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Parks / Hiking

The charming parks that surround Smith Mountain Lake cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.

The beach at SML Community Pak surrounded by water
Hiker on top of Smith Mountain with lake in background
Kids and adults playing on the beach at SML State Park
Teenagers playing disc golf in Bedford

SML State Park

Smith Mountain Lake State Park is a picturesque, 1,248-acre retreat on Bedford County’s north shore that’s open to the public year-round.

Enjoy more than 14 miles of hiking, walking and biking trails, a 500-foot-long sandy beach (in season), a playground, boat launch and picnic area.

The park’s staff and volunteers entertain visitors with children’s programs, campfires, hayrides, star-gazing programs, musical performances, and ranger-led nature and wildlife events.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park also hosts a number of triathlons and fishing tournaments.

SML Community Park

A 37-acre park located on a peninsula with sweeping lake views, visitors to Smith Mountain Lake Community Park in Franklin County can enjoy a contemporary playground, a large, handicap-accessible fishing pier, a buoyed white-sand beach (in season), covered picnic shelter with tables and outdoor grills, as well as on-site restrooms.

Nearly two miles of trails wind around the shoreline of the scenic, pet-friendly park. SML Community Park is popular for group get-togethers and children’s play dates.

Smith Mountain Cooperative Management Area

The Smith Mountain CMA includes the lightly trafficked out and back SML Wildlife Trail. It extends 5.6 miles and is a relatively easy hike on a dirt/gravel road. While open year-round, the best views are in early spring, late fall and winter when there are no leaves to obstruct the views of the lake.

Moneta Park

Much of Moneta Park in Bedford County remains natural with woodland areas and a large open pasture featuring beautiful mountain views. Enjoy the 18-hole disc golf course, picnic shelter and multiple recreation fields. There’s also a three-mile trail system for walkers, hikers and mountain bikers.

Liberty Lake Park

Sixty-acre Liberty Lake Park in the town of Bedford offers a number of family-friendly amenities, including walking trails, picnic shelters, three playgrounds, a skate park and courts for basketball, tennis and volleyball. Also popular is fishing in the 1.5-acre lake (license required) and the state-of-the-art outdoor fitness court.

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