Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America's most iconic scenic roads, and it runs right through the backyard of Smith Mountain Lake. Stretching 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the section nearest to SML (roughly mileposts 112 through 176) offers some of the most accessible and rewarding driving, hiking, and sightseeing along the entire route. For SML residents, the Parkway is not a destination; it is a neighbor.

What Makes the Blue Ridge Parkway Special

The Parkway was designed from the ground up as a recreational driving experience, and that intention shows in every curve, overlook, and vista. The road follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering continuous views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and the Virginia Piedmont to the east. The speed limit encourages you to slow down, and the absence of commercial development along the road preserves the natural setting that makes the experience timeless.

Within the SML section, highlights include the historic Mabry Mill (one of the most photographed spots in Virginia), the Peaks of Otter recreation area, and dozens of overlooks that provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Each season transforms the Parkway: spring brings wildflowers and dogwood blooms, summer offers lush green canopies and clear-sky views, fall delivers legendary foliage, and winter provides stark, beautiful landscapes of bare branches and distant ridgelines.

What to Expect When You Visit

A Parkway outing can be as short as a one-hour drive or as long as a multi-day adventure. Most SML residents access the Parkway via Route 24, Route 122, or Route 43, all of which connect the lake area to the ridge within 20 to 40 minutes. Once on the Parkway, you can drive in either direction, stopping at overlooks, trailheads, and points of interest as they appear.

Mabry Mill, at milepost 176, is the most popular single stop in the SML section. The working gristmill, blacksmith shop, and surrounding trail offer a glimpse into Appalachian mountain life from generations past. The adjacent restaurant serves traditional mountain fare, including buckwheat pancakes and country ham, that draws visitors from across the state.

Insider Tips

Drive the Parkway at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic light. The mountain ridges glow orange and pink, and the valleys fill with shadow in ways that make every overlook feel like a painting. Midday drives are beautiful too, but the golden hour light is unmatched.

Bring a picnic. Several overlooks have picnic tables, and eating lunch with a 50-mile view is one of the great simple pleasures of living near the Blue Ridge. Pack sandwiches, a thermos of coffee, and a blanket, and you have the makings of an unforgettable afternoon.

For hikers, the Parkway provides access to trails of every difficulty level. Many trailheads are right off the road, and the park service provides maps and condition reports at visitor centers and online. The trails near Peaks of Otter and along the James River section are particularly rewarding.

Nearby Communities

Every Smith Mountain Lake community is within a 20-to-45-minute drive of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Residents of The Waterfront, The Farm, and Copper Cove at Westlake have some of the most direct access routes.

Practical Information

There is no entrance fee for the Blue Ridge Parkway. The road is open year-round, but sections may close temporarily due to weather, ice, or construction. Check the NPS website or call ahead for current road conditions, especially in winter and early spring. Gas stations are not available on the Parkway itself, so fill up before you go. Cell service is spotty along much of the route, which is part of the charm but also worth noting for safety. Restrooms are available at visitor centers and recreation areas along the way.