A special thank you goes out to Mossy Oak Properties Land and Farms Realty. They’re the go-to team for local insight, expert connections, and helping you kickstart your Smith Mountain Lake adventure.

1. Fish with Local Guide on Smith Mountain Lake

Our journey started with Chad Green from Last Cast Guide Service. Chad has over 30 years of experience fishing Smith Mountain Lake and has been guiding for the better part of a decade. While this lake may not be known for high numbers of fish, it delivers in quality—with plenty of healthy 3–5 lb bass.

Chad shared his favorite techniques, like targeting shady banks with spinnerbaits and chatterbaits, and he even hooked a giant 6 lb largemouth bass during our trip. With both largemouth and smallmouth bass in the lake—not to mention catfish—Smith Mountain Lake is truly a dream for anglers.

2. River Float on the Smith River for Trout

Just a short drive away, we also floated the Smith River in Henry County, near the town of Bassett. The Smith River is a cold-water stream is stocked with brown, rainbow, and brook trout and flows from the Philpott Reservoir. Guided by John and Joel from Mossy Oak Properties, we tested a variety of lures until a classic black rooster tail did the trick. The calm float and trout-filled waters made for a perfect complement to our lake adventure.

3. Stay and Play at Mariners Landing

There are plenty of accommodations right on Smith Mountain Lake. Smith Mountain Lake State Park is a fantastic basecamp with water access and scenic trails. For a more luxurious stay, Mariners Landing offers condos, restaurants, indoor/outdoor pools, and even a golf course.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Mariners Landing has everything you need—including pontoon boat and kayak rentals—to enjoy the full Smith Mountain Lake experience. With its mix of upscale amenities and outdoor access, it’s the ideal home base for exploring the lake.

4. Eat at Alessandro's Pizzeria

After a day on the water, nothing hits the spot like a hearty meal, and Alessandro’s Pizzeria was a standout during our trip. We ate there multiple times—not just for the pizza (which was incredible), but for the full menu of Italian comfort food, including pastas and sandwiches. Whether you're craving a post-fishing feast or just grabbing something casual with friends, this local favorite is a must

5. Visit SML Tackle Shack

If you're in need of bait or snacks before you head out, stop by SML Tackle Shack for bait, snacks, fuel, and expert local advice. They also offer reel cleaning and rod repairs to keep you ready for action.

From guided fishing with Chad Green to relaxing shores and trout streams, it’s outdoor living at its best. Thinking about moving to Smith Mountain Lake? Get in touch with Mossy Oak Properties to find your favorite place.

Read my Smith Mountain Lake fishing guide—packed with tips to help you land your next big catch!

The post Top 5 Things at Smith Mountain Lake appeared first on Hazeadventure.

It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve gone backpacking. Forgetfulness strikes the best of us. Don’t ruin your next backpacking trip by forgetting something important.

Here', I’m breaking down my full packing list.

While every trip is unique, and locations and climate will heavily influence your backpacking experience, some things remain the same. Here’s my breakdown of everything I might take with me backpacking.

The Most Obvious Things:

• Backpack
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Pad/Mattress
• Tent/Shelter

The Essentials That Aren’t as Obvious:

• Stove with Sufficient Fuel
• Cookset (Pot/pan)
• Water Treatment (water filter, iodine, treatment tabs, or plan on boiling all water)
• Water Storage (at least one water bottle, plus dromedary or water bladder),
• Headlamp/illumination (with spare batteries)
• Rain gear (at least a rain jacket, even if no rain in forecast)
• Clothing with multiple layering options (puffy jacket, fleece, wool baselayer, synthetic tshirts, underwear, long johns, socks, beanie)
• Map and Compass (navigating plan)
• Sun Protection (hat, sunscreen, lip balm, etc.)

Very Important Things:

• Personal Hygiene items
• Pocket knife
• Eating utensil, bowl or plate, cup/mug
• Spare clothing/dry layers to change into
• First Aid Kit (including nail clippers, mole skin/blister care, ace wrap, athletic tape, duct tape, pain reliever)
• Lighter
• Trowel and toilet paper
• Trash bags (for trash and option to keep stuff dry if needed),
• Extra zip-lock baggies

Extra stuff (optional):

• Raincover for pack
• Dry sack (for phone, keys, camera, etc.)
• Camp shoes (sandals or something comfy to change into once arriving to camp)
• Coffee or tea (who am I kidding, this belongs at the top of the whole list)
• Spare cordage (for hanging food in a tree, lowering a pack down a cliff, etc.)
• Extra tent stakes and guylines (for your tent in case of extreme weather)
• Foam pad to sit on
• Footprint for tent
• Insect repellent
• Bear spray
• Quick-dry towel
• Journal and pen
• Camera

Got something I missed? Leave a question in the comments and let me know I can improve the essentials list!

The post Packing List: What to Bring on a Multi-Day Backpacking Trip appeared first on Hazeadventure.