Unaka is an unincorporated community in Cherokee County, North Carolina, United States. Unaka is located in the Nantahala National Forest, 9.6 miles (15.4 km) northwest of Murphy. Unaka had a post office until it closed on February 15, 1986. Unaka is a name derived from a Cherokee word meaning "white", which referred to the appearance of low-lying clouds and fog over the Unicoi Mountains. Unaka's volunteer fire department was established in 1983 and opened a new four-bay station in 2024.