Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Smith Mountain Lake State Park offers a picturesque setting for outdoor adventure. Boat and fish on the second-largest freshwater lake in Virginia or swim from the sandy beach. 🏊 Hike any of the park's 13 trails to explore the lake's perimeter, birdwatch and immerse yourself in nature's tranquility. 🍃 Whether you're looking for a day trip or a longer stay in a cabin or campsite, be sure to take advantage of the park's lush picnic areas, visitor center, b

What’s really going on beneath the surface at Smith Mountain Lake? 👀 As Virginia’s second-largest lake, this reservoir spans 20,000 acres and 500 miles of shoreline and is known for world-class striped bass fishing and endless opportunities for boating and recreation. From under-dock habitat structures to open-water designs for striped bass, juvenile sunfish, and crappie, DWR biologists and local partners are building a fishery that supports today’s anglers while protecting healthy fish populat