SATW 2026 Annual Convention
Welcome to Haywood County
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 overlooked 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 publishable work.
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:
• Capture compelling visuals (sunrise views, waterfalls, scenic overlooks, small-town details)
• Connect with local culture (Appalachian traditions, artists, music, heritage)
• Taste the place (regional flavors, locally loved spots, “only-here” bites)
• Turn moments into publishable work with meaningful access and story support
Five Mountain Towns. One Storied Landscape.
Haywood County is home to five distinctive mountain towns—each offering its own sense of place:
canton
Set against blue-hazed peaks and the steady flow of the Pigeon River, Canton offers a fresh take on the classic mountain town. Just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway’s iconic hikes, including Shining Rock and Graveyard Fields, this riverfront community pairs high-elevation adventure with small-town character.
A short drive from Main Street leads to Lake Logan, a 260-acre Smoky Mountain sanctuary where calm water reflects surrounding ridgelines. In town, the Pigeon River sets the pace for fly fishing, kayaking, tubing, and canoeing.
Home to the Southeast’s longest-running Labor Day celebration, Canton blends outdoor adventure with deep-rooted mountain heritage.
clyde
Long known as a welcoming stop for Appalachian travelers, this mountain community still carries that tradition of hospitality in the warmth you find along its quiet streets and front porches.
Surrounded by open views of the Smokies, Clyde offers a slower pace rooted in heritage and pride. Haywood Community College’s nationally recognized arts program fuels the area’s creative energy, drawing makers and craftspeople who shape everything from fine woodworking to fiber arts. The town’s history is also tied to the grit and determination of its early lumberjacks, whose legacy helped build this corner of the mountains.
Today, Clyde blends scenic beauty, Appalachian culture, and a strong creative current into a place that feels both timeless and quietly inspiring.
Lake Junaluska
Lake Junaluska pairs peaceful shoreline moments with plenty of ways to get outside and explore. A scenic walking path circles the water, offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding Blue Ridge peaks and a front-row seat to sunrise and sunset over the lake.
For those craving activity, the 18-hole golf course delivers a challenging round with mountain backdrops, while mini golf adds a lighthearted option for families. On the water, kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes invite you to glide across the lake’s glassy surface, and the pool offers a refreshing break on warm afternoons. A leisurely boat tour provides a quieter way to take it all in.
Maggie valley
Tucked into a high-elevation valley surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, Maggie Valley blends classic mountain charm with a spirit of adventure. Locally loved restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops, and cozy cabins create a welcoming basecamp for exploring the outdoors.
The acclaimed Wheels Through Time Museum draws visitors from around the world with its rare collection of vintage American motorcycles and storied memorabilia, adding a dose of history and nostalgia to the mountain experience.
With scenic drives, nearby hiking trails, and a laid-back atmosphere that invites you to slow down and stay awhile, Maggie Valley offers the kind of setting where new traditions are made and mountain memories come naturally.
Waynesville
Tucked into a high-elevation valley surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, Maggie Valley blends classic mountain charm with a spirit of adventure. Locally loved restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops, and cozy cabins create a welcoming basecamp for exploring the outdoors.
The acclaimed Wheels Through Time Museum draws visitors from around the world with its rare collection of vintage American motorcycles and storied memorabilia, adding a dose of history and nostalgia to the mountain experience.
With scenic drives, nearby hiking trails, and a laid-back atmosphere that invites you to slow down and stay awhile, Maggie Valley offers the kind of setting where new traditions are made and mountain memories come naturally.
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.
