History

• Smith Mountain Lake was created as a result of the damming of the Roanoke and Blackwater rivers. The dam was part of a project to develop hydroelectric power for the region. The lake began filling in September 1963 and was completely filled by March 1966. Since that time, the lake has been opened to the public for recreational use including boating, subject to Virginia state boating regulations.
  
  

Access

• There are five public accesses for boat launches on Smith Mountain Lake. Hales Ford in Bedford County features one concrete ramp. Hardy Ford in Bedford County features two concrete ramps. Penhook No. 9 in Franklin County has two concrete ramps. Scruggs No. 8 in Franklin County has one concrete ramp. Anthony Ford No. 4 in Pittsylvania County has one concrete ramp.
  
  

Considerations

• The Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries is responsible for managing and maintaining the public boat ramp access areas of Smith Mountain Lake. It is also responsible for promoting safe boating practices as well as enforcing state laws and regulations regarding recreational boating.
  
  

Identification

• All motorized boats used on Smith Mountain Lake must be registered and titled. Sailboats longer than 18 feet must be titled prior to being used on Smith Mountain Lake. All other nonmotorized boats may be used on Smith Mountain Lake without title or registration.
  
  

Warning

• According to the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, most boating-related fatalities in the state result from drowning. The department estimates that more than 80 percent of those victims would have survived if they had worn a life jacket. Virginia law requires there be at least one Coast Guard-approved life jacket available for each person on a boat.