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Devil's Marbleyard Bouldering

Climbing Area Map

Areas in Devil's Marbleyard

Banjo-Kazooie Boulder 2

Bankai Boulder 2

Beans & Rice Boulder 3

Californication Boulder 3

Chode Boulder 1

Garden, The 0

House of Cards 2

Kado Boulder 2

Pigwagon Boulder 2

Pistol Pigeon Boulder 1

Pit, The 5

Redheaded Boulder 1

Explore this area in 3D

Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.

Elevation:	2,102 ft	641 m
GPS:	37.58114, -79.47191 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	22,563 total · 254/month
Shared By:	Nathan Eggleston on Jan 22, 2018
Admins:	Shawn Heath, Aaron Parlier Page Updates (admin only)

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Description

A unique bouldering area with tons of potential! Devil's Marbleyard is a large quartzite talus field located outside of Natural Bridge, Virginia. Dozens of truck-size blocks litter the mountain, with boulders increasing in size higher up the field. The hard, white quartzite offers varying textures and proud features, with rock resembling anything from typical southern sandstone to sharp, glassy, granite-like edges. The popular hike provides epic views, especially at sunset, as the sun casts rays and shadows into the valley below the boulder field.

The approach follows a relatively steep, sustained trail to the bottom of the Marbleyard. From here you can either scramble up the talus, or follow a trail to the right of the field (looking up). The hike will get you fit. (Details below) Landings below boulders are uneven so its best to have ample paddage. The field is exposed and receives all day sun in most places–great area for winter bouldering.

Really fun spot, great views, and killer problems!

Check out these FA videos by Sunny Rim to get stooooked!

https://vimeo.com/209574636

(Banjo V3, Kazooie V5, Psychic Spies V4)

https://vimeo.com/203729607

(PigwagonXXXDragonforce V2, Shark Sphincter V3, Any Beans Necessary V5)

Getting There

Directions:
Parking lot: 37.57119, -79.49190

From I-81 take exit 175 for US-11 to Natural Bridge. Then take VA-130 E and VA-759 S to State Rte 781 in Natural Bridge Station. Turn right onto US-11 N, right onto VA-130 E, and right onto VA-759 S. Then left onto State Rte 781. There will be a small ~4/5 car gravel parking lot, park here. If the lot is full, park along the road to the left of the parking lot.

**If you park on the side, make sure your wheels are completely off the road or you could be towed***

Approach:
From the parking area, cross the bridge over the creek and follow the trail. You will reach a fork–one for the horse trail, one for Belfast Trail. Follow the Belfast Trail (right) with blue trail markers. Hike uphill for about 1 mile, crossing 2 streams, eventually reaching the bottom of the Marbleyard. Scamble up the talus field, first boulders are about halfway up, with greater concentration/size higher up the mountain. The trail on the side of the talus field (left side when looking down) is the easiest way down at the end of the day.