Boat docks in Huddleston
Dock help along Smith Mountain Lake Parkway, between the state park and the dam end of the lake.
Huddleston is an unincorporated Bedford County community about 12.5 miles south-southeast of the town of Bedford, in the Lynchburg metro area. Smith Mountain Lake Parkway (Route 626) runs through it, and Craddock Creek, Lake Haven, Mitchell's Point and Parkway marinas sit along its shoreline. Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 1,148 acres with camping, trails and a public beach, lies just south, and the dam is to the southeast.
Deep water toward the dam
The lake averages about 55 feet deep and reaches 220 feet at its deepest. Lots on the lower lake toward the dam can drop off quickly, which affects piling length, whether a floating section makes more sense, and how a lift is set. A builder sounds the depth at the slip before settling on a design.
Typical projects
- Full boathouses with storage and an upper deck
- Docks on steep lots, with pilings under the walkway
- Lifts for wake boats and fishing boats
- Riprap where open-water waves reach the bank
Bedford County permits
Huddleston lots are in Bedford County, so the signed Appalachian Power permit is recorded with the Bedford County Clerk of Circuit Court, and the county building permit follows. Appalachian Power says its permit isn't valid until it receives the approved county permits.
Common questions
Is the water deep enough for a lift near the dam?
Usually depth isn't the problem on the lower lake; steep drop-offs are. A builder will check depth and bottom at your slip.
Can I build on a steep Huddleston lot?
Yes, in many cases. The plan allows pilings to support a walkway on steep lots, but the area between the pilings and walkway can't be decked.
Services in Huddleston
- 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.