Devil’s Marbleyard Hike/Crawl/Slide/Scramble

OVERVIEW

Devil’s marbleyard is a boulder field in Jefferson National Forest with some great views and is a whole lotta fun to climb and explore. The hike to the rocks is about 2 miles and is pretty straightforward out and back and has a couple nice creek crossings. We plan on spending most of our time exploring/climbing up the field. By “climb” we dont mean actual rock climbing but its also not just hiking you will have to use your hands. There is a nice clearing on the top of the mountain that would work well as a picturesque place for snacks/lunch. After food we can either descend back down through the boulders or if people are ready to get going there’s a trail bordering the rocks that is much faster. You can also take this trail up if you need a break from climbing.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/devils-marbleyard-via-belfast-trail

We will leave around 9 from Echols, the drive is about 3 hours round trip and the hike will be around the same so we should get back well before 5 but may want to stop somewhere on the way back or something.
Schedule:
Leave at 900
Arrive around 1030
Reach the marbleyard by 1130
Meet at top for lunch at 1
Get back to cars and leave for charlottlesville around 230
Arrive at 4 unless we stop somewhere.

I would not suggest this to anyone who isn’t confident in their rock scrambling abilities as the footing can get a little sketchy at the top. Also its alot bigger than the pictures make it seem, and the climb is constantly uphill so it will be strenuous.

You should bring:
~2L water
Good shoes
Snacks/lunch
A little money in case we want to stop anywhere for more food
Light jacket if you want, it will probably be cool in the morning.
A small backpack to carry these things in.

DRIVERS NEEDED. Drivers will get priority off the waitlist and will be reimbursed for gas (+50% tip). All roads we encounter will be paved so any kinda car works.

Looking forward to scrambling with you all