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Little Devils Stairs Hike

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Distance:
5.3 Miles / 8.5 km
Type:
Loop
Difficulty:
Moderate
Time to Hike:
2 hours, ~39 minutes
Features:
Surface Type:
Dirt
Park:
Shenandoah National Park
Town:
Washington, Virginia
Directions:
38.730453, -78.258496
Added:
March 18, 2025
Updated:
April 05, 2025
Guide by:
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1,497'

Total Change
1,506'

Ascent
1,500'

Descent

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Little Devils Stairs Hike

Because of the steep grade the first two miles of the Little Devils Stairs hike in the Shenandoah National Park can be tough if the day is warm. The best time to do this hike is the early spring when water levels are at a peak, making the numerous waterfalls along Keiser Run that much nicer. At one point the trail even passes through a small set of falls. Enjoy spectacular views of either side of the gorge as the Little Devils Stairs trail gets closer to the top of the gorge.

The second half of the hike follows the Keyser Run Fire Road back down past the Bolen Cemetery. This is a pleasant walk through some old growth. If you would like to make this hike longer add the 3 sections of the Piney Branch hike to make the circuit a little over 9.0 miles.

  • Mile 0.0 –The hike will begin up the right side of the parking area on the blue blazed Little Devils Stairs Trail. After 0.9 miles the grade will increase sharply as the trail climbs the ravine, and starts crisscrossing Keyser Run.

    The Little Devils Stairs Trail is hard to spot in places and you have to look for the blue blazes on the trees. However, if you believe you've lost the trail it's difficult to go too far off track, as the gorge is very narrow and trail runs along one side or the other of the stream. As you climb up the gorge there are several spots that require hand over hand climbing.

    Near the top of the ravine The Little Devils Stairs Trail becomes less steep, then makes several switchbacks before leveling off completely and arriving at the intersection of the Keyser Run Fire Road, and four way junction.

  • Mile 2.2 - Turn left down the yellow blazed Keyser Run Fire Road and in 2.0 miles enter an old hemlock forest before arriving at the Bolen Cemetery and intersection of the for the the Hull School Trail.

  • Mile 4.8 - Stay left down the yellow blazed Keyser Run Fire road where it becomes steeper for the final 1.2 miles back to the parking area.

  • Mile 5.3 - Arrive back at the parking area.
Explore 93 trails near Washington, VA
  1. Parking

    38.730453, -78.258496
  2. Main Trailhead

    38.730569, -78.258169
No community routes found. To add your own hike as a Community Route for this Trail guide, leave a Trip Report with an attached GPX file.

Hazards

Ticks - Lyme Disease More Info (CDC)
Snakes
Poison Ivy/Oak

Seasons

All

Trip Reports (Reviews)

Rated 4.16 out of 5 based on 115 ratings.
By: Chris
5.3 miles / 8.5 km
May 22, 2019
Great hike with nice views of stream and small waterfalls throughout. Not as tough as I expected. When I got to the top of the trail at the fire road I made a right and continued a mile to Skyline Drive before turning back down the fire road back to the parking lot.
Legacy Review
By: Madeleine
5.3 miles / 8.5 km
October 28, 2018
Beautiful hike, especially in October with the changing leaves. It was steep but doable and crossing the waterfall so many times was a treat. There wasn’t an overlook at the top- the hike itself was the view. However, once we turned onto the yellow blazed trail, there was an overlook a little ways down. We’ll be back!
Legacy Review
By: Jackie
5.3 miles / 8.5 km
August 26, 2018
Did Little Devil Stairs to Pine Top to Piney Branch for an ~8 mile, 2,100 feet of elevation change loop. Just a warning, with all the summer rain, all the trails were very wet yesterday! Could have benefitted from waterproof shoes to make crossings easier, but rock hopping is still mostly possible. Took of shoes to cross on Piney Branch both times. Great loop, nice gradual downhills and fun uphill scrambles! Would recommend taking Pine Top/Piney Branch alternative down for those who want to add a little extra, trail is wet but overall is a good walk. There is a nice climb from about mile 6-7 though, but its all downhill after that!
Legacy Review

Weather Forecast

In Washington, VA

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