Smith Mountain Lake is Virginia's largest manmade lake. In 1963, Appalachian Power completed a hydroelectric dam to generate electricity from the Roanoke River. The Roanoke River joined with the Blackwater River as the primary sources to flood the land that now hosts Smith Mountain Lake. In total, there are over 200,000  acres underwater and over 500 miles of shoreline- spanning the counties of Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania. Over the last 60  years, SML has built a reputation as a great tourist destination and an even better place to call home!