Google seems to (erroneously) think Sandy Level is on the NC border; not near Smith Mt.
After a camping trip to Smith Lake years ago, I returned by the east side because I just had to visit the dam. Turned out to be quite a detour, but worth it. At that time Applalachian Power had a visitor center there which is really good. Seems to be run by volunteers too. Just driving around the area, I really liked it.
Of course, knowing the history of the area, I felt like I should be driving around in a fast 1940 Ford with overload springs.