The Exorcist Steps

Tourist attraction · Georgetown

The Exorcist Steps

Tourist attraction · Georgetown

4

Washington, DC 20007

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The Exorcist Steps by http://takewrning.blogspot.com/2008/11/autumn-bike-trip-day-5-cont.html
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The Exorcist Steps by SarahStierch
The Exorcist Steps by Avoiding Regret (Sandi Hemmerlein)
The Exorcist Steps by notoriousFIG (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by notoriousFIG (Atlas Obscura User)
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The Exorcist Steps by bakedinthehole (Atlas Obscura User)
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The Exorcist Steps by http://takewrning.blogspot.com/2008/11/autumn-bike-trip-day-5-cont.html
The Exorcist Steps by dmvfille (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by teddrake (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by Avoiding Regret (Sandi Hemmerlein)
The Exorcist Steps by erkiletian (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by SarahStierch
The Exorcist Steps by http://takewrning.blogspot.com/2008/11/autumn-bike-trip-day-5-cont.html
The Exorcist Steps by Jimmie Perkins
The Exorcist Steps by Dmitry K
The Exorcist Steps by Tony Nicholls (Atlas Obscura User)
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The Exorcist Steps by bakedinthehole (Atlas Obscura User)
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The Exorcist Steps by Dmitry K
The Exorcist Steps by exploringwithesch (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by http://takewrning.blogspot.com/2008/11/autumn-bike-trip-day-5-cont.html
The Exorcist Steps by notoriousFIG (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by Tony Nicholls (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by erkiletian (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by Dmitry K
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The Exorcist Steps by exploringwithesch (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by melonie (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by http://takewrning.blogspot.com/2008/11/autumn-bike-trip-day-5-cont.html
The Exorcist Steps by phanteana (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by Avoiding Regret (Sandi Hemmerlein)
The Exorcist Steps by Maharaji Rastafari (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by Jimmie Perkins
The Exorcist Steps by Tony Nicholls (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by teddrake (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by ATLAS_OBSCURA
The Exorcist Steps by SarahStierch
The Exorcist Steps by bakedinthehole (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by samanthanichols70 (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by erkiletian (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by bakedinthehole (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by bakedinthehole (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by Jimmie Perkins
The Exorcist Steps by phanteana (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by melonie (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by Tony Nicholls (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by Maharaji Rastafari (Atlas Obscura User)
The Exorcist Steps by erkiletian (Atlas Obscura User)
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The Exorcist Steps by null
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The Exorcist Steps by null
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The Exorcist Steps by null
The Exorcist Steps by null
The Exorcist Steps by null
The Exorcist Steps by null
The Exorcist Steps by null
The Exorcist Steps by null
The Exorcist Steps by null
The Exorcist Steps by null
The Exorcist Steps by null
The Exorcist Steps by null
The Exorcist Steps by null
The Exorcist Steps by null

Highlights

Discover the iconic Exorcist Steps in Georgetown, where horror movie history meets a steep workout, all while surrounded by charming city vibes.  

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Washington, DC 20007 Get directions

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Washington, DC 20007 Get directions

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Jul 26, 2025

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@atlasobscura

A Horror Buff's Great American Roadtrip

"Sometimes, a cold wind will chill the bones of passersby walking through Georgetown in the darkness of night. If you happen to find yourself at the spot where M Street becomes Canal Road, you might notice an exceptionally long, steep staircase wedged between a stone wall and a brick warehouse. For some, these stairs might look like little more than a daunting climb, but fans of the 1973 horror movie The Exorcist will likely recognize the site of the climactic final showdown between the self-sacrificing priest and the demon who possesses 12-year-old Regan. The stairs themselves, which provide a shortcut between Prospect Street NW above and Canal Road NW below, are made somewhat inherently creepy by their narrow dimensions and ivy-covered walls. The payoff upon reaching the top is minimal, revealing a rather bland concrete pathway leading to the steps. Still, it’s a worthwhile stop for movie buffs or anyone looking to incorporate a touch of spookiness into their daily workout. But if you’re a fan of geographically accurate films, then there’s more to see than just the stairs. Fans will remember how Father Miller was launched from Regan’s window onto the aforementioned stairs below. Though the exterior window was built for the film, the MacNeil’s house at 3600 Prospect Street sits right next to the stairs, looking nearly just as it did in the iconic film. While it is a private residence, the homeowners are very welcoming of fans taking photos next to the gate, trying their best to recreate the iconic poster." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/horror-film-roadtrip
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When Stairs and Slides Are Hiding in Plain Sight

