Attraction of the Week: Devil’s Courthouse on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Driving the Pisgah portion (MP 339-469) of the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-do if you are vacationing in or near Asheville. Since our relocation to the city, we hiked a lot of really scenic trails. Although the drive is stunning, a hike is the best way to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring natural surroundings. One of my favorite summit hikes is the short, but steep trek up to the 5720 foot Devil’s Courthouse overlook where you will get to enjoy the scenery of NC and 3 surrounding states.

I love the scenery along the Parkway and we pretty much hike every weekend we are not traveling somewhere else. Most of the trails up here are much cooler during the summer season due to the higher elevation and also stunning in the fall due to the colorful foliage changes.

Hikes along the Pisgah section are easy to get to, with Asheville being the perfect base for exploring. And there are a lot of great restaurants, galleries, and attractions to enjoy before or after your hike which is another bonus of staying in this city.

Read on for details on this hike’s unique name and some amazing pictures!

One of the Parkway’s most dramatic overlooks

Devil’s Courthouse is located at an altitude of 5720 feet in the Appalachian mountain range. While it is not one of the tallest summits in the state of North Carolina, the views from the overlook are quite tremendous. Mt. Mitchell, the tallest, is also a great hiking area on my must-do list.

This courthouse overlook trail is one of my favorite short hikes in the area. Considering the little effort required to enjoy such a world-class view, hiking this trail is definitely near the top of my list of best bang-for-your-buck experiences in WNC.

Best of all, it is conveniently located right along the Parkway at Milepost 422, so super easily accessible. Many other hikes in the Pisgah National Forest require a tiresome drive down a bumpy Forest Service Road (our Prius barely made it on several occasions) where it can be difficult to find the start of the trailhead (I can’t count the number of times we’ve gotten lost!). This trail, on the other hand, begins right from the paved parking lot. So it’s a great choice if you are seeking a no fuss option.

A short & steep climb with a lot of greenery along the way

The 1/2 mile trail to the overlook is mostly paved, asides from a small portion near the end that requires a relatively easy scramble up rocks. While you are giving your entire lower body a powerful workout, the smell of a fresh fir-spruce forest will keep you invigorated and motivated to finish.

The cooler weather at 5000+ ft is quite a refreshing break. As someone who does not like heat and humidity, I like being able to hike these Parkway trails in the cooler mountain air. It’s such a refreshing break during the hot summer season. It can still get quite hot & humid in Asheville this time of year, so I like coming up here for the 20 degree temp drop plus the trails are much shadier.

Take your time, take breaks if needed, and drink plenty of water. The intensity is definitely moderate/hard as this is a steep trail for the entirety of the course. Luckily, it’s short. After working up a sweat you can kick back and enjoy the fabulous overlook view and then a relaxing downhill trek back to the parking lot.

A few pictures I’ve taken along the trail. As you can see, it is nice and green during the summer season.

See 4 states!

Oddly, this trail is not heavily visited, so you may be lucky enough to enjoy the 360 degree views all to yourself. I’ve never seen anyone else around, although we typically visit either earlier or later in the day during the week, so your experience may differ.

This is easily one of the best sunset viewing destinations on the Parkway. On a clear day, you can see all the way into South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and even the Smoky Mountains.

I love the mountain scenery on this one especially at sunset!

Sunrise is another fabulous time to plan your visit. Check out these views!

A word of advice – stay on the trail and do not climb on the overlook. Sadly, many tragic accidents and suicides occur in this area. Here is just one story of many I’ve seen recently.

Plant life & birdwatching

Rare high altitude plant life such as rock gnome lichen live on the rock and could possibly be remnants from the last glacial period. A popular bird watching oasis, you will want to be on the lookout for winter wren, eagles, warblers, and Peregrine falcons.

What is the legend of the name?

Of course, you are probably wondering why such a magnificent overlook came to have a such a sinister name. First off, the evil look of the rock formation could have contributed to the name. Legend says that the devil held court in a cave beneath the rock. According to Cherokee legends, a slant-eyed giant named Judaculla dances and resides in the cave.

Directions/parking

Take the Parkway from the city to Milepost 422. Parking is free. You will see a small side trail which leads from the lot to the start of the trail in the woods.

Plan a little extra time getting here to enjoy the views – this is a slow drive with a lot of possible stops to take in the scenery. There are a lot of great restaurants in the city but if you prefer you can pack a picnic and enjoy some more time in nature. There is one right at the trailhead and many others along the drive too.

Non hiking alternative

Don’t worry if you are not up for a steep hike. You don’t have to hike to enjoy a great view. The overlook itself is quite stunning as it features a grand view of the Courthouse outcropping, plus the surrounding mountains. I recommend a slow drive and a picnic lunch which is still a fabulous day out in the mountains.

Additional details

How far is the trailhead from Asheville?

The drive should take about an hour, more or less depending on how many times you stop to take in the views.

Best time to hike?

I prefer hiking this one in the summer. I love winter weather, but a I am not a fan of hiking when it’s too cold, plus the overlook looks nicer with lush trees. The fall foliage is just ok here – there are better leaf peeping treks in the region.

How hard is this trail?

It’s considerably steep. For those looking for something a bit easier, you can check out my easy waterfall hiking guide for more options. The great thing about this WNC area is that there are options for everyone – you don’t have to be an avid mountaineer to enjoy the scenery.

What will the weather be like?

The WNC area experiences a moderate 4 season climate. Summers are typically hot and humid, spring and fall are mild, and winter is cold and sometimes snowy. This trail is located at high altitude (3000 ft higher than Asheville), so it can be cool even during the summer. I recommend bringing with a sweater or jacket just in case especially if hiking in the morning or evening.

What to do nearby

Just a few miles down the road lies Graveyard Fields, another beautiful overlook/waterfall trail that is popular with tourists. This trail is super short (just a quarter of a mile) and basically great for anyone who can handle going up and down a few staircases.

This gorgeous waterfall looks amazing in fall when surrounded by colorful foliage, yet enchanting all the same anytime of the year. Note: There is also a longer trail to the Upper Falls (about 3 miles) although it is rocky and steep and best suited for avid hikers with a few hours to spare. This hike begins at Milepost 418.8.

Where to eat

Depending on whether you are planning an early morning or sunset hike, there are a number of great options in the city. Rated one of the South’s best foodie destinations, Asheville draws in many tourists for the food scene alone although I consider the nature access to be the city’s top asset. Here are a few of my favorites to consider?

Breakfast: Biscuit Head (giant cathead biscuits and gravy flights), All Day Darling (Great coffee and pastries)

Lunch: Apollo Flame Bistro (Tasty Greek food), Chai Pani (Award winning Indian restaurant serving thalis for lunch), Andaaz (upscale Indian buffet)

Dinner: Nine Mile (unique Caribbean inspired pasta dishes – lots of vegan options), Vinnie’s (authentic old school Italian)

My Asheville Dining Guide covers all these restaurants and more in detail.