Exploring Nature: Essential Smith Mountain Lake Hiking Tips

As well as being stunningly beautiful, Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia is a place where there’s so much fun to be had. From water sports like water skiing, wakeboarding, and kayaking, this man-made Lake has a lot to offer, along its 500 miles of shoreline.

Sometimes referred to as the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” the lake is the second largest body of freshwater in Virginia, after Buggs Island Lake. Smith Mountain Lake is located in Central Virginia along the Blue Ridge Mountains and equidistant from Lynchburg and Roanoke (approximately 45 minutes). It’s a mere four hours away from Washington, D.C., and Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Keep reading to get essential hiking tips including what to bring and safety reminders for your activities in Smith Mountain Lake. 

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE AT A GLANCE

• The Lake spans 32 square miles and has over 500 miles of shoreline. The Lake covers three counties: Franklin, Bedford, and Pittsylvania. Its average depth is 55 feet, it holds over 20,000 acres of water, and the full pond is 795 feet above sea level.  
• It’s well-stocked with several freshwater fish, such as black bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, smallmouth, and largemouth. 
• The Park has a public boat launch, boat rentals, a 500-foot beach with a snack shop, 13 miles of hiking trails, and multiple picnic shelters. 

A BRIEF HISTORY

The Lake’s history began in 1960 when the Appalachian Power Company built a dam on the Roanoke River to generate electrical power. The dam was completed in 1963, and some surrounding land was donated to create the State Park. The state of Virginia bought the land and opened the park to the public in 1983. Visit the visitor center at the dam and see hands-on exhibits and audio-visuals about how the Lake was formed. 

BEST SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE HIKING TRAILS

Smith Mountain Lake trails typically range from half a mile to about three miles long. For the most part, these trails can be taken on by families and are dog-friendly, provided you keep them on a leash. However, if you’re looking for a stiffer challenge, there are many in the area. Most of the trails loop across the park, but on any path you choose, you’ll be greeted by stunning views, local wildlife, and fauna. 

Here’s a quick list of some of the best Smith Mountain Lake hiking trails:

Beachwood Trail

This popular and easy loop winds around the Smith Mountain Lake State Park campground. It is framed by a hardwood forest that features mostly American Beech trees. A great reward in this 2.3 km loop is the Alice Maxey home on top of a hill that used to look over a tobacco barn.

Chestnut Ridge Trail

The Chestnut Ridge Trail is a 5.4-mile multi-use loop used by hikers and mountain bikers. The trail offers some picture-perfect spots. Take a break on the wooden benches along the way and admire the stunning scenery around you. This lovely hike showcases terrific views of the Lake and its surrounding landscape. 

The Chestnut Ridge Trail is a moderate trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway and one of Roanoke Valley’s most popular trails.

Buck Run Trail

Travel along a finger of the Lake in this 5 km back-and-forth moderate trail. One of the best aspects of this trail is that it connects to other trails, allowing longer hikes. The views on this trail are spectacular and open to mountain bikers. 

Lakeview Trail

This family-friendly trail is one of the shorter trails at just 0.3 miles. It encircles the Discovery Center and offers the clearest panoramic views of the Lake’s main “S” curve. Along the path,  there are interpretive signs that detail the life of ospreys, so you can make it a discovery walk for the kids. The trail also includes a sighting of an osprey nest platform, where you can observe osprey between March and early September.

Turtle Island Trail

This 1.4-mile trail is another popular trail among locals and guests and is located near the entrance of the Chestnut Ridge Trail. The trail crosses a bridge to Turtle Island which is abundant with flora and fauna. Nearby you will find a small bird blind for wildlife observations. 

It’s a moderately easy trail with an interpretive loop with some elevation changes. 

Osprey Point Trail

This Smith Mountain Lake hiking trail is a moderately difficult hike. It’s 0.4 miles long and travels along a peninsula near Moody Meeting House Historical Site. This rock-strewn path offers great views of both the Lake and the massive rock formations of Moneta Gneiss. The trail features a stone fence built in the early 1800s, and hikers can see where the rock was harvested to create the wall. 

In addition to all these outdoor activities, Smith Mountain Lake hosts several festivals and events all year round. During the autumn, visitors can time their stay to coincide with the weekend-long Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival, which features excellent live music, artisan vendors, superb spirits, beer, cider, and wine. Similarly, the Antique and Classic Boat Show and Festival focuses on restored antique boats, and the Fall Chili Festival features a chili cook-off. 

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE HIKING TIPS

Hiking is a great way to spend the day and rediscover the beauty of the great outdoors at a pace that’s comfortable for you. With some foresight and planning, you can have a great Smith Mountain Lake hiking trail experience that will reinvigorate both body and mind. Here are some tips that will not only keep you safe but also maximize your hikes. 

