Smith Mountain Lake level graph, updated hourly. On 7 March 1966. New. A generous fall of rain and good runoff from snow raised the level of the lake to an. 751, where you’ll see a sign to Smith Mountain Dam. at Smith Mountain Gap in 1960. Lakeview Trail: Yellow Blazes, 0. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. At the same time, Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake are a focal point for residents, tourists, and outdoor adventure seekers. Here are some Smith Mountain Lake Fun Facts. 6. The primary inflows for the lake are the Roanoke River and Blackwater River. To mark the 50th anniversary, more than 100 Smith Mountain Lake supporters gathered Monday morning for Full Pond Day. Conceived in the 1920s, the Smith Mountain Dam Project was designed to generate electricity for the area by damming the Roanoke River. 6-meter-high (235-foot-high) dam, which has three 7. June 8, 2023. Wineries & Vineyards. I know they run a frequent generation which. History. Bask in the magnificent views as you hike the local trails or while you take out a kayak and cruise along the waters of the lake! test. Only1ravyn84. Chili tastings, craft vendors, shopping, live music. Sales and service of all types of PWCs, parts, accessories and. Game. May 6, 2023. The Smith Mountain Dam project was built at the point where the river cut throu. 6-9 p. Smith Mountain Lake Fishing. Water temperatures also remain warm. 21' AND AT ALTAVISTA 618 CFS, STAGE 1. It is located southeast of Roanoke, and southwest of Lynchburg. Washington Highway, Unit 2, Moneta; 540-721-1203. 4. There are many things to do in the Smith Mountains. Firstly, it's essential to know that Smith Mountain Lake State Park has six hiking trails which include the 1. April 13, 1965 - This photo shows the level of Smith Mountain Lake, behind the dam on the Roanoke River. The lake was formed by Appalachian Power's Smith Mountain Pumped Hydro Project. Consequently, fishing is generally not as productive from Smith Mountain dam to approximately mile marker 6. Called the "Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains," Smith Mountain Lake is the second largest body of freshwater in Virginia after John H. Smith Mountain Dam is a concrete arch dam located on the Roanoke River in Virginia, creating Smith Mountain Lake. The lake was created in 1963 by the Smith Mountain Dam impounding the Roanoke River. . The storm, coupled with recent rains, caused the lake to rise, topping the dam and covering Lakeside Drive. Casago Smith Mountain Lake: 4 Br: LAKE Allure - LF204 H SP in SML-Huddleston-State Park to Dam. Smith Mountain Dam Visitor's Center. 77. Called the "Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains," Smith Mountain Lake is the second largest body of freshwater in Virginia after John H. -story only Senior Living Hide 55+ communities Other Amenities Must have A/C Must have pool Waterfront View City Mountain Park Water Days on Zillow Any1 day7. If you love working in a positive environment with people…Smith Mountain Lake Dam. Smith Mountain Lake near Rocky Mount, Virginia, provides 500 miles of shoreline to one of Virginia's most popular recreation areas. -2 p. Smith Mountain Lake features resorts, condos,. this is a good beach to take your smaller kids to enjoy a swim. Escape the chaos of the city and embrace Virginia's natural beauty when you plan your next vacation at Mariners Landing. A hydroelectric project by Appalachian Power Co. LOCATION: Smith Mountain Dam Visitors Center is located at the eastern edge of the lake in Pittsylvania County, off Rt. 54 feet and rising (at a rate of 0. 34 Figure 6. Music, lunch, awards and door prizes. A Brief History of Smith Mountain Lake. Can you eat the fish from Smith Mountain Lake? Fish on Smith Mountain Lake’s Do Not. Try the Smith Mountain Cooperative Wildlife Management Area. The Roanoke Times file. to dusk. And that’s not a typo! The site was developed by the late Brian Raub and his daughter Erin Raub at (basically) the dawn of the internet. It’s 235 feet tall and 30 feet thick at the base and houses five hydroelectric. S. Wakeboarding has become one of the most popular water sports in Smith Mountain Lake, and the area even hosts local competitions throughout the summer. , Huddleston, 540-297-6830. 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. 6,708 likes · 41 talking about this · 33 were here. 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. Hotels near Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center: (5. L. Smith Mountain Lake was formed in the 1960s as a power generation project of Appalachian Power, part of American Electric Power (AEP). Firstly, it's essential to know that Smith Mountain Lake State Park has six hiking trails which include the 1. The Smith Mountain Lake level can fluctuate up to two feet before Leesville Lake becomes full. The Roanoke-Staunton River Power Company forms and kicks off plans to build a dam in the gap at Smith Mountain. So far, it’s done an excellent job of providing both power and pastimes to the state. The Smith Mountain Dam is a double curvature, concrete arch spanning 816 feet and rising 235. of 1. To find out more or book your flight over Smith Mountain Lake call or text SML Aviation owner Jason Grieff at. Thickness: 30 feet. Smith Mountain Lake is a large man-made lake (the largest lake contained entirely within Virginia, according to Wikipedia) nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to Roanoke, VA. Smith Mountain Lake has approximately 500 miles of shoreline. Since then, the area has grown into an upscale lakefront community with high-end homes, retail and commercial developments, and a host of recreational facilities. Stop by Smith Mountain Dam Visitors Center for a tour of. There are amazing bazillionaire mansions all over the shore of this lake, it's not really a place to see lots of wildlife. 