Virginia's Appalachian Mountains Boast This Fiendish Trail That Challenges Even Expert Hikers

While the pleasant climb up Mount Rogers, Virginia's highest point, passes wild ponies and stunning views, tackling the Devil's Marbleyard may feel like going toe-to-toe with the devil himself. This epic 4-mile, out-and-back journey encompasses a beautiful walk, a scramble over boulders the size of large vehicles, and an element of danger through the heart of Virginia's Appalachian mountains. And not to mention, one heck of a full-body workout. All in all, the hike to Devil's Marbleyard normally averages about six hours in total, perfect for a summer morning or a clear fall afternoon.

The Devil's Marbleyard not only stands out for being one of the most challenging in the state but also for its geologic composition and origin. Millions of years ago, geologists believe the area around Devil's Marbleyard was a beach that was compressed into quartzite near an ancient sea. Unlike in other parts of North America, geologists believe it wasn't cold enough to form glaciers; however, water froze and thawed into rock, which likely broke off into massive chunks and tumbled down the mountain. According to a local legend, though, the boulders are the remains of an altar on top of the mountain that was struck by lightning.

Start your hike from the Devil's Marbleyard parking lot at the Belfast Trailhead, just a few minutes away from the Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. From Lynchburg and Roanoke (the closest major cities with airports), it's about an hour's drive. If you plan to hike on the weekends, note that the tiny parking lot at the Belfast Trailhead is frequently full, and cars may be towed.

Shortly after starting the hike on the blue-blazed Belfast Trail, you'll cross over Elk and Belfast creeks as you head into the James River Face Wilderness area. From this point on, you'll see little to no human development on the hike — make sure your water bottles are full, as there is no drinking water source on the trail. The dense, hardwood forests are home to diverse populations of wildlife, including whitetail deer, black bears, amphibians, reptiles, and birds of prey. Once you cross another small creek, you'll climb up a meandering, rocky trail toward the Devil's Marbleyard. 

The boulder field is a physical and mental challenge. Although the boulder field covers approximately 8 acres, parts of the incline near the end are steep. Take your time and think through each step to avoid twisting an ankle. While scrambling up the rocks and passing false peaks, you'll have very little cover from the sun while you're scaling. On the plus side, this means you'll have nothing blocking your view of the gorgeous canopy of trees below. Although the panoramic views from the top may not be as picturesque as those from this nearby Blue Ridge Hideaway, you'll have a one-of-a-kind view of the rocky cascade below, along with a genuine sense of satisfaction from literally overcoming the obstacles in front of you.

If you're planning to climb the Devil's Marbleyard, plan to visit from March to November. During the spring and fall, the temperatures aren't sky-high or chilly, and the blossoms and leaves are displaying their colors. No matter which season you visit, choose a day when the weather is dry. The rocks can get slick, and per other hikers, if you slip and drop something between the cracks, kiss it goodbye. While you're hiking, please do your part to leave no trace, especially in the wilderness area. Local volunteers work hard to keep the area free of graffiti and pure for generations to come.

You'll have plenty of options to camp nearby, as the Appalachian Trail runs just a few miles from the Devil's Marbleyard. One of Hipcamp's best-rated campsites in Virginia, Thunder BRidge, is a burgeoning arts community and full campground. Rent a charming cabin that sleeps six people for about $85 a night, at the time of this writing, with Wi-Fi and full bathrooms nearby. All reservations require a two-night minimum stay, so spend that second day admiring local art or recovering at a nearby swimming hole. If you're looking for more comfort, nearby Lexington, a charming college-filled Virginia mountain town, has major hotel chains, historic boutique stays, and cozy bed and breakfasts.

When visiting the Devil's Marbleyard, bringing a hiking buddy, or buddies, is highly recommended, but keep groups to less than 10 people. You'll likely save a parking spot for someone else and will gain epic memories from the challenging experience together. Just remember to bring plenty of snacks to share!