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Little Devil Stairs Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.5 (38)
  1. Areas
  2. VA
  3. …Shenandoah Valley
  4. …Shenandoah National Park
  5. North District
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“A beautiful and challenging trail into canyon scenery like nothing else at Shenandoah National Park. ”

Joe Danz
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Map Key

5.5

Miles

8.9

KM

Loop

2,723' 830 m

High

1,270' 387 m

Low

1,453' 443 m

Up

1,429' 436 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

40%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Waterfall

The parking lot is pretty small, so there are limitations on nice days.

Overview

You're basically climbing up a waterfall! This loop hike warms you up in the first mile by crossing the creek several times. After that mile, the fun begins with rock scrambles that will remind you of hints of Old Rag but you're climbing up a waterfall!

The trail is pretty well marked but even if you lose it, just stay along the river. You're in a gorge and there isn't that much room to mess up. Once you are past the climbing, go to Keyser Run Road and turn left. Make your way back to the bottom and to the parking lot.

Need to Know

Much of the land near the parking is private—please respect all posted signage.

Description

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 Devis 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 hike through some old growth.

History & Background

You'll pass the Bolen Cemetery on the Keyser Run Road.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Shenandoah National Park

Shared By:

Joe Danz with improvements by Laurel Sunshine and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 38 votes

#1

in North District

#330

Overall
  4.5 from 38 votes
5 Star
53%
4 Star
45%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in North District

#13

in Virginia

#330

Overall
35 Views Last Month
4,961 Since Nov 27, 2018
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Photos

Couldn't walk for a couple of days afterwards but boy was it worth every step! - October 2010
Mar 30, 2016 near Washington, VA
Keyser Run, Little Devils Stairs. with permission from rootboy
Apr 11, 2016 near Washington, VA
Bolen Cemetery, Keyser Run Firetrail, Shenadoah Natl Park
May 12, 2022 near Washington, VA
A view looking back down Little Devil's Stairs and the rest of my group coming up. So much beauty and challenge in one trail.
May 30, 2017 near Washington, VA
After making it to the top of Little Devils Staircase Trail we took the Keyser Run Road down and got to see this amazing view
Jul 4, 2016 near Washington, VA
Little Devil's Staircase, Shenandoah National Park
May 12, 2022 near Washington, VA

1 Comment

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 15 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 8, 2024
J H
5.7mi
Dec 25, 2023
Dan Schned
Jun 25, 2023
Private User
Apr 16, 2023
Pete DeLuca
6mi
Feb 8, 2023
J H
Beautiful day, fairly dry for February, due to no snowfall this winter. Two PATC volunteers clearing branches, hiking with chainsaw and tools :)
Nov 18, 2022
Josh Wells
Jul 16, 2022
Eric Nadybal
4 people in our group. 5.5mi — 10h 30m
Jun 22, 2022
Chris Palmer

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