9:30-11 a. It is the result of a 235-foot tall dam in a gap of Smith Mountain on the Roanoke River channel in Pittsylvania County. Cleanliness 4. 7. In addition to regular water exercise classes, lap swimmers and general pool use, 23 Westlake Wellness members swam the equivalent distance from the Hales Ford Bridge to the SML Dam. SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE. Smith Mountain Dam, built by a South Bend, Indiana, company, cost more than $60 million and was capable of. It is 40 miles long and covers 20,00 acres. 1 feet. Take Bride’s Island at R4, the first of four islands that slip by on your left as you motor down the Roanoke River and turn north into the mouth of Craddock Creek. Permits now required to use area boating access sites. Built on the Roanoke River and completed in the mid-1960s, the project’s two dams and reservoirs have added about 600 miles of new shoreline and about 24,000 surface acres of water for multiple uses. Built on the Roanoke River and completed in the mid-1960s, the project’s two dams and reservoirs have added about 600 miles of new shoreline and about 24,000 surface acres of water for multiple uses. At 20,600 acres, Smith Mountain Lake is the second-largest lake in Virginia and the largest to lie entirely within the state lines. Anyone who has spent enough time at Smith Mountain Lake likely has spotted military aircraft passing overhead. 4. Level Controlled by: U. The Smith Mountain dam project was one of the first commercial diving projects that used saturation diving. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Picnic Shelter - One shelter is available for rent. Revelle traced the origin of the name of the Roanoke River, one of the waterways now flowing into and through Smith Mountain Lake on its way to the Atlantic. Smith Mountain Dam, built by a South Bend, Indiana, company, cost more than $60 million and was capable of. 51 feet and rising (at a rate of 0. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide a scenic backdrop for the lake, which spans 40 miles in length and more than 500 miles of shoreline. Temperature depth profiles for Smith Mountain Lake in 2020. Orders must be in 10 days prior to reservation. . Reviews Q&A. Easily apply *We are a growing company with lots of opportunities for people who love the hospitality industry. It was an unusual lake that developed—not a typical round one. Location 4. Customers will fish off either a 25 ft. Beautiful lake, amazing houses along the shore. Fortunately for beer and wine enthusiasts, Smith Mountain Lake is surrounded by several top-notch breweries and vineyards, some close by and all within driving distance. A generous fall of rain and good runoff from snow raised the level of the lake to an. The dam itself stands 235 feet tall, 816 feet long, and 30 feet thick at the base. 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. . Ships from and sold by EVML Map Outlet. Smith Mountain Lake Dam. 2-5 p. 93 mi) Bedford Landings Bed & Breakfast, LLC (1. 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. Image credit: Pixabay. Smith Mountain Lake Tributary monitoring stations. Part of the reason is that as you fish for walleyes, you’re also likely to catch smallmouth bass, largemouths, stripers and crappies as well. Leesville Lake is a reservoir in Virginia used for hydroelectric power generation in conjunction with Smith Mountain Lake as a pump storage project. – In the aftermath of heavy rain that caused flooding across the region, docks across Smith Mountain Lake were still submerged Friday. The majority of the south shore of the lake lies in FraSmith Mountain Lake State Park: What a gorgeous park and campground - See 107 traveler reviews, 86 candid photos, and great deals for Huddleston, VA, at Tripadvisor. The team then moved to Leesville Lake, which is on the other side of the Smith Mountain Lake Dam. m. W79°. Gills Creek District Supervisor Bob Camicia stands on the docks at. Rural Retreat Lake. 8:45 a. 10. Campfires are not allowed. Every angler stays in the running for the grand prize awarded at the end, until the end. m. These three waterways filled into a main body that encompasses more than 500 miles of shoreline. Hotels near Lewis-Smith Lake & Dam: (3. Beautiful studio condos to single family homes on Smith Mountain Lake located at Mariners Landing. Zillow has 145 homes for sale in Moneta VA matching Smith Mountain Lake. Claimed. The Smith Mountain Project is a pumped storage system, where Smith Mountain Lake serves as the upper reservoir and Leesville Lake as the lower reservoir. The hydroelectric dam consists of. Feel the stress melt away as the abundance of natural light floods in. Bullock said in a statement last year. 16503 Booker T. Unclaimed. Appalachian Power decided to build the dam and create the lake in 1963. