(540) 297-6066
1235 State Park RoadHuddleston, VA 24104
Latitude: 37.079625
Longitude: -79.610993
Although situated on the second largest body of freshwater in the state, Smith Mountain Lake State Park is not just for water enthusiasts. In addition to a full range of water related activities, including swimming, fishing and boating, the park offers miles of hiking trails, housekeeping cabins, primitive camping, picnicking, a visitor center and interpretive programs.Smith Mountain Lake itself was created in 1960 when Appalachian Power built a dam on the Roanoke River in Smith Mountain Gap. Construction of the dam was completed in 1966, and in 1967 Appalachian Power donated the first parcel of park’s land for the proposed park. The state bought the rest of the park’s land over the next six years. The park opened to the public in 1983.
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Beaver Den Trail
The Beaver Den Trail is a .5 mile, easy trail that is accessible from both the Tobacco Run Trail and the Chestnut Ridge Trail. This fairly wide trail features moderate changes in elevation during its short run through the woods. Part of the trail emerges from the woods and briefly follows the road before it reenters the woods so watch for the appropriate blazes.
Blaze Color: Orange
- Length: 0.5
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth, Road
Beechwood Trail
The Beechwood Trail is a 0.9 mile, moderate difficulty trail that passes around the campgrounds and is accessible from the Buck Run Trail. Use of this trail is restricted to campers only. Those using this somewhat hilly trail should note that it is blazed in two different colors, green and brown, potentially making it somewhat difficult to find ones way. This trail also passes by an old cedar cabin.
Blaze Color: Brown
- Length: 0.9
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Buck Run Trail
The Buck Run Trail is a 1.7 mile, moderate difficulty trail that is accessible from the Beechwood, Chestnut Ridge, Turkey Foot, and Striper Cove Trails. It passes through the woods with some moderate changes in elevation, passing a trail head parking lot and crossing the main park road before ending at the Striper Cove Trail.
Blaze Color: White
- Length: 1.7
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Chestnut Ridge Trail
The Chestnut Ridge Trail is a 1.7 mile, moderate difficulty trail, that is accessible from the Beaver Dam and Buck Run trails as well as from the trail head parking near the Turtle Island Trail. This trail consists of two loops that follow the peninsula, offering views of the lake from either side and several benches to rest on. The trail features diverse plants and wildlife. Animals such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and numerous varieties of songbirds may be found along with occasional views of Osprey. Plant life includes rhododendron, running cedar, several varieties of dogwood, Southern lady fern, many types of moss, white pine and a host of shrubs and perennials. This trail also passes an old cedar cabin that dates to before the lake was built.
Blaze Color: Red
- Length: 1.7
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Lakeview Trail
The Lakeview Trail is a .3 mile easy trail that forms a loop near the visitor center. After passing through a wooded area the trail reveals panoramic views of the lake and surrounding hills, which in the Fall, are ablaze with color. Near the trail are large expanses of lawn and shade trees where you can spend a lazy afternoon just watching the ever-changing activity on the lake. A highlight of this trail is the Osprey nesting platform at the tip of the peninsula and the bird study area. At times the nest may be viewed from the Osprey Cam located in the Visitor Center.
Blaze Color: Yellow
- Length: 0.3
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth, Grass
Opossum Trot Trail
The Opossum Trot Trail is a .5 mile, easy trail that is accessible from both the Turtle Island Trail and the Tobacco Run Trail. It passes through the woods with some changes in elevation, offering views of the lake and eventually emerging at the park road.
Blaze Color: Blue
- Length: 0.5
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Osprey Point Trail
The Osprey Point Trail is a .5 mile, moderate difficulty trail accessible from the Striper Cove and Walton Creek Trails. This trail begins near the picnic area and takes users uphill near the edge of the lake, passing by an old stone wall and crossing it in places. The trail ends near the end of the point. Due to the greater number of rocks on this trail it may prove difficult for those on bikes.
Blaze Color: Forest Green