Smith Mountain Lake Parks & Beaches Guide

From scenic trails and sandy beaches to hidden local gems, discover the lake’s top outdoor recreation destinations to enjoy everything SML has to offer.

SML Community Park | Jayson Firebaugh, Star City SkyCams

Explore the parks and beaches of Smith Mountain Lake with insider guides to SML State Park, SML Community Park, Booker T. Washington National Monument and other nearby outdoor destinations.

Booker T. Washington National Monument reconstructed cabin and split‑rail fence in Hardy, Virginia, near Smith Mountain Lake.

Booker T. Washington National Monument: An Insider's Guide (2026)

For a different kind of outdoor experience at Smith Mountain Lake, a visit to Booker…

Aerial view of Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Virginia.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park: An Insider's Guide (2026)

Occupying 1,248 acres in Bedford County along the shores of one of Virginia’s premier water…

Aerial view of the beach and peninsula at Smith Mountain Lake Community Park.

Smith Mountain Lake Community Park: An Insider's Guide (2026)

Opened in 2007, SML Community Park offers those who reside in or visit Franklin County…

A pink lady's slipper, a native orchid that blooms along the trails at Booker T. Washington park.

Wildflowers Worth the Walk at Booker T. Washington National Monument

Jeff Reid Every spring, I make a point to hike the Jack-O-Lantern Branch Trail at…