If you love hiking but don’t always want to find yourself trudging through the wilderness in the Tar Heel State, then the Lake Junaluska Trail just might be for you. Although Lake Junaluska is ultimately part of a private retreat center, this walking trail is open to the public so everyone is welcome! Check out the best hiking lake in North Carolina below!

The trail circles this popular destination lake and clocks in at 3.7 miles, unless you cross the Turbeville Pedestrian Bridge (seen here with the black dashes across the lake) that crosses over the lake. Taking the shortcut can trim 1.4 miles off the hike.
AllTrails
Or you can stay on the path and get the full experience.
AllTrails/Steve Cochran
There is very little elevation gain (only 95 feet), which just means you'll be able to relax and enjoy yourself that much more.
But be prepared as you enter the little bit of forest along the hike to climb some stairs and...
AllTrails/Leah Rader
Traverse a bridge and a water crossing. It's part of the awesome experience but if you have some mobility issues you may want to turn around at this point.
AllTrails/Omar Hadj-Taieb

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There are many natural and man-made sights to enjoy along this lakeside hike.
AllTrails/Jasper Womach
The bridge along Dellwood Road provides a vantage point that lays the whole lake out for your view from this end of the body of water.
AllTrails/Russ Suddeth
The Labryinth at the Memorial Chapel provides a spot for quiet reflection as you wander the gentle coils of the entangled path.
AllTrails/Matt Ryan
Talk a short walk down the pier and sit by the water for a while.
AllTrails/Tim Hardy
There are so many stops and things to see along this wonderful trail that you could spend half a day exploring them all.
But whatever you do, don't miss the enriching Cross at Inspiration Point!
AllTrails/Aimee Taylor

The Lake Junaluska Walking Trail is as much an adventure for the soul as it is pure exercise for the body. We think it’s the best hiking lake in North Carolina. Learn more about it from our friends over at AllTrails.com.

Is there another lake hike you love in the Tar Heel State? Tell us all about it right over here.

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