My first real stop while driving up the Blue Ridge Parkway is an overlook referred to as the Devil's Courthouse, which is only about 47 miles from the southern terminus. I arrived early enough to see the sun rising over the mountain known by this name. Apparently, the mountain was once thought to be the home of a giant named Judaculla in Cherokee myth.
Leaving my jeep in the parking lot, I hike the half-mile or so trail up to to the overlook. The first part is simply along the road, but the trail soon enters the woods and a very steep climb up to a landing on the rock face. A stone retaining wall offers some protection from falling and a sundial-like protrusion rises from the area to mark the spot. The view from here is outstanding. I can see for many, many miles looking southward.
While the view is great, time is short and I have a lot of exploring to do today. I quickly return to my jeep the way I came and get back on the road.
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