Anyone else find hiking cathartic? Sometimes you just need them. Somewhere quiet. Where you can be with nature and just think? Those are the best hikes. Especially with someone who shares your love of finding peace on a mountaintop.
I had fully intended on another hike yesterday, but pulling into the trail head to find an overflow of cars was an immediate turn off. We decided to get back onto the parkway and try a different trail. Being that it was still relatively early in the day, we lucked up and found Devil’s Courthouse to be pretty sparse on cars and therefore sparse on hikers.
The history of some of the mountains I live in and near always intrigue me so in case anyone else is interested, here’s a little tid bit of info…
According to Blue Ridge National Heritage
“Devil’s Courthouse may have received its name because of the sinister aspect of the rock formation, or because, as legend holds, the devil held court in the cave that lies beneath the rock. In Cherokee lore, this cave is the private dancing chamber and dwelling place of the slant-eyed giant, Judaculla.”
This hike is approximately .8 miles and straight up. When I say up, I mean there are no places that level off to catch your breath. The entire hike is at an incline. Although, children were going up and it’s relatively short. So as long as your calves and thighs can handle it, you’ll be good. Mine were screaming at me like I was torturing them…probably because I’m insanely out of shape lol.
Once you crest the top it’s all worth it. The 360 degree views are amazing. You are sitting at 5,720 ft. peak with views of 3 other states on a clear day. It’s spectacular to say the least.
If you are looking for a moderately strenuous hike with a beautiful mountainous scene for payoff then you really don’t have to look any further. It’s gonna give you everything you need. Even time to sit on a rock, hanging off a cliff, while you talk to God.
Check out the YouTube Video for some of the trail footage!
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