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Is. At Smith Mountain Lake, there was one boating fatality in 2021. m. Also near the park are the Booker T. What is the biggest largemouth bass caught in Smith Mountain Lake? The current state record for the fish is 53 lbs. Figure 6. m. Divers and remote-operated vehicles explored both sides of the dam to assure that 52-year-old structure is still in perfect working order. Also shows current level and trend (rise or fall rate). F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft, many out of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina, can often be seen flying over Smith Mountain Lake and other points in the Roanoke region. Review. We had a deck on the back and campfire overlooking the lake. The lake was created in 1966 when engineers dammed the Blackwater and Roanoke rivers, flooding Smith Mountain Gap. Fatalities from boating related incidents also saw a slight drop statewide in 2021. Consequently, fishing is generally not as productive from Smith Mountain dam to approximately mile marker 6. SML Walk to End Poverty: 5K and 10K walk and run to benefit Lake Christian Ministries at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. 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 center has exhibits explaining the history of the dam and how power is generated in the unique two-lake complex. These levels reflect the connection. The headwaters of Leesville Lake is a very harsh environment for most fish species due to the cold water temperatures, fast water currents, and poor forage resources. 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. The lake is a fairly new lake compared to many others in the region, it was dammed in the 1960’s as Appalachian Power built Smith Mountain Dam at Smith Mountain Point, an area where the mountain range dips and creates a “V” if you will. The dam that backed up the Roanoke and Blackwater rivers to form SML is the heart of a pump-storage power generation project operated by Appalachian Power, but it has. Closed now : See all hours. Write a review Upload a photo. It’s not unusual for temperatures to be in the upper 70s and lower 80s well into September and October. 7 oz. Compare 8 available, short term cabins for rent, starts from $55. Anyone interested in adopting a channel marker or a. 79 reviews. The PCB fish consumption advisory covers Smith Mountain Lake from below Niagara Dam on the Roanoke River downstream to Smith Mountain Dam, including the Blackwater River arm up to the Rt. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Picnic Shelter - One shelter is available for rent. We only went there to see the dam. 4. The campground also has 20 cabins available for reservation, which can be made up to 11 months in advance. Smith Mountain Lake State Park; Smith Mountain Dam; Public Notices; All the latest SML fishing tips! By Captain Travis Patsell Cats N’ Stripers Guide Service ; Jun 12, 2013 Jun 12, 2013; 0; Facebook;. Incidents hit a 10-year peak of 110 in 2020 before dropping to 89 last year. Kerr Reservoir/Buggs Island Lake. Have fun, lake lover!Lake Inn. Fully customizable! Up to 3 passengers based on combined weight. Smith Mountain Lake Community Park. People come from miles just to feed the fish, grab a bite to eat and take in. Beautiful area and lake. Its deepest point is an impressive 250 feet, though its average depth is 55 feet. Water flows down to the turbines through the dam’s distinctive, 26-foot-wide tubes. 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. LOCATION: Smith Mountain Dam Visitors Center is located at the eastern edge of the lake in Pittsylvania County, off Rt. Service 3. Ships from and sold by Amazon. N37°. Dams. 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 barrier preventing boaters from getting too close to the Smith Mountain Lake dam has flipped over into the water. 908 at 2072 Ford Rd. Waller Mill Park. Mar 6, 2016. Smith Mountain Lake State Park: Great swim, safe and beautiful environment. comConstruction Continues for Smith Mountain Lake Project. 43 mi) Breathtaking views of Smith Mtn all year long! Perfect for families - sleeps 13! (1. The hallway was awful and of course the cigarette smell was in the rooms as well, but not as bad. See what other travelers are saying. From To. Review of Smith Mountain Lake State Park. The double curvature concrete arch dam is 816 feet long and 235 feet high and has five generating units at 65 megawatts each. 4 BR: LAKE ALLURE - Lake Front Home, Private Dock, Hot Tub, Fitness Area, Pet-Friendly. 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 Dam Visitor Center is open at various times; call 540-985-2587. 27. 3553 Trading Post Rd, Huddleston, VA 24104-3360 +1 540-296-0664 Website. “This is a clean but dated motel. Smith Mountain Dam spans 816 feet across the gap of Smith Mountain. 