Biking at Smith Mountain Lake State Park
(540) 297-6066
1235 State Park Road
Huddleston, VA 24104
Latitude: 37.079625
Longitude: -79.610993
›› Google Map
Beaver Den Trail
The Beaver Den Trail is a .5 mile, easy trail that is accessible from both the Tobacco Run Trail and the Chestnut Ridge Trail. This fairly wide trail features moderate changes in elevation during its short run through the woods. Part of the trail emerges from the woods and briefly follows the road before it reenters the woods so watch for the appropriate blazes.
Blaze Color: Orange
Usage:
- Length: 0.5
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth, Road
Beechwood Trail
The Beechwood Trail is a 0.9 mile, moderate difficulty trail that passes around the campgrounds and is accessible from the Buck Run Trail. Use of this trail is restricted to campers only. Those using this somewhat hilly trail should note that it is blazed in two different colors, green and brown, potentially making it somewhat difficult to find ones way. This trail also passes by an old cedar cabin.
Blaze Color: Brown
Usage:
- Length: 0.9
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Buck Run Trail
The Buck Run Trail is a 1.7 mile, moderate difficulty trail that is accessible from the Beechwood, Chestnut Ridge, Turkey Foot, and Striper Cove Trails. It passes through the woods with some moderate changes in elevation, passing a trail head parking lot and crossing the main park road before ending at the Striper Cove Trail.
Blaze Color: White
Usage:
- Length: 1.7
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Chestnut Ridge Trail
The Chestnut Ridge Trail is a 1.7 mile, moderate difficulty trail, that is accessible from the Beaver Dam and Buck Run trails as well as from the trail head parking near the Turtle Island Trail. This trail consists of two loops that follow the peninsula, offering views of the lake from either side and several benches to rest on. The trail features diverse plants and wildlife. Animals such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and numerous varieties of songbirds may be found along with occasional views of Osprey. Plant life includes rhododendron, running cedar, several varieties of dogwood, Southern lady fern, many types of moss, white pine and a host of shrubs and perennials. This trail also passes an old cedar cabin that dates to before the lake was built.
Blaze Color: Red
Usage:
- Length: 1.7
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Lakeview Trail
The Lakeview Trail is a .3 mile easy trail that forms a loop near the visitor center. After passing through a wooded area the trail reveals panoramic views of the lake and surrounding hills, which in the Fall, are ablaze with color. Near the trail are large expanses of lawn and shade trees where you can spend a lazy afternoon just watching the ever-changing activity on the lake. A highlight of this trail is the Osprey nesting platform at the tip of the peninsula and the bird study area. At times the nest may be viewed from the Osprey Cam located in the Visitor Center.
Blaze Color: Yellow
Usage:
- Length: 0.3
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth, Grass
Opossum Trot Trail
The Opossum Trot Trail is a .5 mile, easy trail that is accessible from both the Turtle Island Trail and the Tobacco Run Trail. It passes through the woods with some changes in elevation, offering views of the lake and eventually emerging at the park road.
Blaze Color: Blue
Usage:
- Length: 0.5
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Osprey Point Trail
The Osprey Point Trail is a .5 mile, moderate difficulty trail accessible from the Striper Cove and Walton Creek Trails. This trail begins near the picnic area and takes users uphill near the edge of the lake, passing by an old stone wall and crossing it in places. The trail ends near the end of the point. Due to the greater number of rocks on this trail it may prove difficult for those on bikes.
Blaze Color: Forest Green
Usage:
- Length: 0.4
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Striper Cove Trail
The Striper Cove Trail is a 3.1 mile, moderate difficulty trail that is accessible from the Turtle Island, Buck Run, Osprey Point, and Walton Creek Trails. It passes through the woods, going near the picnic shelter, boat launch area and fishing tournament HQ, then winds back and forth following several small peninsulas until it reaches the Turtle Island Trail. Users should look out for some steep areas on this trail.
Blaze Color: Gold
Usage:
- Length: 3.1
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Tobacco Run Trail
The Tobacco Run Trail is a .5 mile easy trail that is accessible from both the park amphitheater and visitor center. It passes by an old tobacco storage barn with information about this once important element of the local economy. This trail extends out to a point on the lake, offering a nice view and a bench to rest on. Visitors may access the Opossum Trot and Beaver Den trails from the Tobacco Run Trail.
Blaze Color: Blue
Usage:
- Length: 0.5
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Turkey Foot Trail
The Turkey Foot Trail is a short, easy one-third mile trail that runs from the Buck Run Trail to the main park road right across from the main office. Trail head parking is not far from either end of this wide connector trail.
Blaze Color: Orange
Usage:
- Length: 0.17
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Turtle Island Trail
The Turtle Island Trail is a 1.3 mile, moderate difficulty trail that is accessible from the Opossum Trot Trail, Striper Cove Trail and from a small trail head parking lot. This interpretive loop trail passes through pine forest with some moderate changes in elevation. The trail crosses a bridge to the aptly named Turtle Island, a small island that was once the top of a hill before the lake was formed. The interpretive signs on the trail describe the surrounding ecosystem as well as the abundant flora and fauna found within the park. A small bird blind for wildlife observation is located nearby. This trail has several terraced steps that may prove difficult for those trying to go uphill on bicycles.
Blaze Color: Green
Usage:
- Length: 1.3
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Walton Creek Trail
The Walton Creek Trail is a 1.3 mile, moderate difficulty trail that runs from the park office to the picnic area where one may access Striper Cove or Osprey Point Trail. Like many other trails in the park this one features moderate changes in elevation as it follows the lake shore. Visitors on this trail will pass by the park's canoe and kayak fleet used for guided programs, not far from the site of the Old Moody Meeting House.
Blaze Color: Burgundy
Usage:
- Length: 1.3
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
White Tail Path Trail
The White Tail Path Trail is a .1 mile, easy trail that runs from the Walton Creek Trail, across the main park road, and takes users to the Striper Cove Trail.
Blaze Color: Gray
Usage:
- Length: 0.1
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Other Activities At Smith Mountain Lake State Park: Hiking, Boating and Water Sports, Camping, Educational Activities, Fishing, Gifts and Shopping, Hunting, Picnicking, Swimming, Wildlife Activities and Canoeing And Kayaking
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