If you plan a trip to the Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, you will find plenty of recreational activities you can explore during your stay. Smith Mountain Lake feature 500 miles of coastline, where you can fish, swim or boat. The popular lake community offers a variety of family-friendly attractions, such as an arcade and numerous mini-golf courses. In addition, you can find various restaurants around the lake, including Marina Café and The Landing.
You can hike on one of the 13 trails. The trails range from a half a mile up to three miles. You can access the trails throughout the year during the daytime. Each trail's terrain varies, but as you hike, you can see pine forests, vistas, hardwood forests and secluded coves.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park has a bunkhouse for rent during camping season from March 1 through the first Monday in December. The bunkhouse features seven bunk beds, air-conditioning, a refrigerator, a microwave and sleeps up to 14 people. You must bring linens, pillows, silverware and dishes. Outside the bunkhouse is a fire ring and grill. You must stay for at least two day to rent the bunkhouse next to the park campgrounds.
You can bring your own boat or rent a boat at the park from Memorial Day through Labor Day. You can also rent a boat off-site throughout the year. Rentals include paddleboats, canoes, ski boats, hydro bikes, jet ski and kayaks. If you plan to stay overnight, you can launch your boat free.
The entire family can play the 18-hole miniature golf course at the Harbortown Mini Golf in the Bridgewater Plaza at Smith Mountain Lake. The golf course sits 15 feet, overlooking the lake. The price is $5 for adult and $4 for children 12-years-old and younger. Summer hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Fridays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays as of October 2010.