"Sometimes, a cold wind will chill the bones of passersby walking through Georgetown in the darkness of night. If you happen to find yourself at the spot where M Street becomes Canal Road, you might notice an exceptionally long, steep staircase wedged between a stone wall and a brick warehouse. For some, these stairs might look like little more than a daunting climb, but fans of the 1973 horror movie The Exorcist will likely recognize the site of the climactic final showdown between the self-sacrificing priest and the demon who possesses 12-year-old Regan. The stairs themselves, which provide a shortcut between Prospect Street NW above and Canal Road NW below, are made somewhat inherently creepy by their narrow dimensions and ivy-covered walls. The payoff upon reaching the top is minimal, revealing a rather bland concrete pathway leading to the steps. Still, it’s a worthwhile stop for movie buffs or anyone looking to incorporate a touch of spookiness into their daily workout. But if you’re a fan of geographically accurate films, then there’s more to see than just the stairs. Fans will remember how Father Miller was launched from Regan’s window onto the aforementioned stairs below. Though the exterior window was built for the film, the MacNeil’s house at 3600 Prospect Street sits right next to the stairs, looking nearly just as it did in the iconic film. While it is a private residence, the homeowners are very welcoming of fans taking photos next to the gate, trying their best to recreate the iconic poster." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/secret-stairs-and-slides-hiding-in-plain-sight
View Postcard for The Exorcist Steps
@atlasobscura

The Ultimate Guide to Stunning, Surprising, or Hidden Filming Locations

"Sometimes, a cold wind will chill the bones of passersby walking through Georgetown in the darkness of night. If you happen to find yourself at the spot where M Street becomes Canal Road, you might notice an exceptionally long, steep staircase wedged between a stone wall and a brick warehouse. For some, these stairs might look like little more than a daunting climb, but fans of the 1973 horror movie The Exorcist will likely recognize the site of the climactic final showdown between the self-sacrificing priest and the demon who possesses 12-year-old Regan. The stairs themselves, which provide a shortcut between Prospect Street NW above and Canal Road NW below, are made somewhat inherently creepy by their narrow dimensions and ivy-covered walls. The payoff upon reaching the top is minimal, revealing a rather bland concrete pathway leading to the steps. Still, it’s a worthwhile stop for movie buffs or anyone looking to incorporate a touch of spookiness into their daily workout. But if you’re a fan of geographically accurate films, then there’s more to see than just the stairs. Fans will remember how Father Miller was launched from Regan’s window onto the aforementioned stairs below. Though the exterior window was built for the film, the MacNeil’s house at 3600 Prospect Street sits right next to the stairs, looking nearly just as it did in the iconic film. While it is a private residence, the homeowners are very welcoming of fans taking photos next to the gate, trying their best to recreate the iconic poster." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/movie-sets-you-can-visit
View Postcard for The Exorcist Steps
@atlasobscura

