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Overview
Short but sweet, this is a perfect route for the geologist in your family! A trip to
Devil's Marbleyard is a fun and interesting trip, though it can be quite strenuous.
Description
This route contains a steep incline for most of the trip, but it's well worth the time and effort spent getting to the
Devil's Marbleyard. The trail is not marked well, but you can follow the blue blazes until the end of the
Belfast Trail. The route features a gentle climb at first, but soon enough the angle steepens. You'll find yourself passing the
Devil's Marbleyard just over 1.25 miles into the run. Take your time exploring the area! Tumbled down chunks of marble litter the landscape here.
Where did this all come from, you ask? The answer is found in geology. The Antietam Quartzite found at
Devil's Marbleyard (Arnold's Valley) is the result of a rise in sea level relative to the land (transgression), over 500 millions years ago, followed by a time were the area was dominated by a pure quartz beach. The blocks and boulders at the Marbleyard have tube-like structures running parallel to one another. Likely, these are the fossilized remains of cavities where a worm-like creature lived.
If you're up for more, continue to follow the
Belfast Trail as it continues heading northeast and up for another mile.
Contacts
Shared By:
Roanoke Outside
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