Photo of the Week: Devil's Courthouse

This week's photo was taken at the Devil's Courthouse overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.  The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the great scenic drives of North America.  It runs along the "Blue Ridge" in the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina and Virginia, with numerous lookouts and picnic locations.

I worked during the summer for many years near Asheville, North Carolina.  Much of my free time was spent driving the parkway, listening to bluegrass on the radio, and letting the mountains envelope my thoughts.  For the first time in over five years I won't spend any time in the area; just seeing this picture makes me miss the natural beauty of North Carolina's mountains. 

Devil's Courthouse Overlook, North Carolina

Photo of the week is part of "Photo Thursday," started by Nancie at the Budget Travelers Sandbox and Eileen Ludwig. Please visit their sites to check out other amazing photos!

Photo of the Week

The photo below was taken at the PARI observatory near Brevard, North Carolina.  I have worked at PARI as part of a program for gifted youth for each of the past four summers.  PARI boasts a beautiful campus in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains.  This photo, taken at sunset, is of one two giant 26 meter telescopes used at PARI. Read more about PARI Observatory.

26 Meter Radio Telescope, PARI

Photo of the week is part of "Photo Thursday" started by Nancie at the Budget Travelers Sandbox.  Please visit her site to check out other amazing photos!  

Devil's Courthouse Overlook

View from Devil's Courthouse, Blue Ridge Parkway

Towering 5,720 feet over North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains, Devil's Courthouse is one of the best overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Devil's Courthouse earned it's name based on it's evil appearance.  Legend also holds that the Devil does business in a cave beneath.  It is located in the Pigsah National Forest, an often over-looked gem of North Carolina teaming with waterfalls, hiking trails, and mountain streams.  Devil's Courthouse is located only an hour's drive from Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  


What to Expect

Devil's Courthouse

Devils's Courthouse is located 10 miles from Brevard and 28 miles from Asheville.  Driving from Brevard, you would take either Highway 215 or HiWghway 276, both of which are slow and curvy mountain roads.  From Asheville, you can take the Blue Ridge Parkway direct to Devil's Courthouse. However, the Blue Ridge Parkway has a speed limit of  45 mph. Whatever route you choose, bank extra time to enjoy the drive and take in the scenery.   I would suggest pair Devil's Courthouse with a visit to Looking Glass Falls or Living Waters Waterfalls. 

Once you have parked in the lot set aside for Courthouse visitors, it is a steep fifteen to twenty minute hike to the summit.  The top portion of the trail is not paved, so consider weather conditions when planning your visit.  The hike is well worth the reward.  The lookout offers a 360 degree view above the Appalachian Mountains.  On a clear day, one can view well into South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.  Bring a camera and take it all in.

Above North Carolina at Devi's Courthouse

Seeing Stars at PARI Observatory North Carolina

Radio Telescope at PARI

Tucked in the mountains between the Blue Ridge Parkway and Brevard is PARI.  PARI (short for the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute) is a non-profit astronomical research foundation that hosts countless astronomical education programs.  The site boasts two large 26 meter radio telescopes and several optical scopes that allow astronomers to probe deep into the heavens.  For expert and novice astronomers alike, a visit to PARI is a unique experience that should not be missed!

What to Expect
The first time I visited PARI, I felt like I had taken a time warp back to the 1960s.  PARI was originally built as a NASA tracking station in 1962.  Much of the decor in the buildings still give off the vibe of the era it was built.  The National Security Agency (NSA), took over the site in the early 1980s and used it to gather intelligence.  They have also left their mark on the facility, in the form of barbed wire fence, a sniper tower, a helipad and buildings built to prevent Soviet satellites from spying on PARI.  Even though PARI is now used for educational research, you still get the feeling you are a character in Red Dawn. 

Once you have adjusted to the surroundings, be sure to ask questions about the facility to your tour guide.  There are instruments at PARI studying the atmosphere found nowhere else in the world, telescopes studying emerging galaxies, interns gaining their first hands-on experience in astronomy, and so much more!  PARI also houses a plate collection of pictures taken from telescopes that date back nearly 100 years.  The true beauty at PARI is the continuing research being done to better our understanding of the universe.

PARI is tucked in the Appalachian Mountains

Just the Basics

• Tours: Public tours are held every Wednesday at 2pm, though you will need to call ahead for reservations.  The cost is $5 for adults and children under ten are free. 
• Evening at PARI: Another opportunity to visit PARI is at "Evenings at PARI,"  which are held the second Friday of each month.  includes a tour, astronomical talk, and (weather permitting) optical observations.  More information about Evenings at PARI can be found at http://www.pari.edu/about_pari/PublicPrograms/EaP 
• Advice: If you take part in an "Evening at PARI," bring a flashlight.  The facility was purposely built in a remote part of Transylvania County, high in in the Appalachian Mountains.  The remote location keeps PARI far away from light and radio interference.  Nights that are cloudy or moonless it gets freaky dark! If you visit PARI during the day, bring a camera to capture the natural beauty of the campus and surrounding mountains.     
• Contact: 828-862-5554 
• Website: www.pari.edu

 

Living Waters Waterfalls Balsam Grove

Living Waters Waterfall, Balsam Grove

Transylvania County North Carolina is known for it's many waterfalls.  One easily accessible falls that is often overlooked is just off of Highway 215 in Balsam Grove.  There is a fantastic short hike near the Living Waters Ministry Center in Balsam Grove, North Carolina.  The land is privately owned, but the area is usually busy with hikers and sightseers (who are allowed on the land as long as they are respectful).  The hike from the top waterfall to the bottom falls will only take about ten minutes. You can leave your hiking pack at boots at home for this one, it is easily accessible for even novice hikers.  

Living Waters Waterfall

What to Expect

 
If you are traveling from Brevard or the Blue Ridge Parkway, the road to Balsam Grove is curvy and slow.  There really is not a good route for people that tend to get motion sickness.  

Once you get there, bring your camera and possibly some swim trunks!  There are three to four excellent locations to take photos and a couple of places to take a cool dip.  

The Basics 

• Location: 58 Round House Dr Balsam Grove, NC 28708 
• How to get there: From Brevard, drive West on Hwy 64.  Turn right onto Hwy 215 (where Headwaters Outfitters is located).  Drive North up the mountain for about 15 minutes.  Living waters will be on your left side.   
• Where to Park: Most cars park on the side of the road.  The trail is located 25 meters downriver from Living Waters.   
• Advice: This is a very short hike.  It is best paired with a trip to Devil's Courthouse or one of the other area hikes.