Overview
Graveyard Fields is one of the most visited areas on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and it's easy to see why. The 3.2-mile loop drops into a broad, high-altitude valley at over 5,000 feet, passing two waterfalls and crossing a landscape that looks nothing like the typical Appalachian forest. After a massive fire in 1925 and another in 1942, the original spruce-fir forest was destroyed, and what grew back was a heath bald: low scrubby vegetation, blueberry bushes, mountain ash, and scattered birch trees. The result is an open, windswept valley with long views and a character completely unlike the dense forests surrounding it. The high-country setting connects directly to Shining Rock Wilderness to the west, and the Pisgah National Forest district office near Brevard can provide current Parkway and trail status before your visit.
The name has nothing to do with actual graves. Early settlers thought the old-growth tree stumps left after a windstorm (and later the fires) looked like headstones scattered across the valley. The name stuck.
The loop is moderate in effort but not technically difficult. The main attractions are Second Falls (a broad, 45-foot cascade) and Yellowstone Falls (a taller, narrower waterfall at the upper end of the loop). In between, the trail crosses the Yellowstone Prong of the Pigeon River through blueberry thickets and heath meadows. In late September and October, the blueberry and mountain ash turn brilliant red and orange, making this one of the most photographed locations on the entire 469-mile Parkway.
The Route
Trailhead to Second Falls (0.3 miles)
The trail starts from the Graveyard Fields Overlook at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 418.8, at approximately 5,120 feet elevation. A paved path with steps leads steeply downhill from the parking area to the valley floor. This initial descent (and the corresponding climb on the way back) is the steepest section of the entire loop. The steps are well-built but can be slippery when wet.
At the bottom of the steps, the trail reaches the Yellowstone Prong. Turn left (downstream) for a short 0.1-mile spur to Second Falls. The waterfall drops about 45 feet over a wide rock face into a pool below. A viewing platform provides a good vantage point. During warm months, you'll see people wading in the pool at the base. The water is cold (mountain stream at 5,000 feet), but it's refreshing on a hot day.
Second Falls to Yellowstone Falls (1.5 miles)
Return from Second Falls to the main loop junction and continue upstream (south) along the Yellowstone Prong. The trail follows the creek through the heart of the valley. This is where the unique character of Graveyard Fields becomes apparent. Instead of forest canopy overhead, you're walking through open heath with views of the surrounding ridges. Blueberry bushes crowd both sides of the trail, and in late July and August they're heavy with fruit. Picking a handful while you walk is one of the small pleasures of this hike.
The trail crosses the creek on stepping stones in one or two places (a bridge may be in place depending on the season and trail maintenance). The crossings are straightforward in normal conditions but can be tricky after heavy rain when the creek rises.
The grade is gentle, gaining only about 200 feet over this mile-and-a-half stretch. The trail surface is a mix of packed dirt, rocks, and boardwalk sections over wet areas. Some sections can be muddy, especially in spring and after rain.
At the upper end of the valley, a spur trail leads to Yellowstone Falls. This waterfall is taller than Second Falls (roughly 60 feet) and drops in a narrower, more vertical cascade. The falls are named for the yellowish rock in the creek bed, not the national park. A rocky viewpoint at the base offers a good look.
Yellowstone Falls to Trailhead (1.4 miles)
From Yellowstone Falls, the loop trail curves north and begins the return leg along the opposite (east) side of the valley. This section is slightly higher, offering views back across the valley and toward the surrounding peaks. The trail passes through alternating stretches of heath and scattered birch forest.
The final section climbs back up to the Parkway via the steep steps you descended at the start. The climb is short (maybe 5 minutes) but steep enough to get your heart rate up at the end of the hike. Total loop time for most hikers is 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
When to Hike
April and May: The valley is green but not yet in full bloom. Wildflowers appear in the meadows. Snow is possible at this elevation into April, and the trail can be muddy. The Blue Ridge Parkway may have winter closures that affect access into early spring. Check the Parkway's real-time road status before driving.
June and July: Full summer. The heath is green and lush, and mountain laurel blooms in June. Blueberries begin ripening in late July. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. The high elevation means temperatures are 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the valleys below, making this a pleasant escape from summer heat.
August: Peak blueberry season. The bushes along the trail are loaded with wild highbush blueberries, and picking them is perfectly legal (for personal use, not commercial harvest). Bring a small container and snack as you walk. The berries are small but intensely flavored.
September and October: The main event. Fall color at Graveyard Fields is exceptional and arrives earlier here than at lower elevations. The blueberry bushes turn deep red, the mountain ash produces bright orange berries against yellowing leaves, and the scattered birches go gold. Peak color typically hits in late September to mid-October, about two weeks earlier than in Asheville. During peak color weekends, the parking lot fills before 9 AM and cars line the Parkway shoulder for hundreds of yards in both directions.
