Shenandoah National Park: Big Devils Stairs
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.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Trail Facts
- Distance: 6.6
Waypoints
BDS001
Location: 38.7676659, -78.2335129
Gravel Springs trailhead; trail begins on S end of parking lot
BDS002
Location: 38.7651672, -78.2317505
Veer L off old road onto connector trail
BDS003
Location: 38.7636337, -78.2320862
Head E on Bluff Trail, following the contour line @ 2,500 ft.
BDS004
Location: 38.7650986, -78.2129517
Cross small creek
BDS005
Location: 38.7643661, -78.2128143
Turn R onto Big Devils Stairs Trail; descent downhill
BDS006
Location: 38.7583504, -78.2147141
Hear waterfalls splashing in deep gorge
BDS007
Location: 38.7581673, -78.2152481
Veer off-trail for stellar views of Shenandoah Country to the S and down into gorge
BDS008
Location: 38.7513504, -78.2147141
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: 38.7583504, -78.2158966
Gorge narrows; small waterfall ahead
BDS010
Location: 38.7589989, -78.2157822
Veer L to navigate around medium-sized waterfall
BDS011
Location: 38.7608337, -78.2153702
Old trail blaze, continue on faint path to Bluff Trail
BDS012
Location: 38.7644157, -78.2155151
L onto Bluff Trail; return to trailhead