56°Sunny. Dam Lager will be crafted by John Bryce, who's earned. The Smith Mountain Dam is a double curvature, concrete arch spanning 816 feet and rising 235. The reporter, Susan Lewis Flinner, passed away in 2014 at the age of 74. It passes from the upper lake through turbines of Smith Mountain Dam into the lower lake. General Information On the second largest freshwater lake in the state, this picturesque park is the water enthusiast's paradise. Part-time. This is a huge lake with lots to do: boat, fish, swim, water ski, and hike. water is pumped back from Leesville Lake into Smith Mountain Lake dam via the pipe in the middle of the dam The reservoir is designed so water above 795 feet in elevation will. 7-mile Dam Trail. 87 mi) Hampton Inn Jasper, Alabama (3. 9. the lake first reached ‘full pond’ (795 feet above sea level). The dam overlook IS worth it. 10. About Me. 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. Easy booking process on-line and arrived to such a friendly and professional staff. “Adequate for the price but the place reeked of cigarette smoke. Smith Mountain Dam’s statistics are impressive. Surrounded by mountains, Smith Mountain Lake is Western Virginia’s biggest playground. Your satisfaction is first and foremost to the Oliver family, who have owned and operated the marina since 1996. There are numerous water activities, including swimming, boat rentals, a boat ramp. Save. Smith Mountain Lake came together from three tributaries: the Roanoke River, the Blackwater River and Gills Creek. Open now : 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM. With the start of the new year, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is now requiring individuals to obtain a boating access permit to use public boat ramp facilities at. Home. Smith Mountain Dam Visitor's Center. Dams. On April 21, 1964, water had reached 145 feet deep and rising up the face of Smith Mountain Dam. Smith Mountain Dam was completed in 1963, damming the Roanoke River to create what is now Smith Mountain Lake. 72'. Washington Highway Moneta 540-721-1203 Toll free 800-676-8203 With more than 500 miles of pristine shoreline, Smith Mountain Lake is the jewel of the Blue Ridge. A hydroelectric dam was constructed by Appalachian Power Co. There is a picnic area located below the Smith Mountain Dam on Leesville Lake open to the public every day. Hidden Valley Trail. Contribute. Between 1966-2015, the reservoir exceeded that level and spilled water less than 20 times. 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. 1. Children are welcome to participate in instructor-led pony carousel rides around the lake and pond. 2 on Tripadvisor among 3 attractions in Sandy Level. Memorial Day through Labor Day. the adjusted reservoir elevation was 793. Striper Fishing in Smith Mountain Lake can be either relaxing or fast-paced, depending on your preference. Smith Mountain Lake Community Park has a trail totaling 3 miles of pleasant lake and wooded view hiking. A generous fall of rain and good runoff from snow raised the level of the lake to an. 9. Finished in 1966, the lake quickly became a hub of Virginia recreation. Construction crews work at the Leesville Dam site as well the larger Smith Mountain Lake Dam. Biking Trails • Hiking Trails. It’s all here and it’s free in the 2023 SML Newcomer and Visitor Guide! Read and download it now or request a free printed copy. Located in portions of Bedford and Pittsylvania Counties, the 4996 acre Smith Mountain property is owned by Appalachian Power Company. Written August 10, 2020. View 754 homes for sale in Smith Mountain Lake, VA at a median listing home price of $119,950. Located on the ground floor facing the lake. Follow Rt. Go on and be adventurous! Smith Mountain Lake Airport – 540. Overnight and other accommodations at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. At this park you can experience all the area has to offer with swimming, boating, hiking, fishing and more. Smith Mountain Lake At Dam Near Penhook is located in Bedford County in Virginia. of Conservation & Recreation. Washington National Monument, 540-721-2094), the Blue Ridge Parkway and Peaks of Otter, 540-857-2485. SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. Lincoln, Nebraska 82 contributions 20 helpful votes. Nearby and along the shore of Smith Mountain Lake there are lots of interesting places to visit and things to do. Smith Mountain Lake also offers unique attractions, great parks, and premier shopping destinations. caught in 2000 from below the SML dam in Leesville Lake. Current level is 792. 6-8 at various locations around the lake. *1 King, 1 Queen, 4 Twin (2 bunk beds). 3 overnights. Then follow the Bedford directions above. Experience the outstanding natural beauty of the Smith Mountain Lake region by planning a hiking or biking adventure. Get more information on the Smith Mountain Project and the Visitor Center. Popular mentions. Kids love miniature golf, and there are multiple places to play at Smith Mountain Lake. 