Georgetown’s Haunted Cinematic Steps

The Exorcist Stairs: A Grueling Climb Through Cinema History

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

By the Wicked Cool Places editors · Published Wed, Mar 18, 2026 · Updated Thu, Jul 23, 2026

Why it’s cool

This dizzying staircase in Georgetown is the site of one of horror's most iconic finales. Movie buffs and fitness enthusiasts alike brave the narrow, ivy-choked passage to stand where Father Karras made his final sacrifice.

Northeast Historic

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Georgetown, a dizzying set of stone steps descends sharply toward the Potomac. Wedged between a weathered stone wall and a sturdy brick warehouse, this passage feels far removed from the polished storefronts of the nearby shopping district.

While it serves as a practical shortcut between Prospect Street NW and Canal Road NW, its primary draw is its role in a legendary piece of cinematic history.

Why It Stands Out

Fans of the horror masterpiece The Exorcist will immediately recognize this steep, narrow incline. It served as the backdrop for the film's intense finale, where Father Karras threw himself from a bedroom window to defeat the demon possessing -year-old Regan.

The stairs themselves are inherently atmospheric, framed by ivy-covered walls that create a claustrophobic, shadowy environment even during the day. Other atmospheric underground sites in the city include the Catacombs of Washington, D.C..

At the summit, the experience continues with a view of the MacNeil residence at Prospect Street. Although the specific window used for the movie was a temporary addition for filming, the house itself remains remarkably similar to how it appeared on screen.

It is a private home, but the owners are accustomed to visitors stopping by to snap a photo near the gate, often attempting to mimic the haunting imagery from the movie's original poster. Whether you are there for the spooky vibes or a high-intensity cardio session, the climb is a rite of passage in the District.

Before You Go

The stairs are located exactly where M Street transitions into Canal Road. For those arriving by car, look for a parking lot on the right side just before the road changes names; this puts you directly at the base of the climb.

If you choose to start at the top, the MacNeil house is situated immediately to the left of the staircase entrance. Please remain respectful of the residents when photographing the exterior of the house.

Questions worth answering

Where should I leave my car to see the steps?

Drive toward the point where M Street becomes Canal Road. There's a parking area on your right that puts you at the bottom of the climb.

Is the house from the movie still there?

The MacNeil residence sits at 3600 Prospect Street, right next to the top of the staircase. It's a private home, so don't expect to go inside, but the exterior looks much like it did in 1973.

What makes this climb worth the effort?

It's a steep, narrow stone passage that feels claustrophobic because of the surrounding brick and ivy. Most people come to see where Father Karras had his final scene in the film.

How did this guide come together?

We used the original listing for the stairs as a starting point and built our own editorial from there. It's a historic spot that draws both horror fans and people looking for a workout.

Visit Snapshot

Drive east on M Street until it becomes Canal Road. Use the parking lot on the right at the base of the stairs.

The MacNeil house is located at the top of the stairs to the left.

Location

Washington, District of Columbia

Know before you go

Drive east along M Street. Just before it turns into Canal, you will see a lot on the right.

You can pull over and park here. You will be right at the bottom of the stairs.

If you climb to the top, the MacNeil's house is directly to the left.

Editorial source

The Exorcist Stairs

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 horror movie The Exorcist will likely recognize the site of the climactic final showdown between the self-sacrificing priest and the demon who possesses -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 Karras (Jason Miller) launched himself from Regan's window onto the aforementioned stairs below.

Though the exterior window was built for the film, the MacNeil's house at 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.

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