Things to Do
Whether you come with your family or with a group of colleagues, you will enjoy the fellowship and recreation that Lake Junaluska has to offer.
Gather the kids for a stroll around the lake, take a meditative walk along the labyrinth and revel in our peaceful mountain setting. Along the way you will experience the beauty of the Rose Walk, as well as our spectacular butterfly garden and waterfall. While you are here, relax poolside or rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboard to explore our 200-acre lake. Along with our spectacular grounds and lovely vistas, be sure to take advantage of our many activities during your stay. Our on-site 18-hole golf course is perfect for a tournament with colleagues or just a round with your friends. Or, get competitive with a game of tennis, pickleball, basketball, sand volleyball, mini golf or shuffle board.
A diverse range of bird species from pine siskin to eagles soar through the air at Lake Junaluska, and the lake offers a free birding checklist as well as guided birding tours and nature walks as part of the Summer Activities Program.
Rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard from Lake Junaluska Outfitters and explore the lake from the water. Open daily in summer and select weekends in late spring and early fall.
Take time to unwind with a fishing pole at Lake Junaluska. Common catches include bass, perch, crappie, brim, bluegill and trout. Fishing is open to the public with a valid N.C. fishing license.
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Fitness Center is located inside the Kern Center. Lake Junaluska lodging and campground guests enjoy complimentary access. Day passes and memberships are available for purchase.
Explore the waterfront of Lake Junaluska while learning a little history aboard the Cherokee IV. Depart from the dock behind the Harrell Center on a 45-minute guided lake cruise. Available late spring through early fall.
Soak up the sunshine and cool off at Lake Junaluska’s outdoor lakeside swimming pool. Open Memorial Day Weekend-Labor Day Weekend, Lake Junaluska lodging guests enjoy complimentary access, and lake visitors can purchase day passes or summer activity passes.
Play mini-golf, shuffleboard or cornhole at Lake Junaluska. Rent equipment daily during the summer from the Lake Junaluska Outfitters window near the pool.
Located near the tennis courts, the award-winning J.B. Ivey Playground features climbing structures, grassy areas, a slide, toddler swings, benches and a shelter.
Enjoy good old-fashioned family fun at the Shackford Firepit. Book the firepit for your next family or group gathering, and spend quality time together as you roast hot dogs and marshmallows.
Tennis and pickleball courts are available at no charge on a first come, first served basis. Rackets can be rented during the summer from the Lake Junaluska Outfitters window near the pool for $5 per racket per hour.
Take in stunning mountain views surrounding the serene lake as you stroll along the Lake Junaluska Walking Trail. Along the way, you’ll see gardens and wildlife including our beloved swans and perhaps one of our bald eagles!
The Lake Junaluska Golf Course is a scenic, fun and challenging 68 par course with incredible views of Lake Junaluska and the surrounding mountains. Book a tee time during a visit to Lake Junaluska or play year-round with a golf membership. The course is open to the public and we welcome families. Call 828-456-5777 for a tee time, or book your tee time online.
Visit the Junaluska Gifts & Grounds gift and coffee shop, Christmas Memories year-round shop, golf course pro shop or small markets at our hotels during your visit.
