Big Devils Stairs- October 14, 2014

submitted by Marit Anderson Gay

Nine intrepid hikers met at Gravel Springs Gap parking area on the Skyline Drive for the Big Devils Stairs adventure hike.  Hike leaders Pete Fink and Marit Gay had envisioned the hike down Big Devils Stairs Trail with a return up the old trail through the gorge and bushwhacking to reunite with the existing trail.  Rainy conditions from the last three days altered the plans, but a wonderful fall hike was still enjoyed by all. Instead, the group began the original plan by taking the yellow blazed fire road/horse trail to the Bluff Trail and continuing down the Big Devils Stairs Trail and eventually meeting with the stream bed and Shenandoah Park boundary. Very slippery rocks made  the one mile ascent up the gorge too dangerous, so we did an out and back 6 mile hike with an elevation gain of 1800 feet. Rain held off for most of the hike and lifting fog allowed us to see some of the amazing views.  Seventy degree temperatures and strong, soothing winds made for a magical day, despite the heavy rains on the ride to the the trail head in the morning.  Nice surprise!

Anne Colgate, Pete & Bev Fink, Barbara Martin, Marit, Michael Seth, Dave Borszich, Michael Smith

The view of the cliffs at the overlook was beautiful and fall colors were glorious

Mark Perschel and gang nibble their lunch at the base of the stream

There was a profusion of mushrooms throughout the hike

Laugh of the day - Bev accidentally put on two different boots and did not notice it until the end of the day!