Devil's Courthouse Trail is a 0.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Canton, North Carolina that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
kid friendly
hiking
nature trips
walking
bird watching
forest
views
wild flowers
wildlife
Devil's Courthouse and Black Balsam are two short moderate to strenuous out and back trails off North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway featuring spectacular sweeping views, wild flowers and peregrine falcons. Devil's Courthouse - A moderate to strenuous 1 mile RT climb to a walled lookout above the Blue Ridge. Within the jagged mountain is a cave where the devil holds court, according to folklore. The steep cliffs provide spectacular panoramic vistas and ideal hunting grounds for peregrine falcons. 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. In Cherokee lore, this cave is the private dancing chamber and dwelling place of the slant-eyed giant, Judaculla. Devil's Courthouse is also home to rare and delicate high-altitude plants. Black Balsam Knob - The Black Balsam area of the Blue Ridge Parkway includes several trails, including a spectacular mountain bald Black Balsam Knob. This treeless mountaintop offers sweeping views of the Blue Ridge. The summit at 6214' is accessed via the Art Loeb trail while gaining about 400' in elevation. Walk about 1/2 mile through the forest to reach the open, grassy and rocky mountain meadows. Cross Sam's Knob and continue to Black Balsam (about a mile). The first quarter mile passes through a thick Balsam Grove and next abruptly breaks out onto the wide grassy ridge. It passes through open, grassy and rocky mountain meadows. These two hikes are highly recommended!
The parkway was closed, so we had to start a little bit further out, but it was definitely worth it. Such pretty views!!
Short, steep, well groomed trail to a gorgeous view.
short hike up, great views
Short and mostly uphill trail just a few miles down balsam knob trail area! Mostly paved and the views are amazing!!! Saw families with small children as well!
Terri Pensabene recorded Devil's Courthouse Trail
Easy walk uphill, paved a good part of the wY then rocks. Short walk. Beautiful view.
Great view from the top. Not the best place for a sunrise, but would probably offer a picturesque sunset.
Very steep trail although 2/3 of it was paved. But wow, what a view from the top. Well worth the hike.
Julia Ross recorded Devil's Courthouse Trail
Mostly paved trail to beautiful, scenic lookout.
Pretty steep but short trail to a amazing view
A short, steep, mostly paved climb to one of the best viewpoints in western NC. Completely worth it, especially near sunset.
All uphill but worth it for the view.
Karen M.
Steep partially paved hike. Unfortunately when we got to the top it was covered in clouds and we couldn’t see very far. I’m sure if it had been clear the views would have been great.
A steep but short paved trail takes you to the top, where you get great views of the surrounding peaks.
Short, steep with great views. So many great hikes in this area to combine into a half or full day of hiking off the BRP.
Super short paved trail that is a must do the views from the top are to die for. Wildlife in this area is incredible too.
10/10 views and family friendly. Definitely a short and high impact hike to the top and completely worth it! Trail is nicely shaded with lots of greenery.
paved then rocky but worth it.
I thought this would be a quick simple hike... it’s short but extremely steep. However, the views from the top were SO worth it!
Great little hike. I managed to grab a parking spot right outside of the trail and got up to the top in about 9 minutes. I found the first 1/3 of the trail the hardest (in terms of exertion) but boy was it worth it. No sightings of falcons but spectacular views about 260 degrees around.
Even though it is a very short hike it is still one of my favorite spots. Walked up there several times and it never gets old. Mostly paved surface until you get closer to the top then it becomes rocky.
This is one of my favorite hikes to do with my family. It’s a pretty steep incline for my 3 and 5 year-old, but they can do it. Just takes them a little slower. The view is breathtaking, and I always want to go back!
With b
Due to the Government shutdown, we had to park on 215 and walk a mile on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the trail head. This was a blessing (to be explained later). As explained by others, the trail is paved. The view is amazing. Being January we had the place to ourselves. On the way back we took the trail leading to the Mountain to Sea Trail. This was the blessing. The MST back to 215 was great going through various forest, by a few creeks and is mostly downhill. I highly recommend this route. Total time was approximately 3 hours.
Yes, better views than Clingman's Dome!
Took the longer trail that connects with Mountain to see trail. It is an awesome hike.
Great views at the top! Also very windy! Paved until close to the top, rocks could be a little slippery.
