Boat docks in Hardy
Dock building and repair at the upper end of the lake, where the Roanoke River comes in.
Hardy straddles the Bedford and Franklin county line about nine miles southeast of Roanoke. The Roanoke River forms the mouth of Smith Mountain Lake here, and Bay Rock Marina and the Hardy Ford public boating access put boaters on the water. The Booker T. Washington National Monument is also in Hardy.
River-end coves
Shoreline toward the upper lake runs along narrower river channels and coves than the open water near the dam. That makes the reach limit important: a dock can extend no more than one-third of the way across the cove or 100 feet, whichever is less, and a 30-foot passage lane has to stay open. In a tight cove, the builder measures the distance across to the nearest point on the far shore before drawing a layout.
Common Hardy-area work
- Compact single-slip docks that fit narrower coves
- Floating walkways and sections where depth near shore is limited
- Bank stabilization along shoreline worn by wakes
- Lift repairs and replacements on older docks
Two counties, one community
Because Hardy sits in both Bedford and Franklin counties, confirm which one your parcel is in. That decides where the permit is recorded and which building department reviews the dock.
Common questions
My cove is narrow. Will a two-slip dock fit?
It depends on the cove width and your frontage. The one-third and 100-foot limits plus the passage lane decide what fits, and a builder can measure.
Do you cover the Franklin County side of Hardy?
Yes. Call with your address and we'll connect you with a builder who works that shoreline.
Services in Hardy
- New boat docksFixed and floating docks sized to your frontage, your cove and the Shoreline Management Plan.
- Boathouses and covered docksRoofed slips, upper-level sundecks and storage built within the height and enclosure limits.
- Boat lifts and PWC liftsBoat lifts, PWC lifts and floating ports for new slips and existing docks.
- Dock repair and expansionsDecking, pilings, roofs, walkways and permitted expansions for older docks.
- Riprap and shoreline stabilizationRiprap and softer stabilization for banks that are undercut, bare or sloughing.
Nearby areas
Planning a new dock, a boathouse or a lift for the new boat?
Call now and a dock builder who works on Smith Mountain Lake will call you back to talk through your lot and the Appalachian Power permit.