Special Announcement: Aids to Navigation have been updated as of the first quarter of 2026. Please reference the updates in this presentation from America’s Boating Club and Navigation Committee chairman, Randy Stow.
To assist mariners at Smith Mountain Lake, 153 lighted channel markers have been installed throughout the Lake. Additionally shoal and rock buoys have been installed in areas where specific “hazard to navigation” criteria has been met.
Preferred Channel Markers: Three markers have been installed at channel junctions – Gills Creek, Louse Creek, and Lynville Creek. The top color on these markers indicates which side to pass in order to continue on to the primary channel. Lights will match the top color of the marker.
Bull Run — Little Bull Run
Channel Markers: 5
Craddock Creek
Channel Markers: 9
Roanoke River
Channel Markers: 80
Beaverdam Creek
Channel Markers: 5
Gills Creek
Channel Markers: 7
Preferred Channel Markers: 1
Indian Creek
Channel Markers: 1
Louse Creek
Preferred Channel Markers: 1
Shoal Markers: 57
6 are lighted
Witcher Creek
Channel Markers: 1
Blackwater River
Channel Markers: 49
Hatcher Creek
Channel Markers: 1
Walton’s Creek
Channel Markers: 1
Strawberry Banks
Channel Markers: 2
Cool Branch
Channel Markers: 1
Lynville Creek
Preferred Channel Markers: 1
Rock Markers: 6
Halesford Bridge: 18 lights
Information Regarding Aids to Navigation on Smith Mountain Lake
The responsibility of the majority of the navigation markers on Smith Mountain Lake belongs to American Electric Power (since April 1, 2010). In an effort to provide expedient and quality service to residents and others who enjoy Smith Mountain Lake, the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission continues to assist residents by reporting channel marker light malfunctions on their behalf.
Reports of malfunctioning lights or damaged buoys should be provided to us by submitting this form Navigation Aid Report, calling 540-721-4400 between 8:30am and 4:30pm, or emailing navigation@sml.us.com. We will report the malfunction to American Electric Power or arrange for repair by the appropriate owner.
In the event that a report needs to be made when our office is closed, reports should be made directly to American Electric Power at 800-956-4237. In the event that a report needs to be made when our office is closed on weekends and holidays, reports can be directed to the following website: http://www.smithmtn.com/Resources/ReportNavAidProblem
If you are interested in monitoring a specific channel marker or shoal/rock buoy, please let us know by calling 540-721-4400 during our normal operating hours, or email navigation@sml.us.com. Additional information about this program can be found on our Adopt-A-Light/Adopt-A-Buoy page.
