Little Devils Stairs - Piney Branch Loop

Come enjoy the beautiful gorge known as Little Devils Stairs! This will be a longer version of the hike. Instead of descending Kaiser Run Fire Road, we'll come down the Piney Branch Trail, which adds a couple of miles, but is more scenic.

Distance: 8 miles

Elevation gain: 2,000 feet

Stream crossings: Numerous

Pace: 2 to to 2.5 mph, except going up Little Devil Stairs. Mile 2 will be steep and strenuous and the pace will slow to about 1.3 mph.

Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 38.7305, -78.2582
Please arrive at 8:45 so that we can begin hiking at 9:00.

Map: AllTrails, Little Devil Stairs - Piney Branch Loop

What to bring: Hiking poles are recommended for the stream crossings. Also, you may want to bring water shoes. Keyser Run, which we will cross numerous times going up is usually not a problem, however, depending on the water level, Piney Branch may not be crossable on stepping stones. See photo below.

Dogs: With so many water crossings, this is not a good hike for bringing your dog. Please leave him/her at home for this one.

Park fee: From the S.N.P. web site: "Even if you are hiking from the boundary, you must have an entrance permit or annual pass."
https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm
$30 per vehicle, or a National Parks Pass.

Rehydration: The Black Twig (formerly Headmasters Pub) 12018 Lee Hwy, Sperryville

Disclaimer:
Blue Mountain Hiking Club Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with the following: DISCLAIMER/Liability Waiver.