Photo: James River Media
10 unexpected & fun things to do around Smith Mountain Lake
For many visitors, a typical day at Smith Mountain Lake includes the obvious pastimes of swimming, fishing, sunbathing and ending the day watching a beautiful sunset on the water.
There’s nothing wrong with prioritizing these relaxing activities. But if you want to spice up your lake routine this summer, there are plenty of unique destinations and activities in the area to keep you busy.
Photos: James River Media
Andy Bruns, executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce, helped us craft this top 10 list of “unexpected” fun spots, which range from going for an off-the-beaten-path hike to visiting a new art studio.
1 TAKE A TOUR OF THE SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE ALPACA FARM.
Located about five miles from the lake in Hardy, the Smith Mountain Lake Alpaca Farm offers 90-minute guided, interactive tours year-round. During your visit, you will learn about the science and history of the alpaca. For lake visitors with kids (or even just kids at heart), this unique experience will be a memory for years to come. Make a reservation by calling 860-307-2143. Photo: James River Media
2 BOOK A SAILING LESSON.
Sailing is a fun skill to learn if you’re already a water enthusiast. And according to Bruns, you’ll see “quite a few” sailboats out on Smith Mountain Lake. One way to get started is to contact SML Sailing School (540-719-0009). Their classes range from basic boat handling and sail trim for individuals to racing and spinnaker maneuvers for a crew. They also offer half-day charters if you’d rather relax and enjoy the ride! Photo Courtesy of SML Sailing School
3 HIKE IN THE SMITH MOUNTAIN COOPERATIVE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA.
While there are a ton of hiking spots in the Smith Mountain Lake region, Bruns says the trail located in the Smith Mountain Cooperative Wildlife Management Area near the Smith Mountain Lake Dam is a lesser-known trek. Photo Courtesy of Kathleen Riordan
“You can go from 800 feet up to 2,000 feet,” Bruns explained. “It’s really pretty in the spring or fall when the leaves are gone because you can see for a long way at the top.”
You’ll start this hike on an access road called Silver Dollar Lane. Once you get near the top, part of the trail is only free to enter if you possess a valid Virginia hunting or fishing license, however you can purchase an entry permit daily or annually. For more information, visit www.dgif.virginia.gov.
Photos: James River Media
4 GET CREATIVE AT HAWAII FLUID ART.
Another off-the-water activity is Hawaii Fluid Art, an artisan space located in Moneta that’s getting rave reviews according to Bruns. Their 1- to 1.5-hour classes include everything you need to create a beautiful work of fluid art, which is an abstract painting technique. No artistic experience or talent is necessary, and children over the age of 3 are welcome to try it out. For more information, call 540-525-4249.
Photo: James River Media
5 IMMERSE YOURSELF IN HISTORY AT THE BOOKER T. WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT.
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in 1856 on a 202-acre farm right off Route 122 in Hardy. He later became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School and was considered one of the most influential African Americans of his era. Photo: James River Media
At his birthplace, you’ll start at the visitor center (open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and then walk through the Plantation Trail, a .25-mile loop through the historic property. Enjoy visiting a picnic area, garden area and farm area with sheep, pigs, horses and chickens. Learn more at www.nps.gov/bowa.
Photo Courtesy of Wind Vineyards
6 CHECK OUT A FESTIVAL OR EVENT AT WIND VINEYARDS.
Wind Vineyards, a newer addition to the Smith Mountain Lake community, is already making a big splash. In 2024, they featured incredible events including hot air balloons rides, a rodeo and a monster truck rally. Bruns says Wind Vineyards is expected to open a tasting room in 2025. They’ve also been posting about other 2025 additions on Facebook, including a large farm slide. For more information visit their Facebook page.
Photo Courtesy of Trevor Smith
7 CRUISE TO THE CRADDOCK CREEK LIGHTHOUSE.
This full-sized lighthouse is located at channel marker C-2 near Mitchell’s Point Marina. You’ll want to make sure your smartphone is charged because the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce says it’s one of six “Insta-worthy” spots at the lake. (Check out the others on their blog at www.visitsmithmountainlake.com/blog.)
Photo Courtesy of Sheridan Brown
8 TRACK DOWN THE ICE CREAM BOAT.
It’s just like the ice cream truck from your childhood—but out on the water! It can take a little bit of legwork to track down the Ice Cream Boat, which is part of the experience. Either listen out for the music or (better yet) let technology help you out. A GPS tracker for the boat is available at findtheicecreamboat.com.
Photo Courtesy 0f Allyson Taylor Mcswain
9 WORSHIP AT THE BOAT CHURCH.
For faith-based vacationers, try out the tranquil experience of a church service on the water. The Boat Church meets on the water at Arrowhead Campground in Penhook on Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m. All you have to do is float up and join in.
Photo Courtesy 0f Thehiddenboxhouse.com
10 FEED FISH FOR A GOOD CAUSE.
At Bridgewater Plaza and Marina in Moneta, you can buy a $1 bag of popcorn to feed the carp that hang out by the docks. All proceeds from sales go to Make-A-Wish of Greater Virginia. Photo: James River Media
Visitors report the carp are hungry and “huge,” which may be attributed to the steady diet of popcorn.
Make the most of your time at Smith Mountain Lake, and enjoy all of these unique locations and opportunities! ✦