About Smith Mountain Lake

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the pristine waters of Smith Mountain Lake host great fishing, boating, water sports and family fun. The surrounding mountains provide gorgeous views year-round, and the region's mild climate makes Smith Mountain Lake enjoyable no matter the season. From the white morning mist to the gold and diamonds of spectacular sunsets, the water becomes more than a shimmering mirror for the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. It becomes part of you. This is a place of exceptional beauty.

Located in central Virginia along the Blue Ridge Mountains, Smith Mountain Lake is convenient from both nearby cities of Roanoke and Lynchburg. We're an easy 4-hour drive southwest of Washington, D.C., and two hours north of Raleigh, N.C. With 22,000 acres of crystal-clear water and 500 miles of shoreline, Smith Mountain Lake is among the most popular residential, vacation and recreational spots on the East Coast. The lake has something for everyone, from boating, fishing, water sports and swimming to golf, tennis and horseback riding to the social opportunities at the premier country clubs in the area. You'll find all this amid the lush backdrop of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.

Once you visit, you'll want to make Smith Mountain Lake your home. In fact, our little community of 22,000 has grown in large part due to the many vacationers who have decided to relocate permanently. To learn more about our slice of heaven, visit the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce at VisitSmithMountainLake.com.

When you're ready to find your new dream lake property, we'll be ready for you. Any of our real estate professionals will be able to expertly guide you through your decision. To reach an agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate, please email us or call our local sales office at 540-721-8659 or toll-free 800-858-4653.

Smith Mountain Lake was built more than 50 years ago in order to generate electricity. The process of damming the Blackwater River and the Roanoke River began on September 24, 1963, and the lake was slowly filled with water until it reached "full pond" on March 7, 1966.

SML turned 50 years old in 2016 -- a year full of celebrations not only to honor the labor and sacrifice that went into building it, but also celebrations recognizing the economic strength, technological advancement and, of course, the incredible power source that the hydroelectric dam brought to the area.