Deep-cove privacy near Smith Mountain Dam and the south shore.
Tips on renting in Penhook
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
Penhook occupies the southeastern arm of Smith Mountain Lake, the quieter, deeper-cove end of the water where you’re as likely to see a heron as another boat on a weekday morning. The Smith Mountain Dam sits at the southern tip, and the Virginia Dare cruise boat leaves from not too far north—but for the most part, Penhook is a destination for people who have been to the lake before and want fewer distractions. It earns repeat visitors rather than first-timers.
Smith Mountain Lake — the water context
Penhook sits in Franklin County on the lake’s southeastern arm, near the Smith Mountain Dam and the Leesville Lake reservoir below it. The dam, operated by Appalachian Power, is a legitimate vantage point—the overlook at the Smith Mountain Dam Visitor Center offers one of the most dramatic views of the lake from land. The water near Penhook runs deep and clear, with secluded coves that are especially popular with bass anglers and serious kayakers. Captain Bert’s Fishing Charters on the Penhook side runs half and full-day trips for up to six people, with striped bass as the primary target. Smith Mountain Boat on Morgans Fork Road handles boat service and storage for the southern lake area.
Where to stay
Vacation rentals in Penhook are primarily lakefront homes—typically three to five bedrooms with private docks, covered porches, and mountain-ridge views over the southeastern arm. Many sit on deep-water coves suitable for larger boats, which makes Penhook the better choice for travelers who plan to bring their own vessel. The area doesn’t have resort-style condo complexes like Mariners Landing; the inventory skews toward private single-family homes, which suits couples and smaller family groups. Bernard’s Landing Resort, technically closer to the Moneta address but accessible from the Penhook side by water, is an option for those who want resort amenities with southeastern-arm views. Check the distance to grocery stores before booking—Penhook has virtually no retail services.
What to do
Fishing is the primary activity—Captain Bert’s Charters and Keeper Charters in neighboring Union Hall both operate in these waters, and the deep coves near the dam are well regarded for trophy striped bass. The Smith Mountain Dam Visitor Center provides context for the lake’s origins as a 1960s hydroelectric project and has lake overlook viewing. For a land-based outing, the scenic drive along Route 40 between Penhook and Rocky Mount winds through rolling Virginia farm country and past several small wineries on the Franklin County Wine Trail. Mexico Viejo Mezcal Bar on Smith Mountain Road in Penhook is a rare local dining option—Mexican-inspired dishes and margaritas with a window-service model that works well for a pre-boating lunch.
Food and local rhythm
Penhook’s food scene is limited to a few spots: Mexico Viejo on Smith Mountain Road and a diner on Lumpkin Drive that serves breakfast and lunch with home-cooked focus. For anything beyond basics, the drive to Moneta (about 20 minutes north) or Rocky Mount (about 25 minutes southwest) is necessary. The trade is intentional: Penhook-area rentals attract the kind of travelers who’d rather cook at a fully equipped kitchen and spend the morning on the water than navigate a restaurant queue. Magnum Point Marina & Restaurant in neighboring Union Hall, about 15 minutes west, is the closest full-service waterfront dining option.
Best time to go
Spring and fall are the honest answer for Penhook. April through May brings excellent bass fishing as the water warms and dogwoods bloom along the ridge roads. September and October are the best months for foliage—the southeastern arm of the lake is framed by Blue Ridge foothills that turn reliably in mid-October—and striper fishing picks up again as water temperatures drop. Summer (June–August) is fully operational and warm, but Penhook doesn’t have a public beach or marina strip, so it works better as a summer base for boaters with their own vessels than for families who need the state park infrastructure.
Practical rental advice
Deep-water dock access is Penhook’s main advantage over other Smith Mountain Lake communities, but confirm the dock’s depth rating and slip dimensions before booking if you’re bringing your own boat. The lake’s southeastern arm can experience afternoon wind chop in summer, particularly on open-water sections near the dam—factor this into water sport planning. Virginia’s fishing regulations apply throughout the lake; a freshwater license is required for anglers 16 and older. Minimum stay requirements are typically two nights in shoulder season and weekly during summer. Because Penhook has no retail services, arrive provisioned or plan a grocery stop in Rocky Mount before heading to the rental.
