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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Smith Mountain Lake In Virginia Has Beautiful Waters That Rival Lake Tahoe

Published Feb 6, 2023

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

Located along the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a bucket-list-worthy destination. But, Virginia has its own version, and in our humble opinion, it's just as lovely. Sure, it may not boast the size of Lake Tahoe, but it does deliver when it comes to beautiful waters, stunning views, and endless opportunities for recreation. Here's more on Smith Mountain Lake and why you'll want to plan your visit soon.

With 500 miles of shoreline, Smith Mountain Lake is a water enthusiast's dream come true. This stunning reservoir is among the most popular vacation destinations in Virginia, and for good reason!

Aerial view of a lakeside event with tents, a crowd, and boats on the water, surrounded by green hills and blue skies.
Visit Smith Mountain Lake / Facebook

The gorgeous lake was created in 1963 with the impoundment of the Roanoke River by the Smith Mountain Dam.

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A scenic view of a green hillside surrounding a winding river, with a dam and blue sky in the background.
Visit Smith Mountain Lake / Facebook

Since then, families, travelers, and retirees alike have flocked to this region of southwest Virginia for a healthy dose of adventure and relaxation.

A serene lakeside view with a large "LOVE" sign, benches, and boats docked under a clear blue sky.
Visit Smith Mountain Lake / Facebook

So what sets Smith Mountain Lake apart from other Virginia lakes? To start, the surrounding Appalachian Mountains!

A serene lake scene with calm waters, colorful autumn trees, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
Visit Smith Mountain Lake / Facebook

In fact, Smith Mountain Lake was recently announced as one of the best places in the U.S. to invest in a second home. And we'd have to agree!

Smith Mountain Lake is popular for swimming, boating, fishing -- you name it!

A sailboat glides across a calm lake, surrounded by green hills and a clear blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Visit Smith Mountain Lake / Facebook

Of course, you don't have to get on or in the water to enjoy it. Ample views from the surrounding beaches and vacation homes provide a postcard-worthy view.

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A camera on a tripod captures a serene river scene surrounded by lush greenery and mountains under a cloudy sky.
Visit Smith Mountain Lake / Facebook

Ready to experience all that Smith Mountain Lake has to offer? You can test the waters, so to speak, by booking a VRBO at Smith Mountain Lake. Enjoy!

When was the last time you visited Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia? What was your favorite thing about it? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we would love to hear from you!

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

There’s A Gorge In Virginia That Looks Just Like The New River Gorge, But Hardly Anyone Knows It Exists

Breaks Interstate Park in Virginia, known as the Grand Canyon of the South, offers stunning geological formations and abundant wildlife.

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

The New River Gorge is one of the most iconic wonders on the East Coast, located in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. Yet you don’t have to cross state lines to experience a natural wonder in Virginia that’s equally striking. In our opinion, Breaks Interstate Park in Dickenson County, looks a lot like the New River Gorge, and if you’ve never visited, it’s high time you planned a trip. So, come with us to see one of the most unique gorges in Virginia that will literally blow your mind.

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Millions of years ago, upon the formation of the Appalachian Mountains, a wave of earth and rock was created. Today, at the westernmost point of these ancient formations, you'll find Breaks Interstate Park.

Snow-covered mountains and a winding river are visible from a wooden overlook under a clear blue sky.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

Nothing short of a natural wonder and a geological phenomenon, this region of Virginia is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. The 1,000-foot gorge, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the South, is the result of the Russell Fork River.

A scenic view of lush green mountains under a colorful sunset sky, with a river winding through the valley below.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

The giant sandstone cliffs, known as the Towers, ascend above the canyon, creating a stunning visual effect. Even photos, as beautiful as they are, can't quite do justice to the view!

A scenic view of rolling hills covered in autumn foliage, with mist rising over a river valley.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

If it's your first time visiting the Breaks, be sure to check out Breaks Overlook, an iconic view of the landscape. It's especially stunning when the fog rolls in.

A scenic view of a fog-covered valley from a rocky overlook, with clear blue skies above.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

Overlooks Trail is another gorgeous view of the park. Just look at those stunning colors!

A stunning sunset over lush green mountains and a winding river, with vibrant clouds in the sky.
Breaks Park

And while Breaks Interstate Park is famous for its canyon, the abundance of wildlife here is equally as mesmerizing.

A lone elk stands in a grassy field against a soft blue sky at dusk.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

During certain times of the year, visitors are invited to see Virginia's Elk Restoration Zone.

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Have you ever visited Breaks Interstate Park? What was your experience at this look-a-like gorge in Virginia? Feel free to share your adventures with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! For more unique destinations to visit, be sure to check out our list of natural wonders in Virginia.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/virginia/natural-wonder-va/

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

A Bit Of An Unexpected Natural Wonder, Few People Know There Are Sand Dunes Hiding In Virginia

Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve in Virginia offers a stunning and unexpected landscape with tall sand dunes and diverse wildlife.

Updated Aug 9, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

When you think of sand dunes, you likely picture New Mexico's White Sand Dunes National Park, or perhaps the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve in Colorado. You may not have realized that Virginia also has a collection of sand dunes, and it's just as spectacular. To view this wild, rugged, and somewhat unexpected landscape, head to Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve in Cape Charles. Prepare to be amazed by the untouched beauty of some of the coolest natural wonders in Virginia!

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Virginia's most visited beaches are popular for a reason: they're easy to access, offer amenities such as restaurants and boardwalks, and often have the buzz of crowds.

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Len Richardson / Google

Yet there's something special about the quieter, off-the-beaten-path beaches, and today's feature destination certainly qualifies.

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Patrick Kerr / Google

Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve is comprised of 298 acres along the Chesapeake Bay in Northampton County.

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Patrick Kerr / Google

The dunes are among the tallest natural points on Virginia's Eastern Shore!

It's a stunning gem of a beach on Virginia's Eastern Shore, made all the more spectacular by the presence of 50-foot sand dunes for which the area is named.

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Len Richardson / Google

The preserve, which is maintained by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, is open to the public, yet it's absolutely vital to respect both nature and wildlife here.

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Stephen Linenfelser / Google

As you can imagine, the beach, dunes, and maritime forest make up an important habitat for countless plants and wildlife, including tiger beetles and migratory songbirds.

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Visitors will find a small public parking lot as well as three hiking trails for safely exploring the area.

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Bill Dyas / Google

If you do plan to visit, be sure to leave only footprints in the sand!

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Bill Dyas / Google

Did you know about this unexpected wonder hiding in Virginia? Have you visited Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area in Cape Charles? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! For related content, check out our natural wonders road trip through Virginia. And be sure to take a look at our road trip essentials!

Love all things Virginia? Check out this amazing footage of Shenandoah National Park:

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