Big Devils Stairs Out-and-Back

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Spring · Views

Among the running options at the Gravel Springs Gap parking lot on Skyline Drive, a perhaps underrated route is an out-and-back to the big viewpoint about halfway down Big Devils Stairs Trail. It's a nice route for fall and winter with good views, sun exposure, and wind protection.

Looking from Skyline Drive, at the back of the parking lot, there are two possibilities: the fire road or the Appalachian Trail. The route offered here takes the AT (going *south*) for 0.1 miles. Very quickly you come to the post and turn left on the Gravel Springs Hut Trail and head down the hill towards the Gravel Springs area. (Really, you can take the fire road, too, from the parking lot and end up at pretty much the same set of somewhat confusing intersections near the Gravel Springs Hut.)

At the bottom of the Gravel Springs Hut Trail, the trail ends at the fire road, with the hut just to the right, and the Bluff Trail a few steps to the left, forking off to the right. Follow the pointers on the posts to the Bluff Trail.

At about 2.1 miles out, from Bluff Trail turn right on Big Devils Stairs Trail. After another 0.4 miles, you'll start to notice some bigger rocks on the right, which are at the edge of the canyon. Don't be tempted to bushwhack over to them, a better view lies just another 0.1 ahead! The trail becomes a bit steeper and turns right, coming to a partly obstructed view on the left. Continue down the dozen or so stone stairs to the big rocky outcrop for the full unobstructed view. This is a great spot for pictures and snacks. Please be careful, it's a big drop-off! Retrace your route the way you came for a total mileage of 5.2.

Optional add-ons:
- explore the Gravel Springs hut area (adds about 0.1 miles);
- continue down Big Devils Stairs Trail to the bottom where it ends at private property (very strenuous, 1.6 miles total down and back up to the viewpoint).

In mid-November, we found we enjoyed the Bluff Trail for its southerly exposure, protection from northerly winds, and good views through leafless trees.