Little Devil's Stairs

Last reviewed: 06/05
 

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Description: This is a strenuous 5.4 or 7.8 mile loop in the Shenandoah National Park. Most of the work comes early on as you climb steeply up and over rocks, gaining 1500 feet of elevation in about1.8 miles (1000 ft over a mile). If you think your buttocks muscles need some tightening-up then this is your hike! But honestly, once you’ve gained the ridge top almost all of the strenuous part is over. The short version of this hike utilizes a fire road as a return route and passes a graveyard along the way. The longer route follows Piney Branch with several nice little falls and cascades along the way. You’ll have to cross it twice but usually without much difficulty.

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Trail notes: From the parking area follow the blue blazed Little Devil’s Staircase Trail North. At first the gorge is wide and the tread is rocky. As you proceed along the gorge will get much narrower and steeper … and, of course, rockier. You’ll cross Keyser’s Run several times as it percolates between all of the rocks and boulders. Be sure to look behind you as you climb for partial views. Near the end the trail gets very steep and then makes a hard left and reaches the ridge on a much more gradual pitch.

 

At 1.88 miles from the start reach a 4-way intersection. To the left and right is yellow blazed Keyser Run Fire Road. Straight ahead is blue blazed Pole Bridge Trail. If you opt for the shorter route turn left onto Keyser Run Fire Trail. In about 2.2 miles pass Bolen Cemetery and arrive at the intersection of Hull School Fire Road. Turn left, remaining on Keyser Run Fire Road and follow it back (1 mile) to your cars.

 

For the longer loop, continue straight through the 4-way intersection onto blue blazed Pole Bridge Tr. In about 0.93 miles turn left onto blue blazed Piney Branch Trail. Descend 2.8 miles to the intersection of Yellow blazed Hull School Fire Road. Turn left here.

 

At 0.78 miles from the last trail junction arrive at the junction of yellow blazed Keyser Run Fire Road (left and straight). Proceed straight on Keyser Run Fire Road for about another mile to get back to your car.

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Critique this outing!

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Name: Kelly                                                                                                               Hike: Little Devil's Stairs
Date: 9/23/07                                                                                                          Rating: 3.5

Critique: The hike will work your legs in the first few miles as you ascend the stairs. The view of the rock formation was very cool as the beginning of my hike there was little in the gorge. The hike isn't difficult physically demanding but watch your footing, as the rocks if damp can be a bit slippery. I took the short version and found a rock outcrop that I was able to sit and enjoy my break while taking in a view. The path is about 1/4 mile down on your left not marked but was easily found. The cemetery was a look back into the   past of the Blue Ridge Mountains as there is a plaque in the family cemetery. The plaque describes a bit of history of the Shenandoah National Park and how it came to be. The overall hike was enjoyable would visit again in the future.

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Name: Liz Hester                                                                                                     Hike: Little Devil's Staircase
Date: 7/8/07                                                                                                            Rating: 4.5

Critique: I just discovered your website and this was the first hike I decided to try. I'm certainly glad I did! This was a great hike that should not be missed! The first part of it was by far the most rewarding due to the magnificent scenery.

We decided to take the extended version of this hike and in my opinion this is the only way it should be done. If you opt for the shorter route you will miss out on a lot of the beauty this hike has to offer. The graveyard is at the crossing where the two trails intersect so you don't have to worry about missing it if you take the longer route.

To the people who plan on trying this one out in the middle of summer as we did, make sure to bring plenty of bug spray!! We let this little detail slip our minds and paid the price. That being said, this was a wonderful hike that makes for a rewarding day!

Also, as a side note, I was a slightly worried I was being too ambitious when deciding to choose a hike with an *S* rating for my first time out, but in my opinion it wasn't nearly as difficult as I was expecting from the other testimonials. Newbie's as I am, shouldn't be concerned. It wasn't that bad. It was a blast!!!________________________________________

Name: Ryan McKinney                                                                                            Hike: Little Devils Staircase/ Piney Branch
Date: 10/7/06                                                                                                         Rating: 4.5

Critique: WOW!  What an incredible hike so close to Washington DC.  This hike is perfect if you are looking for solitude, the soft sound of running brooks, challenging terrain and dozens of water crossings.

This is one of the best all around hikes I have done in my many years of hiking The Blue Ridge.  The area of the hike is far enough away from Skyline Drive that you don't get any heavy foot traffic from above and the parking area is far from the main roads so you get little traffic from below.  The Piney Branch section of the trail is amazing.  There is a Bear Transect area where the park service does scientific research on the bear population.  This section of the trail is fantastic.  Dense old forest with Piney Branch running through to add jus the right amount of noise.  We didn't see any bears, but we did see a lot of bear scat.

Do this hike!________________________________________

Name: Carol  Branscome                                                                                        Hike: Little Devil's/Piney Branch
Date: 10/7/06                                                                                                          Rating: 4.5

Critique: Did this the day after rain in the fall on a cool day..

Con - Lots of water crossings due to the high water. Used water shoes for the first crossing on Little Devil's and the two fords on the Piney Branch trail since the water was so high (over boot tops for the smaller hiker).  Probably had over a dozen substantial water crossings on Little Devils and at times the water was simply flowing down the normal trail.

Pros - Absolutely spectacular especially if you like to hike near water, love waterfalls and gorges.  Saw no one on the Piney Branch section and it's also gorgeous.  Much better than the fire road down the hill though you do connect for the last mile.  We'll be back with our waterfall-loving hiking companion who missed this trip.

Recommendation - Spectacular hike especially the longer version but be prepared for the water crossings after rain.

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Name: Jean-Louis Ecochard                                                                                  Hike: Little Devil Staircase

Date: 06/04/05                                                                                                       Ranking: 4

comment: Hiked after a rain. The rocks can be quite slippery but the sounds of the brook are even more magic.
Saw a Red Spotted Newt on the way down. ________________________________________

Name:Mike G.                                                                                                           Hike: Little Devil's Staircase
Date:12/4/05                                                                                                          Ranking: 4.5

Critique: This was a great hike, and for those of you out that are a bit out of shape...mind that strenuous classification MR Hyker's given this one. While during the hike itself I did not feel fatigued, I sit here two days after the fact wondering how much longer my glutes are going to be sore. Butt burner indeed. I did an extension of the longer route, opting for a return via Piney Ridge trail. I was lucky enough to have the entire hike to myself, the only exception being two black bears I saw half-way down Piney Ridge. The canyon through which Little Devils Stairs goes up is particularly scenic, and there are a couple of big ol' trees that are rather impressive.

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Name: Salomeh                                                                                                       Hike: Little Devil's Staircase
Date:07/23/05                                                                                                        Ranking: 5

Critique: Took the shorter route this time-never saw another soul except a large bear :> Awesome hike! I am doing the long route this time. The cemetery is also very cool. The first couple miles is a butt-burner.

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