Belfast Trail

Length:  2.8 miles
Rating:  Moderate/Strenuous
Elevation change 1000 feet to 2650 feet.

Cross Elk Creek on footbridge, pass site of old Boy Scout Camp and start ascent. At about 1 1/2 miles, pass Devils Marbleyard on left, a large scenic outcrop of loose boulders. Some short sections of trail steep and difficult. At 2 miles, reach top of ridge. At 2.4 miles, Gunter Ridge Trail intersects from the left. At 2.8 miles, intersect Appalachian Trail at Hickory Stand.

Directions:

From VA Route 130 at Natural Bridge Station, turn south on VA Route 759. Go 3.2 miles to intersection with VA Route 781. Turn east (left) and go 1.5 miles to beginning of trail at footbridge across Elk Creek. Room for parking about five compact cars at beginning of trail or more room on the left a little further down the road.