High Altitude Hikes #1 - The Blue Ridge Parkway

June 13-14

What a difference a day makes... 
What a difference the altitude makes...

June 13th was pleasant with the sun peaking around fluffy clouds that promised a passing shower.  This was a good day to explore the high points of the Blue Ridge Parkway, recall we are at the western end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

View from the Blue Ridge Parkway

 Our goals were to hike 

• The self-guided loop trail to summit of Richland Balsam, the highest point on Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,047 feet.  
• A steep trail through sensitive habitat to Devil’s Courthouse for a 360 degree view. 
• A loop trail through Graveyard Fields.

Richland Balsam trail was beautiful in the mist and swirling clouds where we learned about  balsam firs, small plant communities, and the pine beetles.

Richland Balsam with beetle damaged trees

One could not rush through this trail due to the scenic views, interesting vegetation, and trail guides.  As we walked the trail we discussed the early residents and explorers along with the changes in scenery due to nature and man.

Richland Blasam Vista

As we completed the trail the clouds thickened but we continued towards our next stop, Devil's Courthouse.

The trail was steep as advertised but weeks of hiking transformed our flat-lander legs into climbing legs.  The trail ends in a fantastic view, yes 360 degrees, of the western end of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Devil's Courthouse above the gathering clouds

We shared the summit with a park ranger from Atlanta and his sons.  The park ranger was raised in western NC and spent many hours hiking treacherous paths to the Devil's Courthouse before the trail existed.  He was happy the trail made the overlook available to the general public and his sons.
Thunder began to roll and we ended the conversation to scurry down the trail to the parking lot.  Scurry we did but not fast enough as cold rain began to fall rapidly and leave us quite damp.

Quite a distance to the parking lot from the summit!

Considering the lack of visibility and damp clothing we opted to alter the route and head down Hwy 215 towards Waynesville.  The road is fantastic as it follows a river through a gorge dropping from one of the highest points in North Carolina.

Well worth the trip.