About Devil's Courthouse

Long before the parkway, roads, or even cars existed, the Cherokee lived, hunted, and traded in the surrounding mountains of Devil's Courthouse. The mountain itself was believed by the Cherokee to be where the devil (Judaculla in English and Tsul'Kalu in Cherokee) held court in the caves below the mountain.

Today, the mountain is a popular stopping point and overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The overlook has a large parking area that provides exceptional views of the towering mountain and bare cliffs near the top. There is also a picnic table here.  

Hiking to the top of Devil's Courthouse

For those looking for a more adventurous challenge, you'll want to hike up tp the very top where there is an observation deck that provides incredible high elevation, and early 360 degree scenic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.  Devil’s Courthouse is 5,720 feet at the summit.

We say "challenge", because the trail is short, but very steep.  Going to the top is definitely a workout, but beautiful.

From the parking area, the trail begins in the corner of the parking area closest to the Parkway and the mountain. The trail is paved most of the way up, then turns to gravel with some stairs on the final stretch.  

The scenery along the trail, as you can see if our video, is just beautiful. Devil's Courthouse is home to many rare high-altitude plants, so please stay on the trail to avoid damaging them. Some of these plants are what remains of plants from the glacial period. So yeah, they're old.

The views from the top are nearly 360 degrees and panoramic. From the summit, you can see North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.

While tough, the hike up is definitely worth it. Please be sure to stay within the overlook walls, as the drops at the summit are significant and would be fatal.

Buzzard's Roost North Carolina

A popular destination for locals and more adventurous visitors, is Buzzard's Roost, located in the Harmon Den area, off I-40 in North Carolina.

Buzzard's Roost (or Buzzard Roost as some call it), is a rustic, unofficial, and unmaintained scenic overlook, located off FR288 (Forest Service Road 288).  The road up to Buzzard's Roost is rustic, and moderately maintained.  The road is also fairly narrow, with steep drop-offs on the side.

Off road vehicles will be fine, as will most other other vehicles.  Vehicles with lower ground clearance will want to be very careful or possibly pass on this destination.

FR288 will take you right to the trailhead, although calling the path a trail is a stretch.

 The trail down to Buzzard's Roost is very short, but very steep.  This is not a trail we would recommend for everyone, and only those comfortable with walking up and down a steep and worn path, that requires hanging onto small trees and branches as you go down and up.  Our video below will show you the trail.

Buzzard's Roost Videos

Come along with us, as we hike down and enjoy the view at Buzzard's Roost.

Buzzard's Roost Trailhead

From the exit off I-40, the trailhead is located almost exactly 4.8 miles up FR288.  The trailhead is not marked, and is very easy to miss.   We were able to maintain a cell phone connection, and Google Maps showed us the location for the trailhead.

There is a small pullover to the left, just past the trailhead.  There is also some purple graffiti on the tree next to the trailhead, and we've been told by others, ribbons are often tied around the trees at the trailhead as well, to mark it.  We did not see any when we were there.

Buzzard's Roost Overlook

The trail down to the overlook is very short, less than 500 feet, but again, very steep.   As you reach the bottom, you'll clearly see the overlook and view ahead of you, and just to the right, between two trees.   

At the overlook, you'll be looking east, and the view, as seen in the cover photo, is gorgeous.   Below you, is I-40 and the Pigeon River.  You'll clearly hear the cars and trucks driving along I-40, far below.

We cannot caution readers enough on how dangerous this place is.  The view is stunning, but at the overlook, you are literally standing 1,000 foot or more above the I-40 corridor.  The drop below you is a sheer cliff.  People have died here, so be careful if you visit.

We do not recommend bringing small children or pets.  But if you decide to do so, keep them very very close.  We just cannot stress this enough.

Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail

The Alum Cave trailhead begins in the center of two parking lots, located directly off Highway 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You immediately cross two brides, one over Walker Camp Prong, and the other over Alum Cave Creek. Both are gorgeous and make for a great start, to an amazing hike.

The trail has two main sections. From the trailhead, the initial 2.5 miles of the trail are moderate and lead to Alum Cave, which contains an old Alum mine. The trail starts by following along Alum Cave Creek for a while and remains mostly flat. The trail then begins a slow and steady climb up to Alum Cave.  

In this portion of the trail you'll see beautiful dense forest, many small waterfalls, and get to climb up through a small cave, one of my favorite parts of this hike. You'll then climb into a more rocky area that offers some tremendous high altitude views. Shortly after, you'll reach Alum Cave itself.  

You can read more about this portion of the trail, and see lots of photos in our Alum Cave Trail Guide.  

We've hiked this portion of the trail many times, and it's wonderful.

The second part of the trail continues from the top of the Alum mine and climbs up to the top of Mount LeConte. The Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail portion is 2.7 miles long and strenuous. You'll want to make sure you have plenty of water if you decide to continue. This portion of the trail is not for the faint of heart and is some of the most difficult miles we've ever done hiking.

As you begin this portion of the hike from Alum Cave, you'll immediately notice the trail begins with a more aggressive climb up the side of the mountain.  

As you round the mountain's side, to your left you'll see Mount LeConte, and the peak at the top you'll be climbing too. You can see this view in the photo to the right - Yes, you'll be climbing almost to the top. Clifftops is the area almost in the center of the photo, near the top. The trail runs to the top just below there.

As you climb up, the views to your left, and even to the right, are often stunning. This portion offered our first view of the charred Chimney Tops, which were burned very badly during the Gatlinburg Fires.

The trail will continue to wind its way along the side of the mountain, and along ridges as it twists and turns, making its way up to the top of LeConte.  

