alt="images"/>3 This unnamed tributary, also a branch of the Rush River, is an easy crossing in times of normal water flow. Enter a flat, then come to the Big Devils Stairs Trail junction at 1.9 miles. Big Devils Stairs canyon cuts a chasm while ridges rise beyond.
Turn right onto the Big Devils Stairs Trail, which follows the east rim of the gorge. Notice how abruptly the forest changes. The trees here are those typically found on drier south- or west-facing slopes—chestnut oak and Virginia pine—with an understory of mountain laurel. A scattering of pale white rock adds to the green mosaic. At 2.0 miles, the declining path makes a few switchbacks while meandering down the rim of the gorge.
Your descent may leave you antsy about finding the outcrop with the view, especially when boulders to the right of the trail through the woods seem to offer vantages. Stay with the trail and you won’t miss the view. After an abrupt right turn, the trail comes to the edge of the gorge. Continue down the trail on stone steps, and descend to a large rock outcrop at 2.5 miles.
Ahead, another outcrop hosts a gnarled pine hanging from its edge. Enjoy more views of the beautiful Shenandoah country, including Pignut Mountain, Piney Ridge, and fields beyond the park bounds. After this vista, the trail begins a steep descent and is not recommended. There is no public access from the lower end of the Big Devils Stairs. A trail once ran straight up the canyon, but after repeatedly washing out it was rerouted on the rim where you stand.
| 0.0 | Gravel Springs Gap Parking Area at milepost 17.6 | |
| 0.4 | Gravel Springs Hut | |
| 1.8 | Cross stream of Big Devils Stairs canyon | |
| 1.9 | Right on Big Devils Stairs Trail | |
| 2.5 | Big Devils Stairs vista |
TRAIL 4 North District
Sugarloaf Loop
TRAIL USE
Day Hiking, Backpacking
LENGTH
4.7 miles, 3–4 hours
VERTICAL FEET
±870'
DIFFICULTY
–1 2 3 4 5 +
TRAIL TYPE
Loop
START & FINISH
N38° 45.627'
W78° 16.953'
FEATURES
Ridgeline
Stream
Autumn Colors
Wildlife
Great Views
Geological Interest
FACILITIES
None
This loop dips off the eastern side of Hogback Mountain into the upper Piney River Valley. You will relish far-reaching views on the Appalachian Trail (AT), then follow a moderate grade into the Piney River on the Sugarloaf Trail. A grassy flat beside the Piney River makes for a great resting spot. Head back to the high country, soaking in more great views from Hogback Mountain before completing the loop.
Best Time
Spring through fall are the most rewarding. Wildflowers bloom in the valley during spring. Summer offers a cool and shady respite. Enjoy views on clear fall days, and you might spot wildlife on the trail.
Finding the Trail
The hike starts at the parking area just south of the Hogback Mountain Overlook, milepost 21.1 on Skyline Drive. To reach the trailhead from the Thornton Gap Entrance Station, take Skyline Drive north for 10.4 miles to the parking area on the west side of Skyline Drive, just before Hogback Mountain Overlook. The loop hike starts on the eastern side of Skyline Drive where the AT crosses Skyline Drive.
Trail Description
From the parking area just south of Hogback Overlook, pick up the AT, northbound, as it crosses over to the eastern side of Skyline Drive.
