Smith Mountain Lake Overview
As you may already know, the Smith Mountain Lake area is a beautiful place to visit, live part-time or take up full-time residency. Sometimes called the “Lake Tahoe of the East” or the “Gem of the East”, Smith Mountain Lake lays in the middle of the foothills of south central Virginia surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Mountain ranges can be seen in every direction and the Peaks of Otter in Bedford County reach 4000 feet above sea level and can be seen for miles. Smith Mountain Lake has over 20,000 surface acres of water covering 32 Square Miles and has over 500 miles of water frontage to enjoy. Since the lake is over 230 feet deep at the dam and still over 100 feet deep 15 miles away from where Rt. 122 crosses the lake, the water quality is pristine and is a beautiful blue-green color. On top of all that we have four separate seasons with snow in the winter and moderate temperatures throughout the year.
Smith Mountain Lake was man made over 40 years ago for Hydroelectric Power and Recreation. The water level of the lake is maintained at approximately the same level the entire year creating a very user-friendly body of water for waterfront property owners, boaters and fishermen. The terrain around the lake varies from almost flat to very steep conditions presenting a variety of views.
Smith Mountain Lake waterfront properties range from wooded and secluded to golf course homes and clubhouses to everything in between. In addition to Waterfront Properties, there are Water Access Homes and Lots that allow boat ramp access as well as Off-Water Homes and Lots that are within 5 minutes of the lake and marinas or 30 minutes away up in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Resources
Real Estate at Smith Mountain Lake ranges from modest houses on quiet coves to extraordinary homes with stiking landscapes and impressive docks. SML is a haven not only for those seeking permanent residence, but also retirees and those looking for a serene setting for a second home, condo or townhouse. Though the lake has increased in popularity, waterfront property remains plentiful and reasonably priced.
Weather
Average temperatures are in the mid-70s in the summer and upper 30s in the winter. Annual precipitation is 45 inches of rain and 15 inches of snow.
Population
Approximately 18,800 people make Smith Mountain Lake their home.
Other populations
Bedford County, 61,000
Franklin County 47,000
Pittsylvania County, 61,700
Taxes and Utilities
Real Estate (100% assessment):
Bedford County: $.52 per $100
Franklin County: $.62 per $100
Pittsylvania County: $.48 per $100
State sales tax: 4.5%
For information on dining and recreation opportunities, visit the web site of the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce/Partnership.
Travel Distances to Smith Mountain Lake
Smith Mountain Lake is about a 45-minute drive from both Roanoke and Lynchburg, Virginia.
Below are some additional travel distances.
| City | Distance in Miles (approx.) |
| Atlanta, GA | 445 |
| Baltimore, MD | 272 |
| Charleston, WV | 225 |
| Charlotte, NC | 190 |
| Chicago, IL | 700 |
| Cincinnati, OH | 460 |
| Cleveland, OH | 460 |
| Columbus, OH | 375 |
| Knoxville, TN | 290 |
| Lexington, KY | 385 |
| Nashville, TN | 465 |
| New York, NY | 505 |
| Norfolk, VA | 225 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 365 |
| Raleigh, NC | 175 |
| Richmond, VA | 150 |
| Washington, DC | 220 |
Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake spans 20,600 acres, is 40 miles long and features 500 miles of shoreline. The lake borders three counties (Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania) and offers beautiful views, sparkling water and a multitude of recreational activities. The lake was created in 1966 when engineers dammed the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers, flooding Smith Mountain Gap. Owned and operated by American Electric Power, the dam provides hydro-electric power for surrounding communities. Check today’s lake levels.
Real Estate
Real Estate at Smith Mountain Lake ranges from modest houses on quiet coves to extraordinary homes with stiking landscapes and impressive docks. SML is a haven not only for those seeking permanent residence, but also retirees and those looking for a serene setting for a second home, condo or townhouse. Though the lake has increased in popularity, waterfront property remains plentiful and reasonably priced.
Weather
Average temperatures are in the mid-70s in the summer and upper 30s in the winter. Annual precipitation is 45 inches of rain and 15 inches of snow.
Population
Approximately 18,800 people make Smith Mountain Lake their home.
Other populations
Bedford County, 61,000
Franklin County 47,000
Pittsylvania County, 61,700
Taxes and Utilities
Real Estate (100% assessment):
Bedford County: $.70 per $100
Franklin County: $.55 per $100
Pittsylvania County: $.48 per $100
State sales tax: 4.5%
Communities
For information on dining and recreation opportunities, visit the web site of the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce/Partnership.
Travel Distances to Smith Mountain Lake
Smith Mountain Lake is about a 45-minute drive from both Roanoke and Lynchburg, Virginia.
Below are some additional travel distances.
| City | Distance in Miles (approx.) |
| Atlanta, GA | 445 |
| Baltimore, MD | 272 |
| Charleston, WV | 225 |
| Charlotte, NC | 190 |
| Chicago, IL | 700 |
| Cincinnati, OH | 460 |
| Cleveland, OH | 460 |
| Columbus, OH | 375 |
| Knoxville, TN | 290 |
| Lexington, KY | 385 |
| Nashville, TN | 465 |
| New York, NY | 505 |
| Norfolk, VA | 225 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 365 |
| Raleigh, NC | 175 |
| Richmond, VA | 150 |
| Washington, DC | 220 |