A Sprawling Lake State Park In Virginia Offers Lots Of Hiking Trails & Outdoor Recreation

Stretching from the Atlantic Coast to the Appalachian Mountains, Virginia has a rich and varied landscape. And Smith Mountain Lake Park in Bedford County is a blend of mixed woodlands and long shorelines, with the Blue Ridge Mountains providing the perfect backdrop for activities both on and off the water. Smith Mountain Lake is the second largest freshwater lake in Virginia, after Buggs Island Lake, and the park is located on its north shore. The lake was created in the early 1960s by the Appalachian Power Company after construction began to dam the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers to generate electrical power, with the dam capable of producing 605,000 kilowatts. The well-equipped visitor center provides more details on the lake's history and construction, as well as being the starting point for the park's trails and guided activities.

The park lies 39 miles from Lynchburg and 33 miles from Roanoke. If you're coming from the state capital, Richmond, the journey will take just under three hours as you head out of the city on VA-76 South. With 1,248 acres to explore, Smith Mountain Lake Park is the perfect place for a fun-filled day trip in Virginia, with events and programs held throughout the year. Beyond its impressive size, this beautiful lakeside state park is ideal for hiking, with miles of shoreline providing scenic views, secluded coves, and fishing spots.

With 14 easy-to-moderate hiking trails and 500 miles of shoreline, you may be tempted to stay more than a day if you want to fit everything in. The trails are all fairly short, ranging from 0.1 to 3.1 miles, but can be linked into loops if you want to venture further. No need to leave your four-legged friends at home because all trails are dog-friendly and suitable for both hiking and biking. Among the most popular trails is Turtle Island Trail, a 1.4-mile loop with amazing views over the lake that leads you over a wooden bridge to a small island, telling the story of the surrounding forest as you follow it.

The 1.7-mile Chestnut Ridge Trail winds its way through the woodland with spectacular lakeside and mountain views. Pause and sit down at one of the many benches to enjoy some birdwatching and enjoy the sight of Carters Island. The 1.3-mile Walton Creek Trail is a scenic walk north from the visitor center, leading up to the shoreline while linking with a few of the other trails. With a short detour, you'll find the ruins of the Moody Meeting House dating from 1790 – the first meeting place of the Staunton Baptist Church. Some of the trails are wheelchair accessible with a hard-packed gravel track as part of the Turtle Island Trail.

The park also has a picnic area with wooden tables, outdoor grills, and a playground, along with a couple of picnic shelters that can be reserved in advance. The park is open daily from 8:15 a.m. until dusk, and while entry is free, there's a $7 parking fee with parking lots conveniently scattered throughout the grounds.

When it's time to cool off, there are plenty of activities in and on the water to keep you busy. Along the shoreline, there's a 500-foot-long beach, ideal for swimming, with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day (late May to early September). On the water, tritoon boats, ski boats, Jet Skis, kayaks, and paddleboards are all available to rent with online reservations. For a more relaxing time, you can try your luck fishing from the park's covered fishing pier. As long as you have a license, available from the visitor center, you may reel in striped bass, largemouth or smallmouth bass, and catfish. Guided canoe trips cost $5, and if you make an early start, you'll have a better chance of spotting some of the birdlife and wildlife that roam around the park. As you paddle up Waltons Creek, look out for great blue herons, bald eagles, and perhaps the occasional otter playing in the waves. Inland areas provide the ideal habitat for foxes and white-tailed deer.

If you're lucky enough to be staying at the park overnight, there are several options and over 70 campsites, including 26 tent-only sites, 24 with electric hook-ups, and 20 lakefront cabins. These are popular and fill up quickly during the busy season, so advance reservations are recommended. For something a little bit different, you can rent a houseboat and sleep on the water. At Parrot Cove Boat Rentals, boats are available that sleep up to 10, complete with showers and kitchen facilities. And if you're planning on spending more time in the area, you'll find plenty of charming small towns to visit in Virginia, including the nearby Bedford, Roanoke, and Lynchburg.