Just before you reach Turtle Island, there’s a small beach area for kids to enjoy. 45-mile mark you’ll reach a bench, then another bench closer to the water at the. Signs identify trees like sycamores, post oaks and black walnuts. You’ll also learn how abandoned fields transformed into a wooded forest over the course of 125 years. Begin your hike along this green-blazed trail by turning right at the small trail sign.įrom here, you’ll see placards along the way that guide you through this forest of pine woods and mixed hardwoods. On the same side of the parking area is the 1.4-mile Turtle Island Trail. At the 1.6-mile mark, turn left for the parking lot.

It’s not far now to the end of the trail. 9-mile mark.Īt the 1.2-mile mark, turn left for a bench overlooking the lake in a few steps. Continue walking to close the loop at the. The tip of the peninsula wows with lake views, but also scenic vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the south. This is a loop that allows you to enjoy the furthest reaches of the small peninsula, so you can go right or left here. It’s nice to have so many spots to enjoy the water from dry land.Īt the. Then, there’s another bench on the right. In a few more steps, you’ll arrive at a bench on the left. 5-mile mark, you’ll reach a bench on the right that’s a perfect spot for gazing out into the water. 4-mile mark, you’ll reach an intersection.Ĭontinue straight ahead. 15-mile mark, you’ll see a wooden bench on the left.

Turn left here to begin your exploration of this peninsula that juts out into Smith Mountain Lake.Īt the. The red-blazed Chestnut Ridge Trail begins just across the street from the parking lot for the Turtle Island Trail Area (note the large kiosk).Īfter a few steps on this leafy trail you’ll reach a trail sign. Thankfully, the mostly dirt and tree root trails are wide enough to accommodate those on foot, as well as those on two wheels. Like every trail in this state park, the Chestnut Ridge Trail is also a multi-use trail that can be used by hikers and mountain bikers. It’s a loop, it’s a lollipop, it’s an out-and-back hike. This 1.7-mile hike has a little bit of everything for forest-loving hikers. When you’re not out on the water, of course. If you’re considering a getaway to Smith Mountain Lake, here are three hikes to check off while at the park. Here you’ll find peaceful coves and waterways, but also more than a dozen blazed trails.Īs you can imagine, the majority of steps you’ll take across multi-use park trails with names like Turtle Island and Walton Creek wow with delightful water views. This pristine lake is the centerpiece of Smith Mountain Lake State Park. This means that there are plenty of hiking trails. This man-made lake – the second largest lake in Virginia, covering 20,600 acres – has more than 500 miles of shoreline. Smith Mountain Lake may be better known as a go-to destination for water sports, like kayaking, jet skiing and wake boarding, but there’s a lot to love on dry land, too.

Smith mountain lake