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Devil’s Courthouse Overlook, NC
August 24 @ 10:30 am - 4:30 pm
Devils Courthouse Overlook
Transylvania County, NC
Blue Ridge Parkway mile post 422.4
35.305299, -82.899688
Saturday, August 24th, 2024 at 10:30am to 4:00pm
Come up to the mountains this August for fresh air, cooler temps, wildflowers, butterflies, birds, insects, mushrooms, and stellar views! Due to limited parking and the extreme popularity of Black Balsam Knob this time of year, we’re shifting our August SCAN trip a few miles south to the nearby Devil’s Courthouse Overlook.
Situated in the southern Appalachian Mountains, Devil’s Courthouse lies at the western edge of the Pisgah National Forest and within the Nantahala National Forest. At the summit there are 180-degree views to SC, GA, and TN. Sitting at 5720’ above sea level, many rare and alpine species call this mountain home.
This area is rich with trails to choose from. Four interesting trail options are suggested for your day planning.
Suggested Trails:
Devil’s Courthouse MP 422.4:
Trail is 0.9 miles round trip with 300’ elevation gain. The first 0.32 miles is paved, the last 0.1 is a natural dirt path. The summit is rock. Views are fantastic with some interesting flora and the possibility to spot peregrine falcons and broad-winged hawks soaring below.
Mountains to Sea Trail: MST towards Black Balsam:
Trail begins with the Devils Courthouse trail. Once the pavement ends turn left onto a natural earthen trail. The trail is moderately flat. Make this trail an in and out.
Vertical bog: Wolf Mountain Overlook MP 424.8:
Across the street on the rock is a bog habitat with wonderful flora to examine. (Including Drosera, Parnassia, Sanguisorba, etc.) As well as a variety of wildflowers which attract many butterflies and insects.
MST from Rough Butt Bald Overlook MP 425.4:
Trail begins across the street and starts about 20’ from the south end of the parking area. You will hike on old logging roads and see its remnants from many years ago. Walk approximately 1.43 miles, on fairly flat terrain, to a fork in the trail towards Mount Hardy. (This junction may not be obvious, as this is the Middle Prong wilderness area so no signage is available.) Cell service may not be available. Use a GPS device if you continue past the trail branch. The trail is flat with a 52’ elevation change but is rough with roots and several small creek and seepage crossings. Trail cuts through spruce/fir to maples/birch/hardwood forests. Lots of wildflowers, mushrooms, birds, ferns, and herps to find.
For more detailed day planning, the Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Planner is FREE to download for both Android and iPhone (optional offline map download does incur a small fee)
There are no restrooms. Closest facilities will be at Pisgah Inn MP 408. Tom and Mary Jones will guide day of.
We will meet at the Devil’s Courthouse Overlook parking lot on the side of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
http://www.scnaturalists.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SCAN-2024-Field-Trips-v4.pdf