Summer at Lake Junaluska

Summer at Lake Junaluska is a perfect time to get outside and enjoy sunny days with a family-friendly vacation in our naturally beautiful, spacious setting nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Long summer days on the lake are just right for leisurely canoe trips, rocking on the porch, cruises aboard the Cherokee IV, cooling off by our lakeside pool and quiet moments at the prayer Labyrinth.

Lake Junaluska Outfitters offers canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals, mini golf, shuffleboard and outdoor recreational equipment, guaranteed for lots of summer fun!

Tripadvisor 2021 Travelers' Choice emblem

2021 Travelers' Choice Award

Winner of TripAdvisor 2021 Travelers’ Choice Awards, The Terrace Hotel and historic Lambuth Inn are ranked in the Top 10 Percent of hotels worldwide. Find plenty of rocking chairs on the patios to enjoy the lake and mountain views. Rates include access to many lakeside amenities.

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 warm breezes as you take in the lake and surrounding mountains. Rates include a hot breakfast at The Terrace Hotel dining room with scenic indoor and outdoor seating, and access to many lakeside amenities. Summer 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, recent renovations to the Lambuth have added modern 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.

Summer Fun at Lake Junaluska

Stay in a Vacation Home Rental, with a variety of options for all sizes of families.

Walk our 3.8-mile lakeside trail, perfect for summer strolls with plenty of places along the way to stop and watch the swans or eagle as you take in the mountain views.

Rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard from Lake Junaluska Outfitters and explore the lake from the water. Open daily in summer and weekends in late spring and early fall.

Soak up the summer sunshine at our lakeside outdoor pool. Open Daily Memorial Day Weekend-Labor Day Weekend.

Book a guided lake cruise aboard the historic Cherokee IV.

Enjoy a round of golf at the Lake Junaluska Golf Course. Learn more and reserve a tee time.

Lake Junaluska’s annual Independence Day Celebration features music, barbecue and fun — from a Balsam Range concert to fireworks to floating wish lanterns.

Stop by Junaluska Gifts & Grounds for a refreshing latte to sip as you walk along our trail and explore our gardens.

Independence Day Celebrations

Date:: July 1, 2023–July 4, 2023
Location:: Lake Junaluska
Categories:: Independence Day Celebrations

Lake Junaluska’s annual Independence Day Celebration features music, barbecue and fun — from concerts to fireworks to floating wish lanterns.

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Participants in decorated kayaks and canoes participate in a flotilla parade as part of Independence Day Celebrations

Floating Wish Lanterns

Date:: July 1, 2023
Time:: 8:45 pm
Location:: Lanterns released on the lake from a pontoon boat are visible from the lakeshore
Categories:: Charitable Support

Floating wish lanterns will be set out along the water at Lake Junaluska in honor and in memory of loved ones.

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Floating Wish lanterns glimmer on the lake

Balsam Range Concert

Date:: July 2, 2023
Time:: 7:30 pm
Location:: Stuart Auditorium
Categories:: Independence Day Celebrations

Internationally acclaimed bluegrass band Balsam Range will take the stage at Lake Junaluska’s historic Stuart Auditorium on July 2 as part of Independence Day Celebration events.

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Fireworks

Date:: July 3, 2023
Time:: 9:30 pm
Location:: Fireworks will be set off from the bridge-over-the dam and visible from lakeshore locations.
Categories:: Independence Day Celebrations

Colorful displays of fireworks will cast reflections on the lake on Monday, July 3, at approximately 9:30 p.m. as part of Lake Junaluska’s Independence Day Celebrations.

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Parade

Date:: July 4, 2023
Location:: Along North Lakeshore Drive from Lambuth Inn to Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym
Categories:: Independence Day Celebrations

A parade will be held as part of Independence Day Celebrations at Lake Junaluska on the Fourth of July at 11 a.m.

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Haywood Community Band performs in the Fourth of July parade-1

Food Trucks & Family Picnic on the Fourth

Date:: July 4, 2023
Time:: 12:00 pm–2:00 pm
Categories:: Independence Day Celebrations

Enjoy food trucks, live music, a family-friendly square dance and more kid-friendly fun at the open-air Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym and adjacent field on the Fourth of July from noon to 2 p.m.

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Independence Day Celebration Square Dance

Stroll the historic Main Street of downtown Waynesville filled with galleries, boutiques, restaurants and Mast General Store.

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. It’s just 4 miles away.

Make a day trip to downtown Asheville or the famous Biltmore House, just 30 minutes east. Ask our reservations team about Biltmore tickets.

Explore the hiking and biking trails in Chestnut Mountain Nature Park. Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway.