Can you tour Smith Mountain Lake dam?
The visitor’s center at Smith Mountain is open to the public with a view overlooking the dam. Exhibits tell the history of the dam and how power is generated at the unique two-lake complex.
Is Smith Mountain Lake dam open?
The Center is open Tuesday through Saturday each week, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Exhibits and the overlook area close at 4:30 p.m. The Center is open on Sundays from 1-5 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day. There is a picnic area located below the Smith Mountain Dam on Leesville Lake open to the public every day.
Why is Smith Mountain Lake Dam closed?
The visitor’s center at Smith Mountain is open to the public with a view overlooking the dam. Exhibits tell the history of the dam and how power is generated at the unique two-lake complex. Due to COVID-19, the Visitors Center is temporarily closed until further notice.
How does Smith Mountain Dam work?
Smith Mountain Dam houses five hydroelectric generators with a combined installed capacity of 560 MW. Smith Mountain Lake Dam uses pumped-storage hydroelectricity by which water that is released downstream can be pumped back into Smith Mountain Lake for re-use.
How much is it to get in Smith Mountain Lake?
The public beach at Smith Mountain Lake Community Park, a smaller public park located in Franklin County, provides guests with walking trails, covered picnic shelters, playground areas, and handicap accessible fishing pier with seating. The public beach is $2 per person (children under 3 are free.)
Is Smith Mountain Lake free?
The cost of using the beach/swimming area is $3 per adult and children 3 and under are free. Children ages 14 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult while on the beach.
Is Smith Lake open?
The Smith Lake park area is open 7 days a week from dawn to dusk and is open to the public.
What is the highest water level ever at Smith Mountain Lake?
799.79 feet
According to George Porter, the highest ever was on April 27, 1978. On that date, the lake rose to 799.79 feet, just inches below Appalachian Power’s mandated maximum level of 800 feet.
How deep is the dam at Smith Mountain Lake?
250′Smith Mountain Lake / Max depth
