake is included in a report that includes 70,000 acres of Virginia's lakes and ponds, and more than 1,800 miles of rivers. In the Summertime, it's mostly shaded and very few views of Smith Mountain Lake along the way. Called the "Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains," Smith Mountain Lake is the second largest body of freshwater in Virginia after John H. The normal full pond elevation at Smith Mountain Lake is 795 feet, and the typical operation range is between 793 and 795 feet. Free or royalty-free photos and images. In other words, a two-foot decrease in Smith Mountain Lake (from 795 to 793 feet) results in Leesville Lake increasing 13 feet (from 600 to 613 feet). The Smith Mountain development utilizes a two-foot power pool. The Smith Mountain Lake area is approximately 5,000 acre public hunting and fishing area located on one of the region’s most beautiful and most prominent geologic features at the southeast end of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford and Pittsylvania counties near Roanoke, Virginia. CACHALOT. It will lead you up an improved but unpaved goat. m. However, the dam's construction did not begin until 1960. The first time our cabin was just on a camp road. The Dam at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia was shot with my Mavic Pro in 4KAmazing View, Quiet Cove of Bernards Landing, Sandy Beach, 3 Kings and Twin Bunk. Only1ravyn84. Zillow has 6 homes for sale in Penhook VA matching Smith Mountain Lake. to dusk. 53 mi) Best Dam View at Smith Mountain Lake!!! (1. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. Rural Retreat Lake. Created in the 1960’s by a large dam, the Lake has stunning shorelines and a lot of recreation. These are a few tips to make sure new boaters. In. m. 8:45 a. SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE 127/138 13000 Moneta Rd. It is the result of a 235-foot tall dam in a gap of Smith Mountain on the Roanoke River channel in Pittsylvania County. Smith Mountain Lake Dam stock photos are available in a variety of sizes and. 1. Dogs are able to be on the trail but must remain on a leash at all times. Smith Mountain Dam Visitor's Center. The storm, coupled with recent rains, caused the lake to rise, topping the dam and covering Lakeside Drive. Figure A. Construction of the dam began in 1960 and took a crew of 200 six years to move the 300,000 cubic yards of earth and forest to make room for. Dissolved oxygen depth profiles for Smith Mountain Lake in 2020. This is quite a beautiful lake, we were camped in Smith Mountain Lake State Park and rented a runabout for a day to explore the lake. 7-10 p. Roanoke is believed to be of Algonquin Indian origin, and was known by many names in the past, including the ignoble “River of Death. 3. The turbines have a combined capacity of 560 megawatts. MONETA, Va. Smith Mountain Lake came together from three tributaries: the Roanoke River, the Blackwater River and Gills Creek. This year, the Smith Mountain Lake community celebrated the 50th anniversary of the lake reaching full pond after the. The company purchases 1,500 acres in Bedford County and. The two dams will form a hydroelectric power unit, with the smaller Leesville operation repumping water to the Smith Mountain Lake reservoir to be used again for power generation. They have a small exhibit inside that highlights the dam's functionality, and there are also outdoor paths to walk that offer great views of the dam and. Residents who had land at higher elevations became lucky waterfront property owners when the new Smith Mountain Lake (known locally as SML) filled to capacity in 1966, forming a 22,600-acre body of water with 500 miles of shoreline that spans three Virginia counties—Franklin, Bedford, and Pittsylvania. The reservoir was constructed in the early 1960’s and is owned by American Electric Power Company and is managed. Smith Mountain Lake is split between three counties Source: ESRI, ArcGIS Explorer. Smith Mountain Dam spans 816 feet across the gap of Smith Mountain. 10. As the waters backed up to create Smith Mountain Lake, many islands appeared. In pumped storage, water does double duty. Putt Around Smith Mountain Lake! No one visits Smith Mountain Lake with the aspiration of playing mini-golf, but at Harbortown Mini-Golf at Bridgewater Plaza, Westlake Safari Miniature Golf off Route 616, or Hot Shots Family Fun Center on Route 122, you may find that playing a fun and exciting game of miniature golf might just be the ticket to fun your family is looking for. The average depth of.