Area Information

Smith Mountain Lake is western Virginia's biggest playground and Virginia's largest lake. The recreational opportunities are outstanding here, with boating and fishing being particularly popular. The lake even holds the state record for citation striped bass. Smith Mountain Lake encompasses over 40 miles, holds 20,000 acres of water and is surrounded by 500 miles of shoreline. In comparison to other lakes, Smith Mountain is relatively new. Dam construction began in 1960. The lake was formed to dam a river and generate electrical power for the Appalachian Power Company. It took six years and a crew of 200 to move 300,000 cubic yards of mountain forests to make way for the 175,000 cubic feet of concrete used to build the Smith Mountain Dam.

Franklin County was formed in 1785 from parts of Bedford County and Henry County. It was so named for Benjamin Franklin, one of our founding fathers. In the first half of the 19th century, our county was home to Booker T. Washington. Washington lived from 1856 to 1915. He was an educator, author, orator and political leader. His original homeplace is now a museum located at Smith Mountain Lake in Moneta, VA. During Prohibition, locals dubbed Franklin County "the Moonshine Capital of the World." That title is still used by the local chamber of commerce to promote the county today. You can still see the inspiration of the county's history displayed twice a year down at the Martinsville Speedway. After all, moonshine-runners often competed in races that ultimately gave birth to NASCAR. These days two NASCAR races are held annually at Martinsville Speedway, only 20 minutes away from the lake. There are 12 public elementary schools, one high school and one middle school in our area, which also includes the Gereau Center for Technology and Career Exploration. There are two private schools. Higher education is offered at nearby Ferrum College, conveniently located in the Ferrum area of Franklin County. There are also many opportunities with various other institutions at The Franklin Center, located in the Town of Rocky Mount. In the surrounding areas, there are many community colleges. Colleges and universities within an hour of our region include Roanoke College, Virginia Tech, Liberty University, Radford College, Virginia Military Institute, Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Averett University, Hollins College, Washington & Lee University and University of Virginia. There are also Adult Learning Centers and other career-oriented technical schools available throughout the area. Hospital services in the region include Carilion Franklin Memorial and Carilion Roanoke Memorial, various urgent-care facilities & diagnostic centers. Lewis Gale Hospitals & Diagnostic Centers are also available. Ambulance & fire stations are strategically throughout the county. Other emergency responders serving the area: LifeGuardEmergency helicopter services, Smith Mountain Lake Fire Boat & Scuba Rescue Team. Smith Mountain Lake stocks striped bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and is home to crappie, catfish and muskellunge. Walleyes, once stocked, now breed naturally. Since 2004, ESPN has sponsored and nationally broadcast the Blue Ridge Brawl Pro Tournament at our lake and has awarded more than $1 million in prizes. Among the many water activities at Smith Mountain Lake are power boating, canoeing, sailing, parasailing, swimming, fishing, water-skiing, wakeboarding and jet skiing. The lakefront includes seven public boat-launching sites and many public and private marinas. Mariners Landing has an 18-hole, par 72, semi­private course designed by Robert Trent Jones. The Waterfront has a private, 18-hole, par 71 PGA championship golf course designed by George Dillon of the Fazio Group. You'll find a private, par 72 course at The Water's Edge Golf and Country Club. This one provides water views from all 18 holes. A total course renovation the integrity of the original Raymond F. "Buddy" Loving Jr. design was recently completed. The Westlake Golf and Country Club is an 18-hole, par 72, semi-private course. This is the place to experience year-round play with the trademark touch of Russell Breeden. The Sycamore Ridge Golf Club course is an 18-hole, par 71, public course that offers 6,008 yards of challenging fun. Also located near Rocky Mount is Willow Creek Golf Course. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the shoreline of Smith Mountain Lake, this area provides a vast array of activities and interests. Enjoy sightseeing, picnicking, camping, hunting, antiquing, shopping, as well as a variety of restaurants, Hot Shots family entertainment, two miniature golf courses and cruising on the Virginia Dare, a 19th-century paddle-wheel boat.

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