We hiked the surprisingly steep Devils Courthouse and we were rewarded with some of the best overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We would recommend traversing this trail too and the trailhead is conveniently located right along the Blue Ridge Parkway. So if you are looking to add a little adventure along your scenic drive this is one you won't want to miss.
Each year, millions of people explore the Blue Ridge Parkway and the extraordinary views found from hundreds of overlooks and trails that provide endless ways to make family memories to cherish for a lifetime. One overlook, located approximately an hour southwest of Asheville near Gloucester, is two overlooks in one and doles out a view of four states!
The highest of the two overlooks is found at the top of a summit named Devil's Courthouse — notoriously named after a Cherokee legend.
From the summit of the Devil's Courthouse overlook, visitors can stand in North Carolina and see three more states. But the view FROM Devil's Courthouse isn't the only view available at this overlook.
There's also the view OF Devil's Courthouse.
It's a commanding peak with an elevation of 5,720 feet and presenting with an ominous character befitting of its' Cherokee name.
Devil's Courthouse, seen in much more detail here, was named for the devil the Cherokees believed resided and conducted his official business in a cave hidden somewhere within the majestic rock formation.
Fortunately, the trail leading to the summit of Devil's Courthouse is both short and does not lead past the devil's cave. That is a spooky adventure that has been passed down through Cherokee lore, but to be honest, I wish it did exist. Maybe it was real and is still yet to be discovered...
To hike to the top, visitors endure a bit of a climb with a vertical gain of 257 feet in just under half a mile.
For most, it's doable in under 30 minutes to reach the summit. It may seem like a simple walk in the woods but this trail is very steep.
A stone opera box and other spots on the summit provide the perfect perches for viewing North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina.
It's a well-traveled trail, so make sure you're prepared to share the 'road,' so to speak. Some of the sections are fairly narrow and we even had to wait for a few people to pass by so always remember to be courteous on the trail and allow others plenty of space.
The trail starts out with a fully-paved surface but that doesn't last forever. Still though, it is nice while it lasts.
Soon, you'll find some uneven footing and a much more challenging climb. Come prepared for a bit of a (short) workout.
And don't forget to arrive with a full charge on your phone or camera so you can get some fantastic photos of the forever views.
Sure, this spot may be called "Devil's Courthouse," but it feels like Heaven.
Learn more about the trail up to this summit from our friends at AllTrails. It can also be helpful to have up-to-date info on the trail by downloading the map of the Devil's Courthouse Trail. If you are curious about what this trail looks like take a closer look at this Adventuring in the Moment video where we showcase this fantastic hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Where is the Devil's Courthouse you ask? Good question! The parking area for this hike is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 422.4.
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