Devil's Marbleyard, VA
Posted by: 
garmin_geek
N 37° 34.867 W 079° 28.300
17S E 634947 N 4160438
Jefferson National Forest. Devil’s Marbleyard offers unforgettable impression of huge house size boulders tossed about the ridgeline and amazing view of the valley below. Worth the hike up from road below or down from the AT on the ridgeline above.
Waymark Code: WM5MC1
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 01/21/2009
Views: 25
The geology of the region tells the story. For example, the Antietam Quartzite found at Devil's Marbleyard in Arnold's Valley is the result of a transgression, or rise in sea level relative to the land, that took place over 500 millions years ago. It was then a very pure quartz beach sand, similar to those found on the Outer Banks of North Carolina today. Proof of this setting may be found on all the blocks and boulders at the Marbleyard. The straight tube-like structures all running parallel to one another are the fossilized remains of cavities in which what was probably a worm-like creature lived. The Antietam Quartzite can also be found in the hill above Buena Vista and in St. Marys Wilderness Area.
From the parking area cross the footbridge over the east fork of Elk Creek on the blue blazed Belfast Trail. Pass the stone pillars of the old Powhatan summer camp, and in 100 yards cross the intersection of the Glenwood Horse Trail (GHT). Continue straight and in 200 yards there is a large camping area among what's left of the Powhatan Camp building foundations.
The Belfast Trail trail veers left here, crossing a creek, then arriving at another junction of the GHT. Stay right following the blue blazed Belfast Trail. From this point there are no further blazes along the Belfast Trail. The trail will become steeper crossing a stream two more times before reaching the bottom tip of Devil's Marbleyard in 1.0 miles.
The trail stays to the right of Devils' Marbleyard, and in 0.1 miles there is access through the scrub to the main boulder field. If you spend some time rock-hopping make sure to rejoin the Belfast Trail at the same point you entered, as there isn't any trail access higher in the boulder field. Continue up the Belfast Trail as it veers away from Devil's Marbleyard through a ravine, then arrives at the top of the ridge and junction of the Gunter Ridge Trail in 0.9 miles.
Waymark is confirmed to be publicly accessible: yes
Parking Coordinates: N 37° 34.295 W 079° 29.540
Requires a high clearance vehicle to visit.: no
Requires 4x4 vehicle to visit.: no
Public Transport available: no
Access fee (In local currency): Not Listed
Website reference: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
No specific requirements, just have fun visiting the waymark.