A Secret Lakeside Retreat Hidden In North Carolina's Smoky Mountains Offers A Quiet Cozy Escape

Nestled at the foot of North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains, about half an hour west of Asheville, sits the charming Lake Junaluska. Home to just a few thousand people, Lake Junaluska offers an idyllic retreat in the picturesque North Carolina wilderness. Featuring quick access to all sorts of water sports, bountiful hiking, and plenty of cozy lodging options, the town is an absolute gem that's still within striking distance of Asheville and its big tourist attractions.

Founded in the early 1900s, the town has deep ties to the United Methodist Church. Today, the area and its surroundings are open to the public. You'll still discover deep spiritual ties within the community, but anyone seeking a quiet mountain escape will find Lake Junaluska a vibrant place to spend a long weekend. If you're looking for even more outdoor adventures, the town is close to another North Carolina gem known as the "Land of Waterfalls." That makes Lake Junaluska an excellent home base for all your mountain adventures, especially if you're seeking peace and quiet between excursions.

One of the best ways to gain an appreciation for Lake Junaluska is walking the nearly four-mile path around the lake. A smooth, flat trail winds around the entirety of Lake Junaluska — granting views of both town and rolling mountains as you wander by the water. It passes by most of the big hotels, resorts, and campgrounds in the area, so no matter where you're staying, you should be able to get to it within just a few minutes.

Prefer to do some paddling? Swing by Lake Junaluska Outfitters to pick up a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Be sure to check its calendar, however, as it's only open in the summer and on certain weekends in the fall and spring. If you'd rather relax, sign up for a Lake Cruise to learn more about the town's history while soaking up some of the best views in western North Carolina.

Anyone staying in Lake Junaluska should allot several hours to exploring an East Coast road known as "America's Favorite Drive." The entire road can take up to a week to traverse, but spending even a lazy afternoon rolling through the mountains is highly recommended. Be sure to bring a camera and plenty of snacks, as you'll likely want to spend more time on the scenic road than you initially planned.

The best time to visit Lake Junaluska is during the warm summer months. This is when you'll have the most opportunities to get out on the water, as rental companies typically close for the off-season. It's also the ideal time for hiking. If you're worried about crowds, you can still visit January through March — just know some amenities might be inaccessible. Leaf peepers, meanwhile, can try their luck in October, though getting your timing right for peak colors can be a challenge.

Since the area was designed as a retreat for the Methodist Church, it should come as no surprise that you'll have excellent accommodations in town. The Terrance is a popular choice since it's only steps away from the walking trail around the lake and offers modest rooms — many of which have water views. The same is true of Lambuth Inn, which is slightly closer to the fishing pier if you're looking to cast a line while in town. For something more remote, The Yellow House is a charming bed and breakfast set in the rolling countryside.

Lake Junaluska's dining options aren't as quirky as the "Food Truck Rodeos" Raleigh is known for, but there are still plenty of exciting options. If food trucks are your vibe, Dina's Tacos is just down the road in Waynesville serving delicious Mexican food. You should also consider grabbing dinner at Blue Rooster for great Southern comfort food or stop by Fat Buddies for savory barbeque.