It is round (diameter 300–400 metres (980–1,310 ft)) and appeared thousands years ago as a meteor crater.

The water changes colour, level and purity with seasons and years, and pine trees come very close to the shore of the lake.

Smerdiachee is surrounded with a wall-like ring which is common for craters.

The lake can be accessed from Moscow by car (the closest city is Roshal), but the last miles must be done on foot through the forest (people usually park their cars in Bakhscheevo village).

Locals from the village use the lake sometimes for fishing and pick wild berries nearby.