The trail is amazing, and the recent improvements to widen the trail and make it a more pleasurable hike were a big success. We met many people along the way, praising the changes. In some of the more steep and slick areas, there are now stairs, and quite a few of them in some places.

If you're afraid of heights, just a heads up that a good portion of these sections of the trail is along cliff sides, where the trail narrows to 4-5 feet, and you have a rock wall to your right, and a drop off to your left. I'm afraid of heights, and while these did make my heart race a bit, I found I could cross them. The Park service has installed cables along these sections of the trail to hang on to, and I definitely used them.

The cliff and rocky areas of the trail are often wet, especially in the spring, because of water coming out of the rock. So hold on to the cables and watch your step. 

After a while, we reached a point where we knew we were close to the top, or at least hoped we were, and took some photos and a break. This location was actually below Clifftops, which we'll discuss in more detail below.

Sure enough, we continued our climb, and just around the corner the trail leveled off and went through a forest full of moss color rocks, and Frasier fur trees (see photo to the right). This portion of the trail, to LeConte Lodge, is gorgeous, and smells wonderful!

We soon passed the intersection of Rainbow Falls Trail, and continued hiking where we saw LeConte Lodge finally on the left. At the intersection, Alum Cave Trail merges with Rainbow Falls Trail to the Lodge.

LeConte Lodge

LeConte Lodge is the highest guest lodge in the eastern United States. The Lodge is located on a grassy slope, just below the summit of LeConte, and faces Eastern Tennessee, where you can see Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Elevation is 6,400 feet, at the Lodge itself.

The Lodge is rustic, with buildings constructed of rough-hewn logs. They do not have the amenities we associate with modern life. Heat is provided by propane and lighting by kerosene lanterns.

The lodge features multiple cabins that can be rented for one or more nights, along with restroom facilities, a dining hall, and an office. The office has lots of rocking chairs, both inside and on the porch. It also has books, board games, and a number of guitars you can use. 

Reservations at LeConte Lodge can be tough to get, and the Lodge is often booked out a year or more in advance. Breakfast and dinner are included in the nightly price, and a hearty meal is served in the dining hall for guests.

Their website has more detail on reservations and accommodations.

Day Hikers can purchase a bag lunch in the dining hall between 12 and 4pm.  The lunch consists of a bagel, cream cheese, summer sausage, cookies, a fruit snack, gatorade powder, trail mix, and drink (lemonade, water, hot chocolate and coffee) - all for $11. Credit and debit cards are accepted, although, the old fashion way using imprint machines, which I hadn't seen for years!  

We purchased three of the lunches, and headed to a picnic table to relax, enjoy the sights and sounds, and eat.

Then we saw the Llamas ...

LeConte Lodge Llamas

Given the only way to access LeConte Lodge is via one of five hiking trails, supplies for the lodge must be hiked in or brought in via helicopter. Using a helicopter is expensive and dangerous because of frequent high winds at the lodge. The Llamas provide most of the transportation.  

The Llamas use the Trillium Gap trail, and they make the trip up and back on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. They arrive at the trailhead between 6:00 and 6:30 am and are usually on the trail between 7:30 and 8:00 am.

The Llamas can make the hike up in about 4 hours. They have lunch, rest a little, and return to the parking lot around 6:00 pm. 

They were really neat, with so much personality!

Summit of Mount LeConte

Reaching the summit of Mount LeConte requires another half-mile hike, past LeConte Lodge. You'll pass by the intersection of Trillium Gap trail to your left, and then a short distance beyond is the place called High Top, the summit of Mount LeConte. At this point, you are actually on the trail called "The Boulevard".

You'll know you're in the right spot when you see a large rock cairn in the woods to your right and off the trail. Unfortunately, there is no scenic view here, but you have the satisfaction of making it to the top!

Myrtle Point at Mount LeConte

On past the summit another .4 miles, a trail will head to the right off the main Boulevard trail, called Myrtle Point Trail. This trail will take you to Myrtle Point. Myrtle Point provides a nearly 360-degree view from the top of Mount LeConte.  

This location is famous for being the best sunrise location on the mountain. This is a VERY popular photography destination.

Clifftops at Mount LeConte

After eating lunch, we made the 0.2 mile hike from the lodge up to an area called Clifftops, which we were told was gorgeous. Clifftops didn't disappoint at all.

The trail up to Clifftops is located almost directly across from the main Lodge entry pathway. You'll have to climb some rocks on a somewhat steep trail, the view is well worth it. The views are incredible!  

Clifftops is the best location for sunsets.

We spent a good 20 - 30 minutes here, before deciding it was time to head back down Alum Cave Trail in order to reach the car before dark.

On the way down, we stopped off at the LeConte Lodge Office, and bought t-shirts that say "We hiked it!", with the year.

These shirts are available in a few different colors, styles and sizes, and are ONLY available at the Lodge Office. So you can wear this as proof and with pride that you hiked to the lodge. Cash and credit cards accepted (no American Express).

We have 3 t-shirts now and hope to get many more.

Final Thoughts

Reaching the summit of Mount LeConte via the Alum Cave Trail is more than just a hike—it’s an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The hike delivers breathtaking views, unique geological features, and the unique experience of visiting the lodge and summit at the top of the mountain. The trail truly showcases the very best of what the Smokies offer.

As you make your way back down, take a moment to reflect on the incredible landscapes you’ve traversed and the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing one of the most iconic hikes in the park. Whether it’s your first time on the trail or you’re a seasoned LeConte hiker, this experience is bound to leave you with memories and a deeper appreciation of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Happy hiking, and we'll see you on the trail!