RECREATION

State Parks

• Smith Mountain Lake State Park
  1235 State Park Road • Bedford, VA 24104
  Located in Huddleston
  540-297-6066, 800-933-PARK
  Situated on the north shore of Smith Mountain Lake, this park offers activities such as swimming, fishing and boating, and miles of hiking trails, as well as housekeeping cabins, primitive camping, picnicking, a visitor center, and interpretive programs.  more...  map

Lakes & Marinas

• Bridgewater Marina & Boat Rentals
  16410 Booker T. Washington Highway • Moneta, VA 24121
  540-721-1639
  This full service marina is largest boat rental operation on Smith Mountain Lake and they offer rental boats, full service gas docks, a marina store, a pro shop, and parasailing opportunities.  more...

Fishing

• Dale Wilson's Smith Mountain Lake Guide Service
  4185 Smith Mountain Lake Parkway • Bedford, VA 24104
  Located in Huddleston
  540-297-5650
  Fish year round on Smith Mountain and Leesville Lakes with Captain Dale Wilson, the most experienced fishing guide on the lake providing over 30 years of fishing experience. He specializes in the use of artificial lures while casting for stripped bass, crappie, largemouth, and smallmouth bass.  map

• Spike's Prime Time Fishing
  4067 Hales Ford Road • Moneta, VA 24121
  540-297-5611
  Enjoy striper fishing and water recreation at its best in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwestern Virginia on Smith Mountain Lake with this U.S. Coast Guard licensed and fully insured fishing guide who offers two completely equipped 22 foot deck boats that accommodate parties of up to six each. Live bait and artificial lure techniques are used and all equipment is provided, along with pictures of the day's catch and your fish filleted and packaged.  more...  map

Golf

• Ivy Hill Golf Club
  1327 Ivy Hill Drive • Forest, VA 24551
  434-525-2680
  A challenging 18 hole golf course with scenic views awaits you at this golf club whose llayout is considered one of the toughest in the area and places a premium on precision shot making while using every club in your bag.  more...  map

• London Downs Golf Club
  1400 New London Road • Bedford, VA 24551
  434-525-4653
  "Central Virginia's Premiere Golf Course," this golf club has hosted two SBC Futures tour events and it plays host to numerous charity and corporate events throughout the year. Amenities include a large practice green, driving range, pro shop, snack bar, and outdoor pavilion for tournaments and outings. PGA and LPGA professionals are available for lessons by appointment.  more...  map

Hiking & Climbing

• Abbott Lake Trail
  Located at Abbott Lake
  This one mile loop trail around Abbott Lake takes hikers through a woodland forest and open field, offering a close-up view of this picturesque lake.   map

• Appalachian Trail
  Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway
  A historic scenic trail which winds through Washington-Jefferson National Forest and across the Blue Ridge Mountains. Wildflowers and wildlife abound along trail, which can be accessed at a number of parkway mileposts, and the trail attracts hikers of all ages.  map

• Fallingwater Cascades Trail
  Located on the National Recreation Trail
  This loop trail takes hikers along cascades on Fallingwater Creek with its huge rock outcrops clothed in rhododendron and large hemlocks. This trail drops 260 feet below the Fallingwater Parking Area and hikers should be prepared to climb that elevation on their return.  map

• Flap Top Trail
  Located on the National Recreation Trail
  A continuation of the Fallingwater Cascades Trail, this trail rises to an elevation of 4,004 feet with many scattered rock outcrops. On this trail, hikers can experience the changing forest ecology as they climb or descend 1,600 feet from the Parkway trail heads.   map

• Harkening Hill Loop Trail
  Begins Behind the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center
  This woodland trail is over three miles long and is steep and strenuous in places. The trail climbs to a ridge where several long distance views are possible, including a panorama of the Johnson Farm which can be reached from the trail.   map

• Johnson Farm Trail
  North End of the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center
  Approximately two miles long, this loop trail follows a section of the Harkening Hill Loop Trail and it encircles the historic Johnson Farm, which was started in 1852.  map

• Sharp Top Trail
  Located Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
  The most popular trail in the area, this one and a half mile trail originates at the campstore across the Parkway from the Visitor Center and it is a steep and strenuous route which should be attempted only by those in good health.   map

Outfitters & Guides

• Terry's Guide Service
  8810 Dickerson Mill Road • Moneta, VA 24121
  540-297-1523
  Professional striper, largemouth and smallmouth guide service. Day and night charters are available. more...