Devil's Marbleyard Hike-Strenuous-8.3 miles

Starting Point - Belfast Trail Parking on Pettite's Gap Road

Ending Point - Belfast Trail Parking on Pettite's Gap Road

Hike Rating/Distance/Elevation - Strenuous/8.3 miles/1500 feet of elevation

Disclaimer #1 - This hike is rated as a strenuous hike. Since this hike is rated as a strenuous hike, all hikers will start the hike on the wait list until I can verify the hiking experience of all hikers. Since this hike is going through a designated wilderness area, this hike is going to be capped at ten hikers. Hikers, who have not hiked with me on a strenuous hike, will need to answer the following vetting questions.

1. How often do you hike?
2. What strenuous hikes have you completed?
3. When and what was the last strenuous hike that you completed?

Those hikers have one week to answer the vetting questions. Failure to answer these questions will move those hikers to NOT GOING.

Hike Highlights - Belfast Trail, The Devil's Marbleyard, the Gunter Ridge Trail, Ridge line vistas, Vistas from the Marbleyard, the Glenwood Horse Trail

Hike Details - We are going to one of the more fun and exciting hikes in the James River Face Wilderness. This circuit hike is one of my favorites in Virginia with amazing ridge line views and the jungle gym of Devil's Marbleyard. We are going to form carpools at the Fontaine Research Park shortly before 8:00 AM. We are going to drive to the Belfast Trailhead on Pettite's Gap Road. From the Belfast Trail, we are going to hike the Belfast Trail up to the Devil's Marbleyard. We are going to climb in and around the boulder field after reaching the boulder field. After playing in the boulder field, we will continue up the Belfast Trail to the junction with the Gunter Ridge Trail. We are going to turn left onto the Gunter Ridge Trail. On the Gunter Ridge Trail, we should have amazing ridge line views We will continue on the Gunter Ridge Trail and descend down to the intersection with the Glenwood Horse Trail. We will turn left onto the Glenwood Horse Trail and complete the circuit with the Belfast Trail. We will turn right onto the Belfast Trail to complete the hike. Please make sure to review the hike link below before signing up for this hike.

https://www.hikingupward.com/JNF/DevilsMarbleyard/

As is tradition with my hikes, there will be an optional post hike at a local restaurant or brewery. Carpools can be arranged accordingly for those, who wish to partake in the post hike.

What to Bring - Broken in hiking boots, Going to recommend traction, a good day pack, 3 to 4 layers of clothing for colder mountain weather, beanies, gloves, a first aid kit, trekking poles, a camera/phone for picture taking, $8 for your driver if not driving, 3 to 4 liters of water, lunch and snacks

Disclaimer #2 - GetHiking Charlottesville's Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with this disclaimer - Disclaimer (https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Charlottesville-Charlottesville-VA/pages/21088739/Disclaimer/)