Gorgeous Lake Junaluska opened as a mountain retreat for the Methodist church in the early 1900s. Many do not realize that this lake town is open for all to enjoy, with plenty of things to do and places to stay. It's at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains near Waynesville and Maggie Valley, about 30 minutes west of Asheville.
Since the retreat's mission is to "renew the soul, mind, and body," it's a perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life in a very scenic setting. The town surrounds a 200-acre lake. Spend the night lakeside, explore 16 gardens, walk around the lake, play golf, enjoy scenic dining, or take a boat tour (to name a few!). Visit their website.
Lake Junaluska Things To Do
Lake Walking Trail and Rose Walk: A scenic 3.8-mile paved path winds around the lake with resting points to relax and soak in the views. Cross the lake on the Turbeville Footbridge for a shorter 2.3-mile loop. It's wheelchair and scooter-friendly, and most sections are flat. Find plenty of parking at many locations adjacent to the trail, and take a break at Junaluska Gifts & Grounds coffee shop along the way. Read more about the Walking Trail.
Kayak, Canoe & Paddleboard: Have fun on the lake from Memorial Day through Labor Day with rentals available every day at Lake Junaluska Outfitters, a lakeside hub for outdoor recreation. You’ll find canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals, pool passes, lake cruises, recreation equipment, and more!
Boat Tour: Take an excursion on the Cherokee IV from 1-7 PM Thursday-Sunday during the summer (weather permitting). The cost is just $10 per person. Tickets are available online or at Lake Junaluska Outfitters, located near the pool. Lake cruises are also included in several of Lake Junaluska's vacation packages. See vacation packages on their website.
Bird Watching: A favorite location for birding, with top spots along the lake near the pool, the parking lot near Memorial Chapel, the cross at Inspiration Point, across the dam on Lakeshore Drive, and the boat ramp. Find a checklist on their website.
Corneille Bryan Native Garden: Features 500+ species of native plants and a haven for birdlife.
Fish: The lake is stocked with bass, catfish, crappie, and others. You'll just need to have a valid North Carolina fishing license. No motorboats on the lake.
Golf: The 18-hole course offers affordable rates, spectacular views of the mountains and the lake, a layout designed for all levels, advanced tee times, and PGA instruction.
Swimming Pool, Mini Golf, Tennis, Pickleball, and Shuffleboard: Enjoy admission to the lakeside swimming pool, mini-golf, and more with a daily activity pass. Purchase at Lake Junaluska Outfitters.
Inspiration Point: Adjacent to the historic Lambuth Inn, enjoy the spectacular lake, mountain, and sky views. Inspiration Point features benches, along with gardens.
Labyrinth: Enter and walk this sacred path at your leisure, alone or with others.
Lodging: Lake Junaluska has a wide array of places to stay, including The Terrace lakeside hotel with scenic views and rocking chairs. Go to their website for more.
Lambuth Inn
Charming and historic, Lambuth Inn sits on a hill overlooking Lake Junaluska with panoramic views of the mountains and lake. The recent renovation recaptured the original elegance of this stately inn, which was built in 1921 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Go to their website for more.
Also, find vacation rentals and economy options such as the Lake Junaluska Apartments. Lodging is open to the public all year.
Dining Options: The Terrace Dining Room offers scenic indoor and outdoor dining with a patio overlooking the lake. Located on the third floor of The Terrace Hotel, the dining room is open daily and serves a hot breakfast buffet for lodging guests and the general public.
Junaluska Gifts & Grounds, located in the Harrell Center, offers specialty coffee, hand-dipped ice cream, smoothies, sandwiches, and snacks.
Crepe & Custard is located in the Kern Center and serves savory and sweet crepes and rich, creamy custard. Diners can enjoy outdoor lakeside seating and vegan- and dog-friendly menu options.
Camping: Find RV and tent sites, apartments, and a meeting lodge with full hookups, pet-friendly campsites, picnic tables, and fire rings. Open May-October.
Weddings & Reunions: The Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center is the perfect location for weddings of all sizes, family reunions, and friend gatherings. Their lakeside conference facilities include a nice variety of venues for all sizes of events. And with plenty of dining and lodging options, your entire group can stay and play together without driving to multiple locations.
Lake Junaluska 2024 Events
March 31, 2024: Easter Sunrise Service and Special Breakfast and Lunch Buffet
Celebrate Easter with an uplifting outdoor Sunrise Service at the Amphitheater below the Lake Junaluska Cross starting at 7 am. Plan to enjoy an Easter breakfast or lunch buffet at Lambuth Inn. Learn more on Lake Junaluska's website.
