Courthouse Creek

This is Courthouse Falls off Courthouse Creek, descending to Courthouse Valley in the region of the Devil's Courthouse of North Carolina. I know, that's a whole lot of "courthouse", but don't be fooled... this is a place steeped in Cherokee lore, and the tale concerning a giant "devil" creature holding court is legendary. Tsul 'Kalu (literally meaning "he has them slanting", with the assumption it refers to his eyes), also known as Jutaculla, is a renowned figure in Cherokee mythology who plays the role of "the great lord of the game". He was often invoked in hunting rites and rituals. Tsul 'Kalu is also believed by some to be the Cherokee version of bigfoot, as he seems to share several physical and behavioral traits with how the creature is thought to be. The tale of Tsul 'Kalu is one of the best known of Cherokee legends, and it centers around this place. The Devil's Courthouse is an actual place, a mountain located at milepost 422.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Supposedly, deep within the mountain is a cave where Jutaculla lives and dances. He holds court along its rocky ridges. As in all devil-like creatures of lore, he seems quite sinister, but in reality, he's somewhat of a sweetheart... I should know. He let me off with a warning for speeding on Forest Road 140. Could've been worse.