When to Visit Smith Mountain Lake

Smith Mountain Lake State and Community Parks are open year-round, but the trails are best between March and November, specifically around fall. During this time there’s less humidity and clearer skies and you can catch views of the natural surroundings in all their splendour.  

Come October, Smith Mountain Lake’s trees burst into a rainbow of spectacular colors that cover the region in vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and red. Unlike visiting during the summer and before Labor Day, when the lake and parks are used by more people, in autumn, you’ll have a more private experience. 

What to Bring

Experienced hikers will already be well prepared before they venture out. However, for those less experienced we provide a list of what you may want to bring along. Note that you may not need all these items, depending on the difficulty and length of the trail.

Preparing for the Hike

Proper preparation on your Smith Mountain Lake hiking trip goes a long way to ensure your safety and get the most out of your hike. Knowing some information about your hike will prevent overpacking which will only hinder and get in the way of fully enjoying yourself. Underpacking could at best mean you regret not taking that insect repellent and at worst leave you open to harm, such as not bringing enough water on your hike. 

• Pick your trail: Before packing, choose your trail and know if it’s an easy or moderate trail. State Park information is readily available and indicates the unique features of the trail so you know what you’ll be encountering. Will there be an opening leading to the lake, or is there a peak that gives you spectacular views? Will you want to take a short break or a longer one, and if so, would it be a good idea to have a picnic?
• Time of day and length of trail: Easy trails typically take one to two hours, so consider the heat, the park hours, and the rest of your schedule.
• Time of the year: When are you planning to head to Smith Mountain Lake? The season and subsequent weather can affect the time you plan to hike and the conditions in which you’ll be hiking. Note that Smith Mountain Lake is open year-round. If you are hiking in the winter, carefully consider the time of day and the weather patterns to avoid getting caught in the dark or a strong snowfall.
• Physical fitness: Try to be as objective as you can when assessing your own personal fitness level. Though hiking is generally a pleasant activity, it does present some level of challenge, especially when there are steep elevations.
• Health first: Ensure you take any necessary medication with you, and if you have health concerns, seek your doctor’s clearance before heading out.
• Hydrate and eat: Before engaging in any activity, make sure you’re well hydrated, and you’ve taken adequate food that will give you enough energy for the hike.
• Test gear: Wear your new footwear so they’re broken in, test your equipment like cameras, check the batteries, etc., to ensure everything’s in good working condition.

Outdoor Tips and Safety Reminders

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has created a safety guide for hikers and we’ve listed the most pertinent for you here:

1. Check a weather app and pack and prepare for forecasted weather.
2. Bring and apply sunscreen, even when it seems there is no need.
3. Carry a small first aid kit, and keep a larger, complete kit in your car or campsite.
4. Bring a water bottle and fill it with water instead of other drinks that may not hydrate you as well as water, such as coffee or sodas.
5. Carry a whistle, and your phone (with a full charge or power bank as necessary) at all times in case of emergencies, and keep emergency numbers and information on you before you hike. 
6. Know your trail and have a physical or e-copy of the map.
7. Wear sleeves to protect your arms and make sure to tuck your pants into socks when hiking. This will protect you from most bugs and other wildlife.
8. Keep your pets on a leash. If hiking with children, plan according to their endurance level and bring essential items they may need. 
9. Only light campfires in designated fire rings. 
10. Bring flashlights and glowsticks. 
11. Stay on the trail. Going off-trail can damage the trail’s surrounding ecosystem. It also ensures you’re on a safe path.
12. Keep snacks, water, and an emergency blanket in your pack.
13. Tell friends and family about your outdoor activities, route, dates, and expected return.

Hiking Etiquette

Hiking is one of the most popular ways to see and spend time in the great outdoors. Whether on the trails alone or with a group, follow proper hiking etiquette to ensure safety and allow everyone to enjoy this much-loved activity. 

The golden rule, as with everything, is to treat others the way you want to be treated. 

Here are other golden rules to keep in mind while hiking on Smith Mountain Lake:

• Right of way: There may be hikers coming from the other side, so leave adequate space for others to pass. Also, if you’re descending, give way to those who are climbing up.
• Do not disturb fauna or damage the flora: Keep your distance from any wildlife you encounter.
• Don’t take anything from the trail or leave anything.
• Be friendly: A simple “hello” or nod goes a long way when you encounter other hikers. If you need to pass someone, gently announce yourself and in a friendly manner let them know you’d like to pass.

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE REAL ESTATE

Smith Mountain Lake is a wonderful location not only for hiking but a raft of other activities set in beautiful natural surroundings. It also has some wonderful waterfront real estate properties. Live a life of luxury and buy a home for sale in Smith Mountain Lake that will transform how you live and the pleasure you get out of life. 

If you’d like to know more, contact Jane Sullivan Horne. This award-winning Realtor has lived in the area for decades and specializes in luxury Smith Mountain Lake properties. Find your dream home today and contact Jane at 540.493.1690 or leave her a message here.