When people talk about Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia they very often are referring to areas of the lake in Franklin or Bedford Counties. The lesser-known 3rd county that borders our lovely lake is Pittsylvania.
Interestingly however is the fact that Pittsylvania is the largest county in all of Virginia, encompassing nearly 1000 square miles! It is also the home of the actual Smith Mountain, which is over 2000 feet high. Though not as well known to some, it is a beautiful county just waiting for folks to discover its many wonders.
Besides bordering Smith Mountain Lake, scenic Leesville Lake, Virginia is located in the northeastern section of Pittsylvania county. It also hosts Tomahawk Mill Winery (with a 116-year-old historic, water-powered gristmill), the 2,710-acre White Oak Wildlife Management Area, and Running Cedar RV Resort (just feet away from the unspoiled waters of Leesville Lake).
In Pittsylvania Co., you can also visit the Historical Yates Tavern (once an “ordinary,” or a sort of frontier bed-and-breakfast in the mid 1700s), The American Armoured Foundation Tank Museum, Covered Bridges, great hiking trails, stay in lake cottages or cabins, shop in Danville, Va., go boating or fishing on Leesville Lake, and so much more.
If you have not visited Pittsylvania County, why not make this summer the time to change that? You will find yourself wondering why you had not experienced its treasures long ago.
