Hike: Big Devils Stairs, SNP, VA
About the event
Hosted by Shelly M & JJJ
Sign up link (please remember to fill in your required RSVP info): https://www.meetup.com/wanderbirds-hiking-club/events/316859480/?slug=wanderbirds-hiking-club&eventId=315356862
Details (Bus hike) (REMEMBER TO SET CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR) Big Devils Stairs provides views of one of the most imposing river gorges in Shenandoah National Park. Moderate hikers start at Jenkins Gap, walk for 300 feet south on Skyline Drive and turn left down the Mount Marshall Fire Road (which becomes Mount Marshall Trail), turn right (south) on the Bluff Trail (with frequent views to the west) and left on the Big Devil’s Stairs. Hikers descend the Stairs (frequent views east) to the first overlook, then climb back up and turn left onto the Bluff Trail to Gravel Springs Gap. They then follow Skyline Drive for 1/3 mile to the Range View Overlook. Long hikers follow the moderate path but arrive at Jenkins Gap by first hiking 3.5 miles north on the AT from the North Marshall parking area. Est. 13 miles, 2000' elevation and 9.5 miles, 1700' elevation. PATC Map 9. Fare: $37 due to diesel price increases plus park pass (usually not a problem due to the number of pass holders attending).
VA Hikes
• [DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu) downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am. • [Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus), last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Park at 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA 22181 • Caution: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway that passes the fare gates over I-66 to the north lot.
RESERVATIONS Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus.
FIRST-TIME HIKERS If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph (30 min/mile) pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike with us.
LIABILITY WAIVER Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions.
CANCELLATION POLICY To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on MeetUp before NOON on the Friday before the hike. If you change your RSVP after twelve noon on the Friday before the hike, a refund will not be issued (but a 'rain-check' may be possible). Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hikers are implored to change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead.
FLU, COVID-19, and RSV PRECAUTIONS Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event.
MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)