Located at milepost 422.4 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Devil's Courthouse has a short but strenuous trail climbing a half-mile to its peak with wonderful panoramic mountain views (see photo above). The mostly-paved trail starts from the overlook parking area beside the mountain.
According to the sign at the overlook, the bare rock profile named Devil's Courthouse is sinister in appearance and legend. It's "devilish" look has contributed to the many folk tales surrounding this mountain. Within the mountain is a cave where, legend claims, the devil holds court. In Cherokee lore, this cave is the private dancing chamber and dwelling place of the slant-eyed giant, Judaculla. Despite its name and reputation, Devil's Courthouse is home to rare and delicate high-altitude plants.
If you walk the half-mile route to the summit, please stay on the trail to protect rare plants, like the Rock Gnome Lichen and the Spreading Avens. Some of these alpine species may be remnants from the last glacial period. The panoramic view from the summit includes four states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.
Stay within the overlook area and don't venture out on the rocks at the top since there's a nest of Peregrine Falcons!
The Devil’s Courthouse is 5,720 ft. at the peak. Nearby on the Blue Ridge Parkway are Graveyard Fields, Black Balsam Knob and Richland Balsam. On the back side of the mountain is beautiful Courthouse Falls, an easy hike from NC Highway 215.
Directions: Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 422.4. It's 26 miles from the Asheville exit on Parkway at NC 191 (at NC Arboretum). Allow an hour to drive. This section of the Parkway closes frequently during the winter for snow and ice. Read more about current Parkway closures. There is no street address for GPS.
Check out this 360 video of Devil's Courthouse by our friends at Hike NC With Me
Watch Video: The View
