Little Devil Stairs Long Version (Rating: A+)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

This is an A+ hike due to distance and elevation. PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE POST BEFORE RSVPING.

PLEASE NOTE: **** This is a VERY difficult hike and is only suitable for those who have recent experience hiking this distance and elevation gain. If I don’t know you, you MUST message me with 24 hours of signing up with a recent A+ hike you have done or a hike leader who can vouch for you. Otherwise, you will be moved to “Not Going”. ***

************* THE GOOD STUFF **************************

Join me on this beautiful and strenuous A+ hike of approximately 13.5ish miles and almost 3,000 feet of elevation. This is a longer version of the typical Little Devil Stairs Hike. We will start the hike from parking lot near the west end of Virginia Rte. 614 (Keyser Run Road). We will then go up Little Devil Stairs, make a right at the 4-way at the top, then cross Skyline Drive and get on the AT, where we'll be for a while. Then we’ll cross Skyline Drive again and then get on the Piney Branch Trail to the Hull School Trail, past the cemetery and back to our cars.

NOTE: There are multiple water crossings going up Little Devil Stairs (about 15) and they can be tricky if there is a lot of rain during the week. Please be prepared and bring boot covers or water shoes and hiking poles to help with balance.

*For those wishing to CARPOOL, the suggested carpool location is at the Centreville Park and Ride, 14700 Lee Highway, Centreville, VA. The driving time from there to the trailhead is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes (with no stop). Please arrive at the Park and Ride before 6:30 AM to form carpools so all cars can leave at 6:30 AM sharp. I WILL BE MEETING EVERYONE AT THE TRAILHEAD.

PLEASE NOTE: Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and participation is at your own risk. Suggested carpool fee: $7.00 per rider.

• Meet at the trailhead @ 7:45 am. We will start hiking at 8:00 am SHARP.
• TH Parking Coordinates: 38.73060,-78.25823
• Park entry fee: $0
• Carpool Fee: $7
• Distance: 13.5ish miles
• Elevation: Almost 3,000 feet
• Pace: 2.25 – 2.75 when moving. We will take short breaks at intersections and a regular lunch break.
• Terrain: Rocky, steep climb up Little Devil Stairs then another climb while on the AT and then a last climb late in the hike heading up to the cemetery. There are a lot of water crossings.
• Dogs are not allowed on this one

Bring: Adequate water, food/snacks, hat, basic first aid kit, map, tick spray, rain gear (depending), hiking poles, hiking shoes, water shoes or boot covers, additional pair of socks/liner in case your socks get wet

PLEASE PRINT OUT ANY MAPS YOU MAY NEED AS I DO NOT PROVIDE COPIES OF MAPS. ALL THE LINKS AND COORDINATES YOU WILL NEED ARE PROVIDED ABOVE.

All Trails MAP: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/little-devil-stairs-13-5-f19c44d

AND FINALLY!

1. Don't come if you’re not feeling well.
2. Avoid the most severe, unspeakable bad karma by CHANGING YOUR RSVP if you're not able to attend within a reasonable time - not hours before.
3. No complaining allowed :-)

For questions, message or call the hike leader:
Susan M. (703) 963-8939