Photo by Bryce Scott, Rapid Imagery

The west end of Smith Mountain Lake, including the unincorporated town of Moneta, is closest to Roanoke, Virginia (population approximately 100,000). The east end, including Huddleston, is closest to Lynchburg, Virginia (population about 85,000).

Both Roanoke and Lynchburg are within 30-60 minutes’ drive time for most lake residents. Both cities provide convenient “big-city” amenities like large shopping malls, big-box stores and a wide variety of restaurants.

Both cities also have modern regional airports where you can park your car within a five-minute walk of the terminal, and be driving home (with your checked luggage) 20-30 minutes after your flight hits the tarmac.

Many retail stores and services are available around the lake. Most are located on or near Rt. 122 (Booker T. Washington Highway in Franklin County and Moneta Road in Bedford County), a few miles north and south of Hales Ford Bridge.

There are two large, modern supermarkets, dozens of restaurants, banks, marinas and churches, fitness facilities, two libraries, physicians, dentists, veterinarians, real estate brokers, attorneys, accountants, and scores of independent retail stores.

An urgent care center and a medical evacuation helicopter are located at Westlake, near the intersection of Routes 122 and 616. A second helipad is six miles away, at the Scruggs Volunteer Fire Department.

Regional and community hospitals, including a regional heart and trauma center, are 30-45 minutes away from SML in Roanoke, Lynchburg, Bedford, Gretna and Rocky Mount. Exceptional teaching hospitals (the University of Virginia and Duke) are 2 to 2.5 hours away.