Little Devils Stairs Overlook (Shenandoah National Park Milepost 20.1 Guide)
Little Devils Stairs Overlook is one of the more dramatic and underrated viewpoints along Skyline Drive.
Located at milepost 20.1 in Shenandoah National Park, this overlook faces south and looks out over Rappahannock County, offering a sweeping view into a rugged gorge below and layered mountain ridges beyond.
On clear days, you can even spot Old Rag Mountain in the distance—making this a great stop for both scenery and photography.
Where Is Little Devils Stairs Overlook?
Little Devils Stairs Overlook is located:
Milepost 20.1 on Skyline Drive
South of the Front Royal entrance
Overlooking Rappahannock County, Virginia
At an elevation of approximately 3,120 feet, it provides a high vantage point looking down into the rocky gorge known as Little Devils Stairs.
What Makes This Overlook Special
This overlook stands out because of its depth and terrain.
You’re not just looking across a valley—you’re looking down into a steep, rugged gorge that cuts through the mountains.
From this vantage point, you can see:
Little Devils Stairs gorge below
Pignut Mountain in the distance
Pickerel Ridge stretching across the landscape
Old Rag Mountain visible in the distance on clear days
It’s one of those views that gives you a better sense of how wild and steep parts of Shenandoah National Park really are.
Best Time to Visit
Winter Sunrise (Best Time Overall)
This is where Little Devils Stairs Overlook really shines.
Because it faces more south than many overlooks, it works especially well for winter sunrise photography when the sun rises further south on the horizon.
You can get:
Soft directional light hitting the ridges
Long shadows creating depth
Clearer visibility through leaf-off trees
If you’re shooting sunrise in the winter, this is one of the better overlooked spots along Skyline Drive.
Sunrise (Year-Round)
Even outside of winter, early morning light works well here due to the direction of the view.
Midday
Midday light tends to flatten the terrain and reduce contrast in the gorge below.
Timing can completely change how this overlook looks and feels.
Photography Tips for Little Devils Stairs Overlook
If you’re photographing here, focus on depth and layers.
Emphasize the Gorge
Use composition to highlight the drop into Little Devils Stairs.
This isn’t just a distant view—bring attention to the foreground terrain.
Look for Mountain Layers
The ridges stack naturally in the distance.
Use that layering to add depth to your images. Use the rule of thirds as a composition guideline for better landscape photos.
Spot Old Rag
On clear days, Old Rag becomes a subtle but powerful subject in the background.
Try composing your shot to include it within the scene.
Tripod for Sunset
If you are there for blue hour, through sunrise and then golden hour, a tripod will help keep things sharp as light is limited when you first arrive.
How Easy Is It to Access?
Little Devils Stairs Overlook is easy to access:
Direct pull-off from Skyline Drive
No hiking required
Quick stop with high reward
Despite the name, you don’t need to hike the actual Little Devils Stairs trail to enjoy this view.
How Much Time to Spend
Most visitors spend:
5–10 minutes enjoying the view
Longer if photographing sunrise or waiting for light
If you’re there for photography, plan extra time to let the light change across the ridges.
Nearby Overlooks and Stops
You can pair this stop with:
Other overlooks along Skyline Drive
Stops between Front Royal and the Thornton Gap entrance
A broader trip through Shenandoah National Park
This area also connects well to exploring:
Rappahannock County
Luray and Page County
Old Rag Mountain region
Final Thoughts
Little Devils Stairs Overlook is one of those places that quietly delivers one of the more dramatic views in the park.
It’s one of those views that feels bigger the longer you stand there.
It’s not always the most talked about stop—but once you’ve seen it, especially at sunrise, it sticks with you.
Between the steep gorge below and the distant ridgelines stretching out toward Old Rag, it’s a reminder of how much depth and scale exists in Shenandoah National Park.
Plan Your Visit
If you're exploring Skyline Drive as part of a larger trip, this overlook can be included in a full-day itinerary.
For a complete plan, see my guide to spending one day in Front Royal VA.
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