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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Most Scenic Lake In Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake Is Almost Too Beautiful To Be Real

Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia offers stunning scenery and numerous outdoor activities, making it a must-visit destination.

Updated May 24, 2023

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

Here in Virginia, there's no shortage of beautiful scenery to enjoy. But if you're looking for a peaceful day spent by a mountain lake, there's one place that belongs at the top of your list: Smith Mountain Lake. Located just outside of Roanoke, this large reservoir is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers endless opportunities for adventure. No matter the time of year you visit, you'll agree that this lake is almost too beautiful to be real. Here's more on why a trip to Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia belongs on everyone's itinerary.

If you consider yourself to be a water enthusiast, you'll find that Smith Mountain Lake is a little slice of paradise.

A serene lake surrounded by green trees and distant mountains under a blue sky with fluffy white clouds.
NatalieMaynor / flickr

From an inviting swimming beach to fishing docks, wooded trails, and boating ramps, there are endless opportunities for adventure here. In fact, there are 500 miles of shoreline!

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A busy beach scene with a lifeguard tower, people swimming, and a forested shoreline in the background.
Virginia State Parks / flickr

Smith Mountain Lake is technically a dam; however, it's the second-largest freshwater lake in the state.

A serene landscape featuring a lake surrounded by lush greenery and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
NatalieMaynor / flickr

The lake was created in 1960 when Appalachian Power built a dam on the Roanoke River. Over the next six years, the state of Virginia bought the land and opened a beautiful park, which first opened to the public in 1983.

A person sits on a bench by a calm lake, surrounded by trees and distant mountains under a clear sky.
Virginia State Parks / flickr

Today, Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia is a cherished destination for visitors near and far. Families enjoy annual summer camping trips...

A serene lakeside picnic area with a wooden table, grill, and trees surrounding the calm water.
Virginia State Parks / flickr

...boat excursions...

A lakeside scene featuring a small cabin, wooden docks, and boats, surrounded by trees and a sandy beach.
Virginia State Parks / flickr

...and hikes through the woods. And while Smith Mountain Lake makes for an excellent day trip destination, you'll likely want to stay at least a few days to enjoy all that this natural space has to offer.

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Tall trees in a forest with sunlight filtering through, near a calm lake in the background.
Kwang Kim / Google

Just wait till you experience a famous Smith Mountain Lake sunset!

Check out this awesome 4K video of Smith Mountain Lake and fall in love with it all over again:

Have you ever visited Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia? What did you think about your experience there? What would you call the most beautiful lake in Virginia? Feel free to share your past adventures with us in the comments below - we'd love to hear all about them! For more information about planning your visit, you can visit Smith Mountain Lake State Park online.

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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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