SATW 2026 Annual Convention
Welcome to Haywood County, SATW
As the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Haywood County is rich with natural beauty, cultural heritage, and compelling stories waiting to be told. Here, scenic trails lead to horizon-
stretching viewpoints, small-town main streets open into big conversations, and mountain traditions still shape daily life.
At SATW’s Annual Convention, you’ll experience Haywood firsthand—gathering the inspiration, quotes, and visuals you need to turn your journey into sharable stories.
Destination Experiences Built for Travel Storytellers
Haywood is a place where the landscape and the culture work together—trailheads meet town squares, tradition meets creativity, and every day offers a new storyline.
Expect experiences that help you:
• Turn moments into publishable work with meaningful access and story support
• Connect with local culture (Appalachian traditions, artists, music, heritage)
• Taste the place (regional flavors, locally loved spots, “only-here” bites)
• Capture compelling visuals (sunrise views, waterfalls, scenic overlooks, small-town details)
Getting Here
Traveling to Haywood County, North Carolina, for the SATW Conference at Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center is simple and scenic. Lake Junaluska is easily accessible by air and by car from many major East Coast cities.
Flying to the Region
The closest airport is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), located approximately 30–40 minutes from Lake Junaluska. AVL offers nonstop flights from many major U.S. hubs, making travel to the mountains convenient from across the country.
Airlines serving Asheville Regional Airport include American, Delta, United, Allegiant, and Sun Country, with direct connections from cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and New York-area airports.
Driving to Lake Junaluska
Haywood County sits at the intersection of several major highways including Interstate 40 and U.S. 23/74, making it an easy drive from many East Coast destinations. Lake Junaluska is located just off Exit 31 on I-40, about 25 miles west of Asheville.
Approximate drive times include:
Asheville, NC – 30 minutes
Greenville, SC – 1 hour 30 minutes
Charlotte, NC – 2 hours 30 minutes
Atlanta, GA – 3 hours
Knoxville, TN – 2 hours
Raleigh, NC – 4.5 hours
Charleston, SC – 4.5 hours
Washington, D.C. – 7 hours
Once you arrive, the drive into Lake Junaluska offers a welcoming introduction to the region’s mountain scenery and hospitality—setting the stage for a memorable gathering in Haywood County.
FAQ’s
We want to ensure you feel informed and prepared for your visit to Haywood County and Lake Junaluska during the SATW Convention. If you need additional information, please submit your question and our team will be happy to assist.
Five Mountain Towns. One Storied Landscape.
Haywood County is home to five distinctive mountain towns—each offering its own sense of place:
Set against blue-hazed peaks and the Pigeon River, Canton offers a fresh take on the classic mountain town. Just minutes from Blue Ridge Parkway favorites like Shining Rock and Graveyard Fields, it blends high-elevation adventure with small-town charm.
Nearby, Lake Logan’s 260-acre sanctuary offers peaceful views, while the river invites fly fishing, kayaking, tubing, and canoeing. Home to the Southeast’s longest-running Labor Day celebration, Canton pairs outdoor adventure with deep-rooted mountain heritage.
Long a welcoming stop for Appalachian travelers, Clyde still carries that spirit in its quiet streets and front porches.
Surrounded by Smoky Mountain views, it offers a slower pace rooted in heritage and pride. A strong creative presence—fueled by Haywood Community College’s renowned arts program—blends with a history shaped by early lumberjacks.
Today, Clyde feels timeless, where scenic beauty, Appalachian culture, and craftsmanship come together.
Lake Junaluska is where you go to slow down and take it all in. A paved walking path circles the lake, offering wide-open mountain views and plenty of quiet spots to sit, reflect, and catch a sunrise or sunset.
Known as a place of restoration, the gentle atmosphere of the Lake beckons you to find a peaceful moment––or let one find you.
If you’re looking to stay active, hit the green on an 18-hole golf course, or get on the water with rentable kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and pontoon boat tours.
A high-elevation valley perched amongst the Great Smokies’ picturesque peaks, Maggie Valley is an easygoing mountain town lined with pockets of adventure. Roadside inns, cozy cabins, and family-friendly attractions like mini golf and gem mining lend it a nostalgic feel.
Local restaurants and mom-and-pop shops round out the town’s down-home feel. Maggie’s own Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum lays claim to America’s premier collection of rare American motorcycles (which actually run!), drawing visitors from across the country.
Throughout the year, the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds keep things lively with car shows, music festivals, and seasonal events.
Waynesville blends authentic mountain culture with a walkable downtown full of character. The iconic “Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains” arch welcomes travelers of all ilk to Main Street, a historic corridor lined with galleries, shops, and locally loved restaurants.
The central hub to NC’s “secret foodie capital,” it has everything from casual spots to standout meals that raise the bar. Waynesville’s a feast for the eyes, too, with a thriving community of local artists and makers that sets the town abuzz with creative energy.
Step into the downtown’s Blue Ridge backdrop and you’ll find plentiful outdoor adventures in hiking trails, waterfalls, and easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
What to Pack
Crisp mountain air and vibrant fall foliage set the stage for your time at the SATW Convention. Whether you’re heading out on day tours or exploring between sessions, packing a few essentials will keep you comfortable in changing mountain weather.
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes for exploring trails and downtown streets
Layer Up for Changing Weather
Fall in the mountains can shift throughout the day, so dressing in layers is key.
- Light jacket or fleece
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Extra layers for chilly mornings and evenings
- Cozy pieces like sweaters and flannels
