LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. – Many visitors to Western North Carolina come for strenuous mountain hikes up and down the region’s famous tree-shrouded and undulating ridges. Some stretch beyond 6,000 feet in elevation. Those trails are numerous, but gentler routes are few because flat land is scarce in these parts. That’s what makes Lake Junaluska so appealing for anyone seeking a less challenging way to commune with nature.

Lake Junaluska is the centerpiece attraction at a resort community of the same name. The resort began as a Methodist retreat and conference center and now operates as a destination available to everyone. Two virtually flat walking trails encircle the 213-acre lake. The inner loop is 2.3 miles long, and the outer loop covers 3.8 miles. Frequent morning fogs cast a calming spell over the lake, and golden sunsets add their own touch at the end of the day. Activity on the lake is diverse, but quiet – kayaks, canoes, fishing boats with electric motors. Only the calls of resident swans, Canada geese, and other waterfowl could be deemed disruptive. Around the lake are two lodges, vacation rental houses and other lodging, complementing the accommodations of nearby Maggie Valley and Waynesville.

When Lake Junaluska is glassy smooth, a kayaker can produce a pronounced wake. The Junaluska resort has rental kayaks and other watercraft, and visitors are welcome to launch their own. The lake is open to all, not just to resort guests. Image by Tom Adkinson

Walking a big loop

A backpack-wearing walker eases along part of a loop trail that encircles Lake Junaluska. She may be in training for a more serious hike in nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Loop trails of 2.3 and 3.8 miles attract walkers throughout the day. Image by Tom Adkinson

Shining as bright as the sun

Sunflowers as big as dinner plates decorate the edge of Lake Junaluska near one of two lodge properties in the resort. Flowers and resort landscaping are major attractions for walkers. Image by Tom Adkinson

Painting in the sunshine

A plein air painter begins work on a landscape painting on the walkway beside Lake Junaluska. Artists and photographers have an endless supply of images to try to capture. Image by Tom Adkinson

Casting a line

Two anglers probe the waters of 213-acre Lake Junaluska. The lake, which has a no-fee public boat ramp, holds bass, bream, crappie, and trout. Motorboats are restricted to electric trolling motors. Most anglers fish from canoes or kayaks. Image by Tom Adkinson

A bevy fleet of swan boats

A group of swans is called a bevy, so is a group of swan boats called a bevy fleet? Lake Junaluska has a small resident bevy of swans, and the Lake Junaluska resort has a fleet of paddleboats with a swan motif. Image by Tom Adkinson

An elk that doesn’t bugle

A realistic life-size statue of a bull elk is one of the Junaluska resort’s pieces of outdoor art. Elk once were abundant across North America, including the mountains of Western North Carolina. In recent years, the National Park Service reintroduced elk to the region in nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Image by Tom Adkinson

Trip-planning resources: LakeJunaluska.com and VisitHaywood.com

(Travel writer Tom Adkinson’s book, 100 Things To Do in Nashville Before You Die, is available on Amazon.com.)