Devil's Courthouse Trail and a Side Trip on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail

A short, steep climb to a spectacular viewpoint with devices for sighting distant peaks. This is a popular peregrine falcon viewing area. Before you hit the trail, look across the drop-off east of the parking area and up to the crag of Devil’s Courthouse at 5,720 feet. Chances are you can see a few tiny hikers enjoying the view. Though steep, this largely paved path is rewarding. The rock wall–encircled overlook atop the Courthouse offers great views. East is the plummet down into the Carolina Piedmont. West is the crest of the Shining Rock Wilderness, one of the loftiest, most alpine-appearing areas to abut the Parkway. Close in, you’re likely to see the high-speed “stoops,” or dives, of peregrine falcons.