SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE
County Offices
40 East Court Street
Rocky Mount 540-483-3030
www.franklincountyva.org
Chamber of Commerce
16430 Booker T. Washington Highway
Moneta 540-721-1203
Toll free 800-676-8203
www.visitsmithmountainlake.com
With more than 500 miles of pristine shoreline, Smith Mountain Lake is the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Vacationers from around the world enjoy fishing, water sports, and outdoor recreation along the lake’s shoreline. One of the reasons that the Smith Mountain Lake community in Franklin County has grown so rapidly in recent decades is simply that visitors all too often become permanent residents. Unexpected delights, friendly people, Southern hospitality, world-class historic sites, unique shopping destinations, and breathtaking scenery all play a role in the community’s growing popularity.
Just west of Smith Mountain Lake, Interstate 81 and the Blue Ridge Parkway provide major thoroughfares to urban and regional recreational sites. Nearby Roanoke and Salem play a leading role in cultural and entertainment amenities, offering beautiful venues and a full lineup of national and international talent. The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge unifies more than 80 cultural groups and hundred of artists who take advantage of galleries, theatres, and civic centers. While Roanoke claims the lion’s share of regional malls, both Salem and Vinton offer the pleasures of small-town shopping in charming districts. Farmer’s markets are well attended and never far from home.
Services
Residents of Smith Mountain Lake enjoy a unique living experience that combines a 365-day-a-year vacation lifestyle of lakefront and woodland recreation with close proximity to acclaimed institutions of healthcare and education. Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke makes it possible for students to earn college credit while still in high school, providing an affordable start on a college degree or many vocational, career, and training programs. Salem is home to Roanoke College, a Lutheran-affiliated private college of national repute. Roanoke offers ECPI Technical College and Hollis College, both private institutions. The pinnacle of innovation and opportunity is the Roanoke Higher Education Center, which encompasses a consortium of 16 regional colleges, universities, and educational organizations to offer hundreds of programs close to home.
State-of-the-art healthcare institutions that serve Smith Mountain Lake residents and the Roanoke Valley are anchored by major hospitals and medical centers in Roanoke and Salem. The flagship hospital for the Carilion System combines with the Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital to offer more than 830 beds and the region’s only Level I Trauma Center in Roanoke. Salem’s Lewis-Gale Medical Center provides another quality network of facilities and specialties, including Regional Centers of Excellence. Salem is also home to the region’s Veterans Medical Center. Skilled professionals and private practice clinics dot the area, ensuring convenient access to routine and advanced care.
Lifestyle
Recreation is the cornerstone of Smith Mountain Lake community life, where amenities and attractions are well developed. Championship golf courses, boating, swimming, water sports, fishing, and visiting area wineries are a few of the common pastimes. While the urban centers of Roanoke and Salem draw regional crowds to handsome venues and premier cultural attractions, the Smith Mountain Lake area is proud of its own unique attractions.
The National Park Service manages the Booker T. Washington National Monument, preserving the birthplace and commemorating the life and accomplishments of one of America’s most prominent Black heroes. Born a slave, Washington was freed at age nine and became an internationally recognized educator, author, orator, and spokesman for his race. The Smith Mountain Lake Dam Visitor’s Center provides a fascinating view of electrical power generation and the dam that created the lake, with hands-on exhibits, computer models, theater presentations, a three-dimensional terrain map, and spectacular views. The lake itself is lined with premier amenities including Pirate Cove Marina, Bridgewater Plaza & Marina, and Virginia Dare Cruises and Marina. Bridgewater Plaza serves as a shopping, dining, and entertainment center.
Smith Mountain Lake is home to a growing number of wonderful residential communities that boast breathtaking views, spacious decks, distinctive features, lush landscaping, and picturesque outdoor areas as well as lovely homes. Newcomers in increasing numbers appreciate the close-knit feeling and the blending of luxury with relaxation that Smith Mountain Lake provides. Visitors join residents in celebrating the four seasons with colorful celebrations and festivals, from the charity home tour to July Fourth fireworks, the fall festival, and a wine festival. From shore to shimmering shore, Smith Mountain Lake is a very special place to call home.
