Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia
Smith Mountain Lake is a beautiful man-made lake about 30 miles southwest
of Lynchburg. Covering 20,000 acres of land, the 40-mile long lake was
created by the damming of the Roanoke River at Smith Mountain Gap.
Recreational activities include boating, fishing, restaurants, golfing
and a state park with beaches and camping. Much of the 500 miles of shoreline
has been developed with houses, townhomes, and condominiums, making the lake a
premiere resort and retirement area.
History Of The Smith Mt. Dam
In the late 1920's, Appalachian Power Company began buying land and planning
a hydroelectric dam at the Smith Mountain gorge on the Roanoke River. Late
in the summer of 1960, after numerous studies and delays, construction finally
began on the 816-foot wide and 227-foot tall Smith Mountain Dam. Further
downstream, work also commenced on Leesville Dam to create a smaller and
narrower flood control lake. Both dams were completed in 1963 and the lakes
began to fill. It wasn't until March of 1966 that Smith Mountain Lake reached
its normal water level.
Hollywood on the Lake
During the fall of 1992 the movie "What about Bob?," starring Bill
Murray and Richard Dreyfus, was filmed on location at the lake and in the
nearby town of Moneta. The signs and buildings in Moneta were repainted
to portray the town of "Lake Winnipesaukee". A home on the lake was used as
a set and a 3/4 scale duplicate was constructed on a similar point of land
nearby, and ultimately was blown up for the film's finale.
Lake Information
Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce
800-676-8203 or 540-721-1203
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
540-297-6066
Smith Mountain and Leesville Dam (AEP)
Smith Mountain Dam Visitors Center
540-985-2587
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