Fall Color
Mountain Lake Getaways
Enjoy autumn hues, lakeside walks and crisp mountain air with a fall color getaway to Lake Junaluska in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
Bring your family, book a retreat, or get away with friends and experience all that fall has to offer in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Explore our lodging options from the lakeside Terrace Hotel to historic Lambuth Inn, and make reservations online or call our reservations team at 828-452-2881.
Lake Junaluska has been a favorite fall mountain getaway for more than 100 years. Guests enjoy our lakeside walking trail with scenic mountain views and beautiful gardens, including the Butterfly Garden perfect for attracting migrating monarchs in September and October. Located near Maggie Valley and Waynesville, we are a short drive from Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With hundreds of acres to explore, our lakeside village is a perfect trip destination with a variety of places to stay.
2021 Travelers' Choice by Tripadvisor
With hundreds of acres to explore, our mountain lake destination features a variety of places to stay – including a contemporary hotel, historic inn and vacation rental homes. Both The Terrace Hotel and Lambuth Inn received the prestigious 2021 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for being rated in the Top 10% of Hotels Worldwide!
The Terrace Hotel
The Terrace Hotel is one of the few lakeside hotels in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Find plenty of rocking chairs on the hotel’s deck to enjoy the colorful lake and mountain views. Rates include breakfast at The Terrace Hotel dining room with scenic indoor and outdoor seating, and access to many lakeside amenities. October weekends book quickly. Read more about The Terrace Hotel and check availability online now.
Lambuth Inn
The historic Lambuth Inn sits high on a hill above the lake with a “national park lodge” feel. Built in 1921, the hotel’s recent renovations have added modern guest comforts while preserving the charm of the beloved landmark. Adjacent is Inspiration Point with the best views overlooking the lake and Great Smoky Mountains. Read more about Lambuth Inn and check availability online now.
Vacation Rentals
Find the perfect furnished vacation rental home for your fall getaway to Lake Junaluska. Vacation homes can accommodate from two to 24 people, and pet-friendly rentals are available. Lake Junaluska is proud to partner with Vacasa, a premier short-term vacation rentals management company, to offer you some of the most beautiful accommodations in Lake Junaluska, N.C. Learn more and see available rentals at Vacasa.
Campground
Open April through early November, our pet-friendly campground is convenient to Highway 19 and offers spacious full hook-up RV sites, tent camping, a log cabin, apartments and a spacious meeting lodge. Read more about the campground and call our reservations team to reserve your site at 800-222-4930 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Economy Accommodations
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for fall, reserve your stay at Hillside Lodge. You’ll get a clean, comfortable room at picturesque Lake Junaluska in autumn! A free, hot breakfast at The Terrace Dining Room is included when you reserve a room at the Hillside Lodge for stays August-October. Read more about economy accommodations and check availability online now.
Junior Golf Program
- Date:
- October 9, 2024
- Time:
- 4:00 pm–5:30 pm
- Location:
- Lake Junaluska Golf Course
- Categories:
- Programs
Join us for the Junior Golf Program at Lake Junaluska Golf Course every Wednesday from 4-5:30 p.m., Oct. 2-30.
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Choir Music Weekend
- Date:
- October 18, 2024–October 20, 2024
- Location:
- Lake Junaluska
- Categories:
- Spiritual Renewal, Retreats
Spend a scenic fall weekend at Lake Junaluska as you enjoy a weekend of music, worship and workshops with members of medium and small church choirs.
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Journey to Joy Women’s Retreat
- Date:
- November 1, 2024–November 3, 2024
- Location:
- Lambuth Inn
- Categories:
- Retreats, Spiritual Renewal, Women's Retreats
Enjoy a weekend of laughter, sharing, worship and fellowship as we explore “Journey to Joy: The Abundant Life” at our Journey to Joy Women’s Retreat this fall at Lake Junaluska.
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Waynesville Sunrise Rotary Turkey Trot 5K
- Date:
- November 28, 2024
- Time:
- 9:00 am
- Location:
- Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym (Registration and Start)
- Categories:
- Holidays
The annual Waynesville Sunrise Rotary Turkey Trot 5K will be held on Thanksgiving Day at 9 a.m.
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Mountain Strings Ukulele Retreat
- Date:
- March 27, 2025–March 30, 2025
- Categories:
- Retreats
Ukulele “minstrel” and gypsy jazz guitarist Stuart Fuchs will lead a ukulele retreat, March 27-30 at Lake Junaluska as part of its Artists-in-Residence program. The retreat is for people of all ukulele skill levels.
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Thanksgiving at Lake Junaluska
Let us do the cooking and cleaning while you enjoy a special Thanksgiving getaway with your family. Book a two-night minimum stay over the Thanksgiving holiday at The Terrace Hotel, savor our scrumptious Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet at The Lambuth Inn dining room, plus enjoy daily breakfasts. See Lake Junaluska decorated for the holidays, watch (or join!) the Waynesville Sunrise Rotary Turkey Trot at the lake, and shop and explore the wonderful mountain towns nearby.
