The Devil’s Courthouse hike is a short trip to some outstanding views from a large stone observation deck. Not one to be missed by travelers along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this mostly paved path allows hikers a chance to take in a beautiful hike and a summit that provides views into four states: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

The moderately sized parking lot is located between milepost 422 and 423 along the parkway on the south side of the Devil’s Courthouse tunnel. From this overlook, the summit is directly in front of you atop the protruding cliff face. Posted signs provide history and elevation information and point you in the direction of the path.

The hike begins as a paved path and will remain so until the last tenth of a mile. Following briefly along the parkway, the trail turns into the woods just before coming to the Devil’s Courthouse tunnel. From here, the trail keeps a steady, however steep, ascent until the summit. Along the way are several benches for those that need to take a pit stop. Erosion control “speed bumps” line the path along this section. A sharp right turn provides a small overlook, better so in winter. Shortly afterward, the pavement ends, giving way to compact dirt and gravel from here to the top. Pass a flight of stone steps and step up to the large stone overlook area.

The large overlook provides massive, almost 360° views. On clear days you can see into the surrounding four states. There are three elevation markers with guides to identify the surrounding mountains. Take your eyes down the level of the center cone, which represents your current location, and align it with the other cones on the marker to identify notable peaks.