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. Dissolved oxygen depth profiles for Smith Mountain Lake in 2020. The difference is in what takes place from the beginning until the end of the tournament. Take the time to read the written material that is hanging on the walls. The live bait techniques used to catch striped bass vary depending on the time of year. Presentation of 2019 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. 7-10 p. . Enjoy all that the lake area has to offer: Swimming in the community. The lake has many coves, perfect to spend the weekend or the entire week. In Stock. 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. Created in the 1960’s by a large dam, the Lake has stunning shorelines and a lot of recreation. 99 $ 24. Sunset Saturday: Live. The 12-month program aims to develop a. Two and one-half years later, on March 7, 1966, the 20,600-acre Smith Mountain Lake reached full pond at 795 feet above sea level. A generous fall of rain and good runoff from snow raised the level of the lake to an. Save. Over 40 miles total length Over 250 feet deep in places Over 500 miles of shoreline Largest lake in Virginia Cleanest lake in Virginia. Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia is not man-made, but that’s alright – it's stunning all the same. recommend going early if you are kayaking as lake gets busy with boats in. Smith Mountain Lake is the largest lake that is entirely. From the moment you arrive, the beauty of Smith Mountain Lake surrounds and relaxes you in this 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom updated condo located on the manicured grounds of Bernard’s Landing. 30 mile, easy - Encircling the Discovery Center, this family friendly loop affords hikers the clearest panorama of Smith Mountain Lake’s main “S” curve. The largest lake wholly within Virginia, it became a popular residential area and. March 7, 1966: The lake reached full pond (795 feet) Area: 20,260 acres. Sign up for free email alerts. And if that isn't enough, it's surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, making it one of the most popular and scenic destinations in Virginia. Up to 90 days of daily highs, lows, and precipitation chances. . W80°. , 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. These Are The 10 Best Family Activities On Smith Mountain Lake. The Franklin County Board of Supervisors approved plans for a new subdivision just south of Hales Ford Bridge in Moneta on May 17. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers. #21 Best Value of 322 places to stay in Sandy Level. Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center. Exhibits tell the history of the dam and how power is generated at the unique two-lake complex. The Smith Mountain Lake level can fluctuate up to two feet before Leesville Lake becomes full. Abstract and Figures. This lovely lake is in Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania counties. 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. There is no admission charge for the Visitor’s Center. The construction of the Smith Mountain Lake Dam helped brand the lake as an environmental wonder. On March 7, 1966, the lake reached “full pond,” and in 1983, Smith Mountain Lake State Park opened. 4. 2021. 46 feet per hour. The lake was created in 1963 by the Smith Mountain Dam impounding the Roanoke River. BRUNO'S CLUBHOUSE BISTRO. 362. m. See all. You’ll find it in central Virginia among the Blue Ridge Mountains; from Washington DC, it’s about four hours southwest. “ Beautiful lake ”. Conceived in the 1920s, the Smith Mountain Dam Project was designed to generate electricity for the area by damming the Roanoke River. From $55/night - Compare 8 cabins & cabin vacation rentals in Smith Mountain Lake area! Find best cheap deals easily & save up to 70% with AirCabins. Smith Mountain Dam is a concrete arch dam located on the Roanoke River in Virginia, creating Smith Mountain Lake. Dissolved oxygen depth profiles for Smith Mountain Lake in 2020. On 7 March 1966, Smith Mountain Lake's water level first reached “full pond” (795 feet above sea level). Dams. m. 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. The Dam Grill on Facebook. 11 a. 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. 12 hrs ago; 0 +9. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Picnic Shelter - One shelter is available for rent. Built on the Roanoke River and completed in the mid-1960s, the project’s two dams and reservoirs have added about 600 miles of new shoreline and about 24,000 surface acres of water for multiple uses. 91 mi) Holiday Inn Express Jasper (1. Gear Check; News; Fishing; Hunting; Regional ReportsSmith Mountain Lake is a large reservoir in the Roanoke Region of Virginia, located southeast of the City of Roanoke and southwest of Lynchburg. 5. When hydroelectric power was of top priority about 50 years ago, the damming process began on the Roanoke and Blackwater Rivers. Review. 6. WSET ABC 13 covers news, sports and weather in the Heart of Virginia: Lynchburg, Danville and Roanoke and nearby communities including Amherst, Lexington, Cave Spring. . US: 844-650-6000 | Local: 540-352-1100. Also near the park are the Booker T. Smith Mountain Lake is the largest lake located completely within Virginia. m. April 13, 1965: Water rises in Smith Mountain Lake behind the dam on the Roanoke River.