BDS001
Location: 38.7676696777344, -78.233512878418
Gravel Springs trailhead; trail begins on S end of parking lot
BDS002
Location: 38.7651710510254, -78.2317504882812
Veer L off old road onto connector trail
BDS003
Location: 38.7636299133301, -78.2320938110352
Head E on Bluff Trail, following the contour line @ 2,500 ft.
BDS004
Location: 38.7650985717773, -78.2129516601562
Cross small creek
BDS005
Location: 38.7643699645996, -78.2128067016602
Turn R onto Big Devils Stairs Trail; descent downhill
BDS006
Location: 38.7583503723144, -78.2147064208984
Hear waterfalls splashing in deep gorge
BDS007
Location: 38.758171081543, -78.2152481079102
Veer off-trail for stellar views of Shenandoah Country to the S and down into gorge
BDS008
Location: 38.751350402832, -78.2147064208984
Cross creek; trail abruptly ends at barbwire fence (park boundary); turn N and begin off-trail, following the old route of Big Devils Stairs along the creek
BDS009
Location: 38.7583503723144, -78.2158966064453
Gorge narrows; small waterfall ahead
BDS010
Location: 38.7589988708496, -78.2157821655274
Veer L to navigate around medium-sized waterfall
BDS011
Location: 38.7608299255371, -78.2153701782226
Old trail blaze, continue on faint path to Bluff Trail
BDS012
Location: 38.7644195556641, -78.2155227661133
L onto Bluff Trail; return to trailhead
This 5.6-mile lasso loop departs the popular Big Devils Stairs hike, scramble upstream to waterfalls and connecting with a forgotten trail free of crowds.
TO TRAILHEAD: From North Entrance (Front Royal), head S on Skyline Dr. to Gravel Springs parking area, located near Range View Overlook. Park in lot.
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