11 Horror Film Sets Where You Can Revisit Your Greatest Fears

"Sometimes, a cold wind will chill the bones of passersby walking through Georgetown in the darkness of night. If you happen to find yourself at the spot where M Street becomes Canal Road, you might notice an exceptionally long, steep staircase wedged between a stone wall and a brick warehouse. For some, these stairs might look like little more than a daunting climb, but fans of the 1973 horror movie The Exorcist will likely recognize the site of the climactic final showdown between the self-sacrificing priest and the demon who possesses 12-year-old Regan. The stairs themselves, which provide a shortcut between Prospect Street NW above and Canal Road NW below, are made somewhat inherently creepy by their narrow dimensions and ivy-covered walls. The payoff upon reaching the top is minimal, revealing a rather bland concrete pathway leading to the steps. Still, it’s a worthwhile stop for movie buffs or anyone looking to incorporate a touch of spookiness into their daily workout. But if you’re a fan of geographically accurate films, then there’s more to see than just the stairs. Fans will remember how Father Miller was launched from Regan’s window onto the aforementioned stairs below. Though the exterior window was built for the film, the MacNeil’s house at 3600 Prospect Street sits right next to the stairs, looking nearly just as it did in the iconic film. While it is a private residence, the homeowners are very welcoming of fans taking photos next to the gate, trying their best to recreate the iconic poster." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/real-life-horror-film-locations
View Postcard for The Exorcist Steps

ADULT WORLD SUCKS

Google
The exact stairs that were in the movie the Exorcist. Very steep and cool. Right next to the actual house used in the movie. A fantastic piece of movie history. Restaurants located close by but parking is a little hard to find. We parked 10 minutes away and had some seafood and then walked to the house and stairs.

Brian Cade

Google
We really enjoyed seeing the Exorcist Steps! Google maps took us right to them. I didn't realize there was a small amount of parking at the base, so it was perfect for photo op for my car! We had to wait a bit for people to clear so we wouldn't intrude, but we got some pictures that I love! We also found a great restaurant/bar down the street called The Tombs. Its about a block from the top of the stairs. I'm so happy we made a point to visit the iconic Exorcist Steps and highly recommend a visit for fans!

Andrew Scott

Google
Well, this was a location I just had to visit, Georgetown is such an interesting place. Georgetown is somewhere that is really interesting, definitely the place which appealed to me the most, coincidentally the famous Exorcist steps are also there, I can see why if you want to kill a demon this is a sure way to finish one off, they are very steep but so iconic and easy to find,if you're interested in movie locations this is a must see and the house from the movie is also there, such an iconic image, it is definitely worth a visit

Christian Martín

Google
I think for being part of one of the best horror movies ever, the steps lack care, they have graffiti and they are dirty, bad smell two while going up... Not what I expected. It was still nice to visit the place, but it's sad to see how abandoned they are.

Greg Squyres

Google
We took a tour of Georgetown that ended at the Exorcist Steps, the stairway featured in the 1973 film, The Exorcist. The Exorcist is a scary film, and these are some scary steps! The stairway is long and steep, 75 steps in all. As we descended the stairway, I made sure I held the handrail because one misstep could certainly end poorly. The steps were not built for the movie, but built for function as a way to conveniently walk from Prospect Street to 36th Street West. The fact that they are over 120 years old, built in 1895, adds to the drama of the precipitous structure. I was a teenager when the movie was released and remember seeing the film in a drive-in theater. I have not seen it since, as I am not a big fan of horror movies. However, I did find the stairway scene with a YouTube search. If you, like me, don’t care to spend a couple hours watching spinning heads and projectile vomit, you can at least watch the short YouTube clip to see what the fuss is about. But whether you are a fan of the film genre or not, the Exorcist Steps are worth a visit. Just be sure to hold on to the handrail!

Nicholas P

Google
The original Exorcist movie came out in 1973. One of the most iconic movies in history. If you’re a horror fan, the stairs will be a real treat. If you’re not a fan, this is a great place to get your exercise in. Be careful, the stairs are steeped. It wasn’t hard to locate since we saw other people going up/down the stairs and taking pictures. There is limited parking. When we were taking pictures, for some reason a horde of people started to come. It was nice while it lasted.

Kaylee Hamil

Google
So cool!! Got a cramp, the stairs are no joke. Highly recommend.

David Arroyo

Google
Pretty darn cool! Even if you haven't seen the movie, it's awesome. Unfortunately, time does not forgive, or in this case, hoodlums abound. Sadly, the place has graffiti all over, and it detracts from the awesomeness of the place.