Quick tips before you book
- Bring your own boat if you want full flexibility—Penhook’s coves reward early-morning solo exploring.
- Stock groceries in Rocky Mount before arriving; Penhook has no supermarkets.
- Confirm dock depth for vessels drawing more than three feet.
- Fall foliage along the southeastern arm peaks in mid-October; plan accordingly.
- Fishing charters book up quickly in spring—reserve Captain Bert’s at least four to six weeks ahead.
Browse all Penhook vacation rentals on Lake.com, or explore more Smith Mountain Lake communities nearby.
Nearby cities
Union Hall
Union Hall sits on Smith Mountain Lake's western arm with Route 29 access that avoids the mountain-road approaches, giving it an ease of arrival the quieter Franklin County communities often lack. A full-service marina, a Franklin County winery, and a spa make it a workable weekend for travelers who want more than one reason to be here.
Huddleston
Huddleston is where Smith Mountain Lake State Park anchors the experience—a 500-foot guarded beach, 13 hiking trails, and Parkway Marina's Fourth of July fireworks make it the best-equipped community on the lake for Explorer Families arriving without their own boat.
Wirtz
Wirtz is the lake community that requires the least convincing for repeat visitors—Homestead Creamery and Napoli by the Lake do most of the work, and the western arm's open water handles the rest. It's a quieter, more residential base than Moneta, suited to couples and families who've graduated from the marina-strip experience.
Hardy
Hardy combines the quieter Franklin County side of Smith Mountain Lake with the Booker T. Washington National Monument just off Route 122—making it the right pick for travelers who want private dock access, fewer marina crowds, and a genuinely worthwhile cultural stop built into the drive in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Penhook has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
-
The Smith Mountain Dam is operated by Appalachian Power and forms the southern boundary of Smith Mountain Lake. The dam visitor center area offers elevated views over the lake and the Leesville Lake reservoir below—one of the more dramatic overlook perspectives available on the entire lake. The dam itself is a 1,543-foot-long structure built in the early 1960s; the visitor center explains how the hydroelectric facility works and its role in the regional power grid. It’s a short stop rather than a half-day visit, but the water views are worth the detour, especially in fall.
-
Yes. The southeastern arm of Smith Mountain Lake near Penhook is considered one of the lake’s best areas for striped bass, particularly in the deep-water coves near the dam. Captain Bert’s Fishing Charters on the Penhook side runs half and full-day guided trips for groups up to six people. Keeper Charters in neighboring Union Hall specializes in striper fishing as well. Spring (April–May) and fall (September–November) are historically the strongest seasons, though summer morning fishing can also produce. A Virginia freshwater fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older—available through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources online.
-
Penhook has very limited walkable dining. Mexico Viejo Mezcal Bar on Smith Mountain Road is the most notable local option, with Mexican-inspired dishes and margaritas. A small diner on Lumpkin Drive serves breakfast and lunch. Most Penhook vacation rental guests cook at home or drive to Moneta (about 20 minutes) or Rocky Mount (about 25 minutes) for more varied dining. Magnum Point Marina & Restaurant in Union Hall is the closest waterfront dining option by car or boat, about 15 minutes west.
-
Moneta is the hub of Smith Mountain Lake activity—Bridgewater Plaza, Virginia Dare Cruises, the Wine Festival at Bernard’s Landing, and the widest selection of restaurants are all there. Penhook is quieter, more secluded, and better suited to travelers with their own boats, fishing as a primary activity, or a preference for private over communal lake access. Moneta works better for families with young children who benefit from the plaza’s amenities and the state park proximity in Huddleston. Penhook suits couples, anglers, and smaller groups who want deeper privacy and don’t need a marina strip within walking distance.
-
Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is the nearest commercial airport to the Smith Mountain Lake area, approximately 40–45 miles from Penhook depending on the route. Lynchburg Regional Airport (LYH) is roughly 35–40 miles to the east and offers fewer flight options. Most travelers from major metros drive; the approach from Roanoke via Route 220 South through Rocky Mount, then Route 40 or Route 122 East into the Penhook area, takes roughly an hour from the airport. Navigation apps often suggest mountain roads after dark—if you’re arriving late, the Route 220 to Route 122 corridor is more straightforward.
