Lake Junaluska is one of the most beautiful places to experience the incredible mountains of Western North Carolina. Our mild climate means you can enjoy the lake and all it has to offer in every season. Experience spring blooms along our walking trail. Paddle board, kayak or canoe on the lake in summer. Be wowed by a riot of orange, red and yellow leaves as you roast marshmallows at the fire pit in fall. Find tranquility during a meditative walk at the labyrinth with peaceful, long-range views in winter. No matter when you visit, you’ll discover fun for the whole family.
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.
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.
Explore the waterfront of Lake Junaluska while learning a little history aboard the Cherokee IV. Guided lake cruises and private boat tours are available.
The walking trail offers a paved and mostly flat lakeside path with scenic lake and mountain views. Visitors cross the bridge over the dam and enjoy benches, gazebos and the Rose Walk along the way. The Rose Walk features more than 200 hybrid tea, grandiflora and floribunda roses.
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.
Play mini-golf, shuffleboard or cornhole at Lake Junaluska. Rent equipment daily during the summer from the Lake Junaluska Outfitters window near the pool.
Bring a friend and get a great workout with a game of tennis or pickleball! Rent rackets and balls at Lake Junaluska Outfitters, just across from the courts.
Brush up on your s’mores skills over the flames of the Shackford Fire Pit. A great way for groups and families to enjoy outdoor time together!
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.
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.
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.
