Kanuga Conference Center, Episcopal conference center in Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, US
Kanuga Conference Center is an Episcopal gathering place situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Hendersonville. The grounds cover 1,400 acres and feature a 30-acre lake along with 20 miles of walking trails that wind through the forested landscape.
The property started in 1909 as a private lake club and was converted to an Episcopal retreat center in 1928 by Bishop Kirkman George Finlay. The site evolved over the decades into a major gathering place for church conferences and religious programs.
The name comes from the Cherokee language and refers to an ancient settlement and a traditional game tool used by Native Americans in the region. This indigenous heritage remains woven into how locals speak about and understand the land here.
The center accommodates up to 440 guests and operates year-round with various programs and events. Visitors should wear proper footwear for exploring the trails and contact the facility ahead of time to learn about current activities and availability.
The Chapel of the Transfiguration was completed in 1940 and was designed by Scottish architect S. Grant Alexander as a memorial to Bishop Finlay. This striking structure draws visitors for its architectural character and its role as a spiritual gathering place within the grounds.
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