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 hotel to historic inn, and make reservations online or call our reservations team at 800-222-4930.

Lake Junaluska has been a favorite fall mountain getaway for more than 100 years. 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.

Couple enjoy an autumn walk at Lake Junaluska

Tripadvisor 2021 Travelers' Choice emblem
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 at Lake Junaluska in Fall
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.

Exterior photo of the Lambuth Inn at Lake Junaluska
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.

Porch of vacation rental home
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.

Camper at Lake Junaluska Camground in fall
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.

Hillside in Fall
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.

 

 

Scenic view of Lake Junaluska in Fall

Upcoming Fall Events

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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Artists in Residence Ukulele Retreat with Stuart Fuchs

Date:
October 25, 2024–October 27, 2024
Categories:
Retreats

Ukulele “minstrel” and gypsy jazz guitarist Stuart Fuchs will lead a ukulele retreat, Oct. 25-27 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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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 at as we explore “Journey to Joy: The Abundant Life” at our Journey to Joy Women’s Retreat this fall at Lake Junaluska. 

View Event
Lake Junaluska aerial photo showing fall foliage colors and the walking bridge

Fall Specials

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
  1. Click "Book Now."
  2. Select an arrival date and 2 or more nights for your stay.
  3. Look for "Golf Course Package" rates and click "Show Rooms" to see room availability and prices.
  4. Choose a room, click "Book Now," complete your reservation and mark your calendar to join us for a great golf getaway!
Before your arrival, our reservations team will contact you regarding reserving your tee time.
Father and son walking down the fairway of a Lake Junaluska Golf Course hole.

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:

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
  1. Click "Book Now."
  2. Select an arrival date and 2 or more nights for your stay.
  3. Look for "Recharge and Renew" package rates and click "Show Rooms" to see room availability and prices.
  4. 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.
Women drink coffee by the lake

See our specials page for current specials & packages.

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:

Fall on the Blue Ridge Parkway - Visit NC Smokies Photo
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
Red apples ready to harvest
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.

Chestnut Mountain Nature Park offers hiking, mountain biking, picnicking and other family outdoor activities.
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
Merchandise displayed at Junaluska Gifts and Grounds
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.