Smith Mountain Lake is a developing tourist destination that combines temperate weather, scenic mountains and forests, rural hospitality, clean water, and abundant recreational opportunities. Known as 'Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains', SML is 40 miles long with 500 miles of shoreline spanning hundreds of coves and three Virginia counties. The lake welcomes all types of boating; there are no horsepower limits. Fishing is superb, particularly for striped bass, which can exceed 50 pounds. Other popular water sports include water skiing, swimming, and sailing.