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15 Smith Mountain Lake Islands You Should Explore
An insider’s guide to Smith Mountain Lake’s public islands: Where to go, what to know and how to enjoy them…
Smith Mountain Lake Guide to Marinas and Public Boat Ramps [2025]
Familiarizing yourself with Smith Mountain Lake marinas and public boat launches is essential, whether you’re setting off for a leisurely…
Keeping SML Safe: Guide to Water Safety Organizations
Whether you live at Smith Mountain Lake or vacation here, enjoying the water safely should always be top of mind.…
Lake Reflections: Unexpected Boating Benefits
Up until a few years ago, the length and breadth of my boating experience consisted of canoeing, an occasional bowrider…
How to Dock a Boat at Smith Mountain Lake: An Insider’s Guide
Many who visit or relocate to Smith Mountain Lake have little or no experience with boats. Yet the call to…
How to Use Smith Mountain Lake Channel Markers
Navigating Smith Mountain Lake isn’t just about operating the boat—it’s about understanding the lake’s comprehensive channel marker system. This thoughtfully…
Smith Mountain Lake Fireworks: An Insider’s Guide
Smith Mountain Lake always manages to delight residents and visitors with Independence Day weekend fireworks that are truly dazzling, especially…
Smith Mountain Lake Ice Cream Boat: A Sweet Summer Tradition
The Smith Mountain Lake Ice Cream Boat is a one-of-a-kind attraction and a beloved summertime tradition here at Smith Mountain…
Smith Mountain Lake Waterfront Dining Guide [2025]
21 Lakefront Restaurants to Try by Boat At SML Insiders, we don’t just write about waterfront dining—we live it. We’ve…
Enjoy the Wake, Respect the Lake
How to Tow and Wake Responsibly on Smith Mountain Lake Towed water sports such as tubing, skiing, wakeboarding and wake…
17 Expert Tips for Boating at Night on Smith Mountain Lake
Boating at night on Smith Mountain Lake definitely poses some extra challenges for skippers. And that goes for newbies, as…
Virginia Dare Cruises: A Fun and Easy Way to Experience Smith Mountain Lake
If you’re looking for a fun, easy and inexpensive way to explore Smith Mountain Lake, we highly recommend a cruise…