November through March: The Parkway closes sections for winter weather, and the Graveyard Fields overlook is often inaccessible from late November through March. When accessible, winter hiking here is cold, windy, and beautiful in a stark way. Ice forms on the waterfalls, and the valley takes on a brown, dormant character.
What to Bring
- Layers: At 5,000+ feet, temperatures are notably cooler than in the valleys. Even in summer, a morning start can feel chilly. Bring a light jacket.
- Water: 1 to 2 liters per person. The creek is present if you carry a filter, but it's easier to bring your own for a 2-hour hike.
- Sturdy footwear: The trail has rocky sections, stream crossings, and muddy spots. Trail shoes or hiking boots are better than sneakers.
- Rain jacket: Afternoon storms come fast at this elevation. A packable rain layer weighs almost nothing and saves you from a miserable descent.
- Camera: Bring one. This is one of the most photogenic spots on the Parkway, especially in fall.
Common Mistakes
Parking chaos during fall. There is no way around this: Graveyard Fields during peak fall color (typically the first two weekends of October) is a zoo. The parking lot holds about 50 cars. When it fills, people park along the Parkway shoulder, creating traffic hazards and drawing citations from Park Service rangers. Your options are to arrive before 9 AM, visit midweek, or choose a different trail. The experience is markedly better on a Tuesday morning in October than a Saturday afternoon.
Skipping Yellowstone Falls. Many visitors hike down to Second Falls, snap a photo, and turn around. Yellowstone Falls is worth the extra mile. It's a better waterfall, and the upper valley section of the loop is the most scenic part of the hike.
Underestimating the steps. The staircase from the Parkway down to the valley floor is steep and long. It's easy on the way down and a genuine cardio workout on the way back up, especially at 5,000+ feet elevation. Pace yourself on the return climb.
Cotton clothing in changeable weather. The weather at Graveyard Fields can change quickly. A sunny morning can turn into a cold, rainy afternoon. Wearing cotton (especially cotton jeans or a cotton hoodie) at this elevation when wet is a recipe for hypothermia in spring and fall. Synthetic or wool layers are much safer.
Dogs on the Trail
Dogs are allowed on the Graveyard Fields Loop and must be leashed. The trail is suitable for most dogs, though the steep steps at the beginning and end can be challenging for very small or very old dogs. Keep your dog out of the creek near the waterfalls, where the current can be stronger than it appears. Bring water for your dog.
Trailhead Access
Graveyard Fields Overlook is at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 418.8, between the Pisgah Inn (milepost 408) and Richland Balsam (milepost 431). The Parkway is free to drive and there is no parking fee at the overlook.
From Asheville: Pick up the Blue Ridge Parkway heading south. The drive to milepost 418 takes about 50 minutes from the Parkway entrance near the Folk Art Center. The road is scenic but slow (45 mph speed limit, with many curves and elevation changes).
From Brevard: Take US-276 north into Pisgah National Forest, then connect to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn south (toward Cherokee) and continue to milepost 418. About 45 minutes from downtown Brevard.
From Cherokee: Take the Parkway northeast from its southern terminus near the Great Smoky Mountains. Graveyard Fields is about 30 miles from Cherokee, roughly 45 minutes.
The Blue Ridge Parkway closes sections for winter weather and maintenance. Always check the National Park Service's real-time road map before planning a trip. Sections near Graveyard Fields (above 5,000 feet) are among the most frequently closed.
Nearby Options
If Graveyard Fields is too crowded (or if you want to extend your day), several excellent options are within a short drive on the Parkway.
Black Balsam Knob (milepost 420, 1.5 miles round trip) offers exposed ridge hiking above treeline at 6,000+ feet with panoramic views. It connects to the Art Loeb Trail for longer options. For waterfall hikes at lower elevation, Moore Cove Falls and Courthouse Falls both sit in the Brevard-area backcountry with significantly less traffic than this corridor. The Asheville hike guide covers the full range of options from roadside cascades to multi-day routes. Hikers new to high-elevation Southern Appalachian terrain should read up on the Leave No Trace principles before heading onto the fragile balds. Further south in the range, the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests offer similar heath bald and waterfall terrain for hikers based in Georgia.
Richland Balsam (milepost 431, 1.5 miles round trip) is the highest point on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,053 feet. A short self-guiding loop passes through a spruce-fir forest.
Skinny Dip Falls (milepost 417, 0.4 miles) is a short, steep trail to a series of small cascades and swimming holes on the Yellowstone Prong, just one mile from Graveyard Fields.
Graveyard Fields is one of those places where the landscape tells a story. The fires, the recovery, the heath that replaced the forest: it all created something unique. Add two waterfalls, wild blueberries, and some of the best fall color in the mountains, and you have a hike that rewards every visit. Just get there early.