Memorial to Andreas Keller (Friends only please) Little Devil Stairs Hike

Where it all began for many of us, the beautiful gorge known as Little Devils Stairs with this lovable Swiss guy!

This hike will be in memory of our good friend and club founder Andreas, who passed away earlier this year on October 16th. His Birthday is December 16th. Andreas son Kevin and daughter Andrea plan on joining us on the hike.

Please only sign up if you were a friend of Andreas. I won’t post a limit for attendees on this hike so that everyone who knew Andreas will be able to attend. So fair warning it could be a good size group.

LIMITED PARKING at the Little Devil Stairs parking lot - plan to carpool (think four people per car and higher), no solo drivers please.

Carpooling Option: NVA carpoolers should consider Clevengers Corner Park & Ride on Rt. 211 as a gathering place. It is a 30 minute drive from the park and ride to the trailhead - plan on leaving Clevengers Corner by 745 AM to keep us on time. Use the comments section of this event to setup carpools. thx https://maps.app.goo.gl/mQjtAtrJY3WRt5n96

I don’t intend to lead this whole hike, thought we would just all take turns walking with Andreas.

Afterwards, we will go to the Dark Horse Irish Pub in Flint Hill to lift a glass and continue sharing memories of our dear friend. If the weather is nice, we could sit outside.

Please do not hike if you’re not feeling well.

Option: if you would like to catch up with the group and not hike, plan on arriving at Dark Horse Irish Pub around 1 pm. There is no need to sign up to this event. thx

RSVP: If you find you’re not able to attend please update your RSVP to no as soon as possible. This will allow us to plan carpooling better.

Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous

Distance: 6.0 miles

Elevation gain: 1,500 feet

Stream crossings: Numerous

Pace: 2.25 mph, except going up Little Devil Stairs.

Trailhead GPS Coordinates: https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B043'50.1%22N+78%C2%B015'29.7%22W/@38.73058,-78.25825,17z/data=!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d38.73058!4d-78.25825)

Please arrive by 8:30 ready to hike.

Map: AllTrails, Little Devil Stairs - Piney Branch Loop

What to bring: Water, snacks, first aid kit, vibram sole hiking shoes or boots, hiking poles are recommended for the stream crossings. To be prepared for winter weather you may want to bring gloves, wool hat, layered clothing and micro-spikes for your boots (in case we run into ice). Hand warmers are also great to have in your backpacks this time of year.

Weather: TBD.

Park fee: $30 or park pass.

Rehydration: Dark Horse Irish Pub (formerly Griffin Tavern) 659 Zachary Taylor Hwy Flint Hill, VA 22627

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:

DISCLAIMER/Liability Waiver: The Blue Mountain Hiking Club (BMHC) and its Leaders and Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm, bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. By clicking “Attend” you are confirming that you understand that all outdoor activity such as hiking, backpacking, and trekking have an associated danger, and you will not hold any hike leader/organizer, participant, BMHC member, responsible for any hazard to your well being. You are fully responsible for yourself and any person under the age of eighteen you bring with you on any hike or event.