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If you need time to reflect and process, Lake Junaluska in the North Carolina Mountains has the right kind of energy for transformation.

Known for its calming ambiance and slow-pace of life, this retreat center is a hidden jewel tucked away between a man-made lake and the forested Blue Ridge Mountains.

Lake Junaluska in the North Carolina Mountains

Although most people are drawn to Lake Junaluska for the idea of switching off, doing nothing, and letting its spiritual energy refuel your soul, there are plenty of things to do in Lake Junaluska besides spiritual wellness.

From canoeing and paddle boarding, to golfing to kayaking to scenic drives, don’t miss these top Lake Junaluska things to do!

What is Lake Junaluska known for?

Lake Junaluska is known for the Conference and Retreat Centre, owned by the Lake Junaluska Assembly Inc. It was originally built as a missionary town by the Methodist church to provide a place for worship, recreation, and fellowship. 

It all began in 1908 when the Methodist church pastors, James Atkins and George R. Stuart, bought 1,200 acres of land with the vision of creating a space for spiritual relaxation and rejuvination. They built the original Stuart Auditorium.

By 1913, it had expanded from just the auditorium to include a man-made lake and 13 houses. The Auditorium Hotel was built one year later.

Over the next decade, a series of fires and development shaped the town, and another hotel and a classroom building were added.

So beautiful at sunset

Today, people visit this sacred place nestled into the Smoky Mountains of Haywood County for renewal, peace, and solitude.

I had no idea when we turned up that it is a spiritual retreat, mostly for the United Methodist Church, although anyone can come here for the much-needed time out and reflection.

It’s slow and quiet, with the lack of amenities that typically distracts you: loud music, bustling waterside restaurants, wine bars, and breweries.

Road tripping fun with Savannah

I randomly stumbled upon it while looking for a cute town to spend the night on our way to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

I’m glad I decided to bypass the bed and breakfast in Waynesville for this quiet lake enclave that transcends time.

Things to do in Lake Junaluska

Here are a few things that await you in this pretty North Carolina lake.

1. Walk the Labyrinth

Start your process of renewal at the Labyrinth on the lawn east of Memorial Chapel by the lake.

A labyrinth is a walking meditation, or path, or prayer, found in many cultural and religious traditions around the world. 

Set your intention as you begin – what you hope to release or find an answer to – and as you wind back and forth towards the middle, start to let it all go.

When you reach the middle pause, reflect, and wait to hear or feel the messages, and then on your way back in quiet reflection allow the new way to integrate itself.

The beautiful views along the labyrinths path of Lake Junaluska made it easy to tune into the silent retrospection.

2. Walk the Lake Junaluska Walking Trail

Meditation Garden Beautiful in the Spring

The best way to experience Lake Junaluska, NC is to join the contemplative walkers on the scenic trail winding around the lake – beautiful in Spring with the splashes of pink and white blooming flowers.

You can walk the 3.8-mile full perimeter of the lake or cross the footbridge to shorten it to 2.3 miles.

There are several resting points for meditation and reflection along the way and to soak up the panoramic views the water and surrounding Blue Ridge mountains.

Bushy the Dog The shorter loop walk

It’s a well-kept maintained path with a couple of small inclines to get your heart beating. Look for the giant hedge animals as you walk! We loved this one of the dog.

Cyclists can also ride the loop, and many continue cycling into Waynesville (or vice versa)

3. Find Inspiration at Lake Junaluska Cross

The Cross at Inspiration Point Lovely spot for sunset

For many, a highlight to a stay at Lake Junaluska is the giant lighted cross perched high on Inspiration Point overlooking the lake.

Constructed in 1922 on the elevated ridge, knowns as Inspiration Point overlooking the lake. It reaches 25 feet high from a stone base and is illuminated with 156 lights.

It’s a place of enduring light and hope, especially during these turbulent times and glows across the lake at night.

4. Catch a sunrise and sunset at Lake Junaluska

Sunrise from our bedroom window! Sunset from Inspiration Point

Reflect with gratitude at the base of the iconic illuminated Junaluska Cross at Inspiration Point as the sunsets behind the mountains bathing the area in glowing orange and pinks of dusk.

Catch the early rays shimmering across the lake as the mist rises and the birds start to sing. It’s the serenity and stillness you need to hear the whispers of your soul.

5. Get out on the Lake Junaluska

During the summer months, you can rent boats, kayaks, and paddle boards to enjoy outdoor adventures on the lake.

