 Experience
the sparkling lake as you play in her waters, marvel at the
expansive mountain and lake views from the deck of your home.
Magnificent vistas are everywhere and every season offers its own
unique appeal. Whether you are here for a day, a month or forever,
let the lake and her natural splendor make the most of your visit
 The
choice is yours, we hope you stay. Residents and visitors to Smith
Mountain Lake enjoy the abundant beauty and recreational benefits it
provides, but the main reason for the lake's existence is to
generate electricity. At the base of the Smith Mountain in
Pittsylvania and Bedford counties is the Smith Mountain Dam, built
and operated by American Electric Power (formerly Appalachian Power
Company). The dam is part of a pumped storage and hydroelectric
development project that includes Leesville Dam in Campbell and
Pittsylvania counties. The project was developed by AEP in the 1960s
to generate electricity during times of peak demand by its
customers. --- Length 816 feet / Height 235 feet / Thickness at Base
30 Feet - Type - Double Curvature Concrete Arch / Volume of Concrete
175,000 cubic yards. The original project was completed in 1966 at
a cost of more than $66 million. A fifth generating unit at Smith
Mountain was finished in 1979 at an additional cost of $37 million.
 The
Climate... Mild, enjoyable
temperatures during the four distinct seasons are the norm in this
area of Virginia. Summer temperatures average in the upper 70's and
water temperatures average 70 degrees from May to October. Many
individuals swim in the lake from June through mid-October. The
average annual snowfall is 12 inches.
The Area...
Smith Mountain Lake is located midway between the Northeast and the
Southeast. The area is less than a days drive from Maine or
Florida... Smith Mountain Lake was formed in the mid 1960's when
Appalachian Power Company built the hydroelectric dam at the base of
Smith Mountain. At first, development surrounding the lake proceeded
slowly and sporadically. Today, there are approximately 18,000
permanent residents in the area. Located approximately midway
between the Northeast and the Southeast, the area is less than a
day's drive from Maine or Florida. The lake is bordered by Bedford,
Franklin and Pittsylvania counties, where residents enjoy leisurely
lifestyles, breathtaking scenery and low taxes. One resident speaks
for many when he remarks, "Living here is like being on a permanent
vacation. |