Guests who purchase the Thanksgiving at Lake Junaluska package do not need to book holiday buffet reservations separately; holiday buffet reservations will be made when the package is booked.
- Availability:
- Fall,
- Holidays,
- Winter
- Pricing Information:
- Thanksgiving lodging packages for a two-night stay for two adults start at $442 + tax and service charges. (Ask us about adding additional nights or guests to your package!)
- Booking Details:
- Call our reservations team at 828-452-2881 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to book your package.
Recharge & Renew Package
Soothe your soul, mind and body with lake-inspired relaxation in the Great Smoky Mountains. Spend two nights at the lakeside Terrace Hotel and enjoy hot breakfasts, a Lake Junaluska picnic blanket and more.
The Recharge & Renew Package is available year-round and includes:
- Two (2) nights at The Terrace Hotel
- Hot Breakfast Daily in Terrace Hotel Dining Room
- Picnic Blanket with Lake Junaluska Logo
- Lake Junaluska Meditation Guide
- Availability:
- Fall,
- Spring,
- Summer
- Pricing Information:
- Package pricing varies depending on the lodging preferences selected.
- Booking Details:
Book By Phone
Call 800-222-4930 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Book Online
- Click "Book Now."
- Select an arrival date and 2 or more nights for your stay.
- Look for "Recharge and Renew" package rates and click "Show Rooms" to see room availability and prices.
- Choose a room, click "Book Now," complete your reservation and mark your calendar to join us for a getaway to recharge and renew at Lake Junaluska.
Lake Junaluska Golf Course Package
Enjoy a round of golf for two people including cart at the Lake Junaluska Golf Course plus two nights at The Terrace Hotel or Lake Junaluska Apartments with hot breakfast at The Terrace Hotel Dining Room each morning. The package includes:
- Two (2) Nights lodging at The Terrace Hotel or Lake Junaluska Apartments at Lake Junaluska
- Hot Breakfast Daily at The Terrace Hotel Dining Room
- One round of golf for two people, including golf cart
- 10% off Lake Junaluska Golf Course Pro Shop Merchandise
- Availability:
- Fall,
- Holidays,
- Spring,
- Summer,
- Winter
- Pricing Information:
- Package pricing varies depending on the lodging preferences selected.
- Booking Details:
Book By Phone
Call 800-222-4930 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Book Online
- Click "Book Now."
- Select an arrival date and 2 or more nights for your stay.
- Look for "Golf Course Package" rates and click "Show Rooms" to see room availability and prices.
- Choose a room, click "Book Now," complete your reservation and mark your calendar to join us for a great golf getaway!
See our specials page for current specials & packages.
Lake Junaluska is grateful for support from Visit NC Smokies! Explore all there is to do near Lake Junaluska at VisitNCSmokies.com as you plan your trip.
Since peak fall color begins in the highest elevations in early October and ends in late October, you have many weeks to find it during your stay on Lake Junaluska!
Check out some of our guests' favorite things to do during their getaways:
Scenic Fall Drives
For spectacular views from the convenience of your car, drive the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway (just 11 miles away). It is one of the top scenic fall drives in the United States – complete with many overlooks, hiking trails, waterfalls, picnic spots and postcard views. For a guide with suggested overlooks and driving directions, stop by the hotel front desk or download the PDF below. (Photo courtesy Visit NC Smokies)
Blue Ridge Parkway Half & Full-Day Adventure Guide
Fresh Apple Treats
Pick up your fresh mountain apples at nearby Barber Orchards Fruitstand, an easy 9-mile drive away. A local fall favorite, the orchard also sells jams, cider and fresh bakery items including apple fritters, apple turnovers and apple doughnuts.
Trails
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has endless hiking trails, wildlife viewing, waterfalls and more. One of our fall favorites is watching the elk in the scenic Cataloochee Valley while exploring the historic buildings and trails there. It’s about 18 miles from the lake, but allow about 45 minutes to drive the curvy mountain roads through the forest. For a guide, stop by the hotel front desk or download our PDF. Want to hike or mountain bike closer to Lake Junaluska? Visit Chestnut Mountain Nature Park in Canton. (Photo courtesy Chestnut Mountain)
Catahoochee Elk Half and Full Day Hiking Adventure Guide
Nearby Shopping and Dining
Stroll the historic Main Street of downtown Waynesville filled with galleries, boutiques, restaurants and Mast General Store. It’s just 4 miles away. Or explore the longtime mountain resort town of Maggie Valley with several miles of local shops, restaurants and things to do. It’s just a few miles from the hotel.