May 12, 2024. 11:30 am - 2 pm: Mother's Day
Lake Junaluska is offering a special Mother’s Day lunch buffet. Enjoy a delicious meal in The Terrace Hotel Dining Room with windows overlooking the lake. Then, spend time together along the nearby lakeside walking trail.
May 1, 2024: Annual Plant Sale
Shop for annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and house plants at the Lake Junaluska Annual Plant Sale. Go to their website for details.
June 30 - July 5, 2024: Independence Day Weekend Celebrations
Lake Junaluska’s annual Independence Day Celebration features music, barbecue and fun — from concerts to fireworks to floating wish lanterns. Check out their holiday weekend schedule of events. Go to their website for details.
November 28, 2024: Thanksgiving at Lake Junaluska
Enjoy a Thanksgiving feast at the Lakeside Bistro and a peaceful waterfront setting with a lakeside trail to walk off extra calories, rocking chairs for relaxation, and plenty of festive holiday decorations. Stay the weekend or visit just for a day. Go to their website for details.
December 6-7, 2024: Balsam Range Art of Music Festival
Enjoy the award-winning bluegrass group Balsam Range as they perform alongside friends for a festival featuring some of the top bluegrass and acoustic musicians in the nation. Go to their website for details.
History: Lake Junaluska was founded in 1913 to provide space for fellowship, worship, and recreation along the shores of a tranquil mountain lake. The name comes from Junaluska Mountain, which was named after a Cherokee Indian Chief who saved Andrew Jackson’s life during a battle. Steeped in Wesleyan heritage, Lake Junaluska first opened its doors at Stuart Auditorium in 1913. Lake Junaluska is historically connected to The United Methodist Church and is open to the public year-round for conferences, group retreats, recreation, weddings, reunions, family events, and vacations.
Directions: Coming from Asheville, about 25 miles:
- From I-40 West, take exit 27 onto US 19-23.
- Drive 3 miles and take exit 103.
- Drive about 1 mile until you see Lake Junaluska gates on the right.
- Bear right and follow the main road to the entrance.
Scenic Drive: The Appalachian Medley Scenic Byway begins near Lake Junaluska. Read more!
Keep in mind: The Haywood County Welcome center is now located inside Bethea Welcome Center at 91 N Lakeshore Dr., Lake Junaluska, NC 28745.
Places to Stay & Things to Do
Lake Junaluska Walking Trail
(2.3 or 3.8 miles, easy) Our top accessible, paved hiking trail near Asheville, with a walk around a beautiful lake at the Conference and Retreat Center, surrounded by mountains and historic… read more
(2.3 or 3.8 miles, easy) Our top accessible, paved hiking trail near Asheville, with a walk around a beautiful lake at the Conference and Retreat Center, surrounded by mountains and historic buildings. They are open to the public and welcome everyone to walk the 2.3-mile loop with many natural sights along the way.
Lake Junaluska Golf
Play by a beautiful lake in the shadows of the Great Smoky Mountains. The 18-hole course is 5,034 yards and par 68. Green fees start at only $18. Stay a few days with a variety of lodging options… read more
Play by a beautiful lake in the shadows of the Great Smoky Mountains. The 18-hole course is 5,034 yards and par 68. Green fees start at only $18. Stay a few days with a variety of lodging options, from hotels to cabins. Located near Waynesville and Maggie Valley, a 30-minute drive west of Asheville.
The Terrace at Lake Junaluska
This lakeside hotel is the perfect place to relax in a rocking chair with views of Lake Junaluska, at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains. Enjoy lakefront rooms, a pool, paddleboard rentals, and… read more
This lakeside hotel is the perfect place to relax in a rocking chair with views of Lake Junaluska, at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains. Enjoy lakefront rooms, a pool, paddleboard rentals, and a walking trail. 105 rooms, king and double queen beds. Complimentary WiFi, HD TVs, coffee makers, breakfast, access to the Fitness Center, boat rentals, and pool. On-site meeting space is available…
Lambuth Inn, Lake Junaluska
This charming and historic hotel overlooks Lake Junaluska with panoramic views of the mountains. The recent renovation recaptured the original elegance of this stately inn, which was built in 1921… read more
This charming and historic hotel overlooks Lake Junaluska with panoramic views of the mountains. The recent renovation recaptured the original elegance of this stately inn, which was built in 1921 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rates are $95-$200/night.
