7 Feb 2012 | 4:10 pm
ACTIVITIES AROUND THE LAKE
SMAC VALENTINE’S DANCE            Featuring the big band sound of Let’s Dance.  No spiked heels allowed.  Bring your own beer, wine, other beverages and snacks.  Saturday, Feb. 11th, 7 to 10 p.m.  $10 in  advance and for SMAC members; $12 at the door.  Event held at the Smith Mountain Lake YMCA, 293 Firstwatch Drive, Moneta.  For [...]
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2 Feb 2012 | 12:52 pm
Smith Mountain Lake Featured in a Virginia Tourism Sweepstakes
The Virginia Tourism Corporation is giving away a phenomenal five-day, four-night Smith Mountain Lake vacation as part of its Love Aquatic “Fun on the Water” sweepstakes. The Washington Post reported on the travel sweepstakes on January 30th, mentioning the relaxing pontoon rental getaway at Smith Mountain Lake. The prize includes roundtrip airfare, accommodations for four, [...]
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About Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

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.

General information

History
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.
Get more information on the dam. 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 20,000 people make Smith Mountain Lake their home.

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: 5%

Travel Distance
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 , WVa.

225

Charlotte , N.C.

190

Chicago , Ill.

700

Cincinnati , Ohio

460

Cleveland , Ohio

460

Columbus , Ohio

375

Knoxville , Tenn.

290

Lexington , Ky.

385

Nashville, Tenn.

465

New York, N.Y.

505

Norfolk, Va.

225

Pittsburgh, Pa.

365

Raleigh, N.C.

175

Richmond, Va.

150

Washington, D.C.

220


Find out more about Roanoke from the Doubletree Travel Guide.

Need a vacation rental? Visit Meg Spurrier's web site.

For more information on dining, accommodations, golf, shopping, fishing, entertainment and all things Smith Mountain Lake, visit the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce or the Smith Mountain Laker magazine.

Virginia Boating Requirements


What is the new law?

 In 2007, the Virginia General Assembly enacted a law to establish a

boating safety education compliance requirement that will depend on your age

and boat type. The new law applies to all public waters of Virginia. All

motorboat operators using a motor of 10 horsepower or greater (including

boats documented by the U.S. Coast Guard) and also personal watercraft

operators (i.e. jet ski) are affected by the new law. Sailboat operators do

not have to meet the requirement unless the sailboat has a motor that is 10

hp or greater (whether or not the engine is running). A canoeist does not

have to meet the requirement, nor does a kayaker, a rower, or operator of

other manually propelled craft.

 

When must I get my boating safety certificate?

The requirement for boating safety education is phased-in over several years according to the following schedule:  

  • PWC operators 20 years of age or younger shall meet the requirements by July 1, 2009;
  • PWC operators 35 years of age or younger shall meet the requirements by July 1, 2010;
  • PWC operators 50 years of age or younger and motorboat operators 20 years of age or younger shall meet the requirements by July 1, 2011;
  • All PWC operators, regardless of age, and motorboat operators 30 years of age or younger shall meet the requirements by July 1, 2012;
  • Motorboat operators 40 years of age or younger shall meet the requirements by July 1, 2013;
  • Motorboat operators 45 years of age or younger shall meet the requirements by July 1, 2014;
  • Motorboat operators 50 years of age or younger shall meet the requirements by July 1, 2015;
  • All motorboat operators, regardless of age, shall meet the requirements by July 1, 2016.

How do I comply with this new law?

A person shall be considered in compliance with the requirement for boating safety education if he/she meets one or more of the following provisions:  

  • Completes and passes a boating safety education course that is approved by NASBLA and accepted by the Department;
  • Passes an equivalency exam;
  • Possesses a valid license to operate a vessel issued to maritime personnel by the United
  • States Coast Guard or a marine certificate issued by the Canadian government or possesses a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator's Card;
  • Possesses a temporary operator's certificate;
  • Possesses a rental or lease agreement from a motorboat rental or leasing business, which lists the person as the authorized operator of the motorboat. The person must also completed the Dockside Safety Checklist;
  • Operates the motorboat under onboard direct supervision of a person who meets the compliance requirement;
  • Operates a boat not registered in Virginia, temporarily using the waters of Virginia for a period not to exceed 90 days, and meets any applicable boating safety education requirements of the state of residency
  • Has assumed operation of the motorboat due to the illness or physical impairment of the initial operator, and is returning the motorboat to shore in order to provide assistance or care for the operator;
  • Is registered as a commercial fisherman pursuant to the Code of Virginia or is under the onboard direct supervision of the commercial fisherman while operating the commercial fisherman's boat.

How  do I prove I completed and passed a course?

Boaters that must comply with the new education standards must be able to present to the officer a card or certificate that indicates you have passed a NASBLA approved boating course or that you have passed the equivalency exam.

What if I am only visiting Virginia?

 You must demonstrate that you are not a resident of Virginia, that you are temporarily using the water of Virginia for a period of 90 days or less (your boat is registered in another state as the "state of principal use"), and that you meet any applicable boating safety education requirements of your state of residency.

Is there a minimum age to operate?

For a personal watercraft, the minimum operator age is 14 and operators must complete and pass a boating safety course before they can operate. For a motorboat, there is no minimum operator age and there is no minimum age requirement to attend a NASBLA approved boating safety course. Youngsters can operate a boat under direct supervision of a person who meets the boating safety education requirement.

 

The Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries (DGIF) supports NASBLA approved boating courses. Information. Information on a classroom course near you can be found by calling DGIF at 800-245-2628 or visit the BoatUS Foundation's Courseline to look up classes in your area. http://www.boatus.com/courseline/default.asp