The Exorcist Steps
4.7(1.1K)google
4.5(148)yelp
FilmEerie & HauntedQuirkyPhoto SpotFree
Overview
The Exorcist Steps are a steep, narrow stone staircase located in the historic Georgetown neighborhood that gained international fame from the climax of the iconic 1973 horror film 'The Exorcist'. Nestled between a historic stone wall and a brick retaining wall, these 75 steps connect Prospect Street to M Street. Today, the steps serve as an official historic landmark and a grueling workout spot for local runners, attracting cinephiles and fitness enthusiasts alike who want to conquer the spooky stone path.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 15-30 minutes
Best TimeMovie buffs will love visiting on an overcast day, near twilight, or around Halloween to experience the eerie, chilling vibe from the classic film 'The Exorcist'. If you just want to take photos without disturbing locals exercising, midday on weekdays is best.
Getting ThereLocated near the corner of 36th and M Street NW by the Key Bridge in Georgetown. Walk 20 minutes from the Foggy Bottom Metro station, or catch the DC Circulator bus to M St NW & 34th St NW and walk 2 minutes west.
Travel Tips
- The steps are extremely narrow, steep, and slippery, with no middle handrails. Avoid sitting on the ledge for photos; stones become incredibly slick in rain or snow. Watch your footing closely.
- This location is heavily used by locals for intense cardio workouts. Do not block the entire width of the path for prolonged photo sessions; keep to the side to let runners pass safely.
- The steps are tucked away in a secluded alley corner with poor nighttime lighting. Solo visits late at night are discouraged due to occasional loitering; stick to daylight or early evening hours.
Reviews
Positive
- The cult film landmark value is unmatched; standing at the top of these famously steep, narrow stone steps from 'The Exorcist' delivers an eerie thrill for movie buffs.
- The towering vintage brick walls and the overhead historic stone archway form a beautifully moody, Gothic visual anchor that shoots spectacular photos.
- Completely free and open 24/7, featuring an official DC commemorative plaque at the base detailing the cinematic filming history for curious walkers.
- The steps serve as an iconic local athletic training site for vertical climbing, situated within short walking distance of the main Georgetown waterfront.
Heads up
- The stone staircase is incredibly long, steep, and narrow, with worn, uneven historic treads that pose a distinct slipping hazard without athletic footwear.
- It is strictly a functional outdoor public staircase with zero tourist facilities, restrooms, or shade structures, leading to a very brief 2-minute dwell time.
- The narrow, high-walled masonry slot gets stuffy and humid in the summer, regularly trapping fallen wet leaves and minor urban litter at the gloomy base corridor.
- The lower approach is tucked behind an old gas station lot and gets very dark at night; checking out this isolated cinematic alleyway alone late at night demands high alertness.