Splashing Snouts at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia
- Luie Boone
- Aug 26
- 6 min read
This vacation destination is a part of our third series of blog posts titled Rover Ready.
Luie Boone cannot wait to splash his snout into the waters of Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. Known for its sparkling blue waters, scenic views, and abundant outdoor activities, this charming region is a fantastic destination for both people and pups alike.
Smith Mountain Lake is often called by its abbreviation: SML. It is the second-largest freshwater lake in Virginia, sprawling across an expansive 20,600 acres. Considered a paradise for boating, fishing, hiking, and simply soaking in nature, there's no better place to spend time with your pooch.
And you want to know makes it even more special? Many of the surrounding communities warmly welcome in dogs. There are parks, trails, restaurants, and even accommodations designed to accommodate you and your four-legged pals. Below, we detail several dog-friendly towns that surround Smith Mountain Lake, each offering a mix of lakeside charm and outdoor adventure.
The town of Moneta is situated on the western shore. It serves as a gateway to many lake activities, including dog parks where your pup can socialize and plenty of eateries with dog-friendly patios. Nearby is the town of Wirtz, which is located on the northeastern shoreline. It offers a quieter vibe with peaceful country roads and trails that are perfect for walks with your dog. The small town atmosphere and its pet-welcoming cafes make it a pleasant stop to stretch your legs and grab a bite.
Another great town is Hardy, which sits right at the mouth of the lake where the Roanoke River feeds into it. Hardy is known for its beautiful waterfront views and ample opportunities for lakeside strolls with your pup. This town features several marinas and parks where dogs on leashes are welcome. On the eastern shore, the town of Penhook offers rural tranquility and access to many pet-friendly hiking and nature trails. It’s a favorite spot for outdoor lovers who want to explore the natural beauty of the area alongside their furry friends.
Be sure to check out the town of Huddleston, which is located right near the southern tip of Smith Mountain Lake. This community provides quiet neighborhoods and easy access to lakefront parks, as well as marinas where dogs on leashes are welcome. Many vacation rentals in Huddleston are pet-friendly, which gives you and your dog the perfect home-vacation base for exploring the lake and surrounding nature.
Just a short drive from the lake, there is the town of Bedford. This town offers a charming historic downtown, where dogs are welcomed at many outdoor patios and shops. Bedford also boasts several parks and walking trails perfect for a leisurely stroll with your dog. The town blends a small-town feel with easy access to lake activities, making it a convenient and dog-friendly hub for visitors.
If you’re planning a trip to Smith Mountain Lake, please keep your dog on a leash unless in designated off-leash areas. Be sure to bring fresh water and waste bags, and always check ahead with businesses to confirm their pet policies. It’s also important to be mindful of local wildlife and keep your pet safe during outdoor adventures.
Smith Mountain Lake is truly a gem for dog owners who want to combine natural beauty with pet-friendly fun. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, you and your dog will find many welcoming spots and exciting activities to enjoy together. Your four-legged friend is surely going to thank you with lots of tail wags and happy memories!
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Lake Lover's Delight
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 4 beds and 3 baths.
Photos courtesy of Vacasa of Virginia
It features the following amenities:
Waterfront home
Extended patio that protrudes over the water
Patio furniture
Full-length back deck, which overlooks the entire cove and dock house
Gas grill
Firepit
Private dock with a floating pier attached
Use of 2 kayaks and a paddle boat
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
There's this place called Lake Lover's Delight in Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. It's right on the water, and it has a big patio for watching ducks! I heard that ducks glide through the cove every single day like they own it. I'm going to bring my best, stuffed buddy Quakers. He's a purple duck with a mohawk, and he's so excited to meet some real ducks. At the rental, there’s a firepit for marshmallows, a kitchen for cooking bacon, and four bedrooms so I can pick the perfect nap spot. One of the bedrooms even has a lake view for early-morning duck patrol. The dock has kayaks, a paddle boat, deep water for swimming, and stairs so I easily can get out after splashing. Two other lucky dogs have already stayed there. I heard that one learned to dock dive chasing ducks. The other was a wise 14-year-old, who enjoyed the sunshine and quiet. If those pooches loved it, I know I will too. Plus, there’s a game room for the hoomans, comfy couches for me, and an ice cream boat that comes by every night! An ice cream boat? You're kidding me. I love ice cream and ducks!
Paws Venture Here
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
This park is located on the picturesque Smith Mountain Lake. It offers picnic areas, camping, fishing, a boat ramp, hiking trails, and more for you to enjoy with your furry friend.
Booker T Washington National Monument
This is the birthplace of Booker T Washington, who was an influential man born into slavery. Washington wrote important accounts of his time as a slave and the time directly after emancipation. Your pup can join you while you explore the grounds, which include a couple of short trails, a picnic area, and a farm area.
Sharp Top Mountain
This is one of the most popular trails in all of Virginia. It is a strenuous climb up to the rocky summit of the Sharp Top Mountain (3,875 feet). However, this peak has attracted hikers and their canine companions for hundreds, if not thousands of years. The views are worth it!
Turtle Island
At Turtle Island, Luie Boone hopes there are turtles! Anyhow, there is a 1.3 mile hike here, which takes you and your pal through a forest and across a wooden footbridge. The trail leads you over to Turtle Island, which is a small island that was once the top of a hill before the lake was formed.
The Dock at Smith Mountain Lake
At The Dock, you can explore their exceptional boat rental fleet, which is the finest on Smith Mountain Lake! Whether you and your pooch are looking for a quiet day on the water or a little adventure, they have the perfect vessel for your needs.
Smith Mountain Lake Community Park
Smith Mountain Lake Community Park is a picturesque park located on Smith Mountain Lake. The 37-acre park is a family-oriented park, which provides fishing, swimming, and 1.7 miles of walking trails. The park is open year-round (dawn to dusk). However, the beach is open seasonally. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, but the remainder of the park is dog-friendly.
Smith Mountain Cooperative Wildlife Management Area
The almost 5,000-acre Smith Mountain Cooperative Wildlife Management Area offers outdoor enthusiasts and their best friend the opportunity to hike, view wildlife, and enjoy vistas overlooking beautiful Smith Mountain Lake.
Drifter’s
This restaurant is located in the Crystal Shores Marina Resort, which is on the beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. It is a favorite among locals, vacationers, and their pups. You can enjoy award winning seafood, burgers, and BBQ. There is a four-legged friends menu, which features a puppy plater!
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
At Smith Mountain lake, there are over 500 miles of shoreline just waiting for my paws. I can already imagine running along trails, splashing in the water, and sniffing all the new smells. But, just the other day, I got top-secret intel from a wise old beagle who’s been to Smith Mountain Lake many times. He gave me a serious heads-up about something called fishing hooks. He said that the lake is a favorite spot for people who fish. Unfortunately, sometimes those shiny hooks don’t make it back into their tackle box. Instead, they get lost in the sand, hidden in the grass, or left on docks. The wise old beagle warned me that one wrong step could mean a painful poke in my paw. That is definitely not what I want on vacation! He also said there are hundreds of thousands of lost fishing hooks in the lakes and the rivers all over the country. So, with such a big lake, there could be plenty waiting around to poke me. Thanks to this wise beagle's advice, I’m planning to stick to the clear trails, keep my nose (and paws) away from fishing gear, and let my hoomans be on lookout duty. That way, I can enjoy my vacation safely!
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