Boating is not allowed on the lake, but you can go fishing if you have a fishing license. The lake has been stocked with bass, crabbie, and catfish.

You can also take a boat tour on the historic Cherokee IV, which comes with a commentary that will share the history of the area.

There is also a swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts and picnic tables. The Rose Garden Spring – roses budding on the Rose Walk, daffodils and tulips blooming.

6. Enjoy a round of golf

Golfers will love the 18-hole course at Lake Junaluska, with its sweeping lake and Blue Ridge Mountain views as you tee off.

Challenge your friends or family members to a round of mini golf at sunset or simply enjoy the ease of the game.

7. Shop at Junaluska Gifts & Grounds

Happy Ice cream views

There is a small gift shop selling coffee and ice cream and a wide range of spiritually minded goods at the Junaluska Gifts & Grounds.

Savannah and I sat on the rocking chairs on the porch watching the birds fly over the lake as she ate her mint choc-chip Hershey ice cream.

8. Take a trip into Waynesville

Waynesville

Only 10-minutes from Lake Junaluska is another one of the cutest mountain towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains – Waynesville. You’ll find boutique shopping and plenty of restaurants and bars if you want a little more upbeat temp and choice during your stay at Lake Junaluska.

On our brief visit, we ate at Boojum Brewery which was a relaxed restaurant with tasty pub food and craft brew.

Frog Level Brewing Co was also a lovely spot to enjoy a local brew in the outside beer garden by the creek. I found their food a little overpriced. But many rave about their beers as being some of the best in the Asheville region.

Robin Blue Frog Level Brewing

Savannah and I loved shopping in the local boutique stores browsing the wonderful selection of clothes, homeware, and gifts.

9. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

Sunsetting over the Blue Ridge Parkway

A benefit of staying at Lake Junaluska is its location. If you love getting out into nature on your vacations, you can easily drive onto the Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive, which is only a 16 minute drive away.

The entire drive extends for 469 miles from Rockfish Gap in Virginia and ends in Cherokee, North Carolina, and has incredible scenic views throughout. Arguably the most beautiful stretch is in the Smoky Mountains near here in North Carolina, especially in October during the Autumn leaf peeping season.

You can access the Blue Ridge Parkway by driving Southwest along Highway 19 towards Maggie Valley. Keep going towards Cherokee but turn off when you reach Soco Falls. From here, you can drive South onto the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Where to stay at Lake Junaluska

There are two historic hotels to choose from at Lake Junaluska. The Terrace Hotel and the Lambuth Inn, which are both primary accommodation for the Methodist community.

Both have been extensively renovated in 2015 and 2018 and so even though they are historic, they have modern amenities and feel fresh and contemporary.

The Terrace Hotel

The Terrace Hotel A room with a view

We stayed at the Terrace Hotel located lakeside near the Harrell Center, Stuart Auditorium, and the Rose Walk. 

We had breathtaking views from our room out over Lake Junaluska. Just a few steps from the hotel door and you are lakeside and on the trail.

The rooms were modern and comfortable, and the hotel was affordable.

Rocking chairs line the balconies and inside is a huge recreation room with a fireplace, comfortable chairs, and chess boards.

The Lakeside Bistro on the third floor Terrace Restaurant with their creative Southern cuisine paired with mocktails. 

Lambuth Inn, Lake Junaluska NC

Perched atop Inspiration Point, just above the cross is the historic Lambuth Inn. Built in 1912 and renovated in 2018, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

It has seen guests such as Elanor Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter, and Richard Nixon.

Final Thoughts

I was raised a Catholic, but it has been some time since I’ve aligned with any kind of religion.

I am, however, open and accepting of all kinds, but prefer my solitary path for connecting with the divine power I feel so omnipresent in my life.

Curious Savannah was uncertain at first, but her questions lead to great discussions about religion, faith, spirituality, and the choices we have to embrace it as part of our lives.

We did not take a dogmatic path for our stay at Lake Junaluska, we instead walked together to soak up the peaceful, silent energy, and see where it led us.

Although we didn’t visit for religious reasons, we both found a spiritual connection here.

More NC Mountain Travel Tips

Chimney Rock North Carolina

Lake Junaluska’s close proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blue Ridge mountains, Asheville and the Biltmore Estate offers you plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure in the North Carolina Mountain region.

Check out the following posts with a few of our favorites:

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Are you planning to visit Lake Junaluska? What are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments.

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