For people who love the outdoors, Franklin County is the place to be. Mountains, rolling countryside, and two man-made lakes deliver a myriad of recreational opportunities.

With more than 500 miles of shoreline, Smith Mountain Lake offers up virtually every type of water sport, from jet skiing to pontoon boating. World-class fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking are only some of the options.

Franklin County’s "other" lake, Philpott, offers water sports, and more outdoor activities in a scenic mountainous terrain. Located near Fairy Stone State Park and the Salthouse Branch Park, Philpott Lake provides a more rural alternative to Smith Mountain Lake.

Fishing, particularly for bass and trout, is especially popular. Franklin County hosts two major bass fishing tournaments each year: the Virginia B.A.S.S. Federation Fall Classic and the Wal-Mart Bass Tournament.

In addition to lake-centered activities, the Franklin County Department of Parks and Recreation offers a wide variety of programs and activities, including outdoor adventure, youth and adult athletics, and arts and crafts. The Department maintains three major parks: the 120-acre Franklin County Recreation Park, the 512-acre Waid Recreation Area and Gilley’s Pond, a three-pond complex for fishing and picnicking.

The Franklin County YMCA, a $5.5 million, 49,500-square-foot facility built in 1998, serves approximately 5,000 members. It houses two pools, two sports gyms and a full fitness center and offers a wide range of programs for people of all ages.

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