Discover a Tranquil Lakeside Getaway in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains

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Discover a Tranquil Lakeside Getaway in North Carolina's Smoky Mountains

Nestled at the foot of North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains, about half an hour west of Asheville, sits the charming Lake Junaluska. Home to just a few thousand people, Lake Junaluska offers an idyllic retreat in the picturesque North Carolina wilderness. Featuring quick access to all sorts of water sports, bountiful hiking, and plenty of cozy lodging options, the town is an absolute gem that’s still within striking distance of Asheville and its big tourist attractions.



Founded in the early 1900s, the town has deep ties to the United Methodist Church. Today, the area and its surroundings are open to the public. You’ll still discover deep spiritual ties within the community, but anyone seeking a quiet mountain escape will find Lake Junaluska a vibrant place to spend a long weekend. If you’re looking for even more outdoor adventures, the town is close to another North Carolina gem known as the “Land of Waterfalls.” That makes Lake Junaluska an excellent home base for all your mountain adventures, especially if you’re seeking peace and quiet between excursions.

Exploring Lake Junaluska

Fall colors in Lake Junaluska



One of the best ways to gain an appreciation for Lake Junaluska is walking the nearly four-mile path around the lake. A smooth, flat trail winds around the entirety of Lake Junaluska — granting views of both town and rolling mountains as you wander by the water. It passes by most of the big hotels, resorts, and campgrounds in the area, so no matter where you’re staying, you should be able to get to it within just a few minutes.

Prefer to do some paddling? Swing by Lake Junaluska Outfitters to pick up a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Be sure to check its calendar, however, as it’s only open in the summer and on certain weekends in the fall and spring. If you’d rather relax, sign up for a Lake Cruise to learn more about the town’s history while soaking up some of the best views in western North Carolina.

Anyone staying in Lake Junaluska should allot several hours to exploring an East Coast road known as “America’s Favorite Drive.” The entire road can take up to a week to traverse, but spending even a lazy afternoon rolling through the mountains is highly recommended. Be sure to bring a camera and plenty of snacks, as you’ll likely want to spend more time on the scenic road than you initially planned.

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Planning your trip to Lake Junaluska

A foggy Lake Junaluska

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.