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Graveyard Fields
What you need to know
Graveyard Fields is a waterfall hiking trail in a high mountain valley off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 418.8, about an hour southwest of Asheville, with two waterfalls on the Yellowstone Prong. Lower Falls, also called Second Falls, is the quick one. A paved path and a 60-step wooden stairway drop to the base of the falls, about 20 minutes round trip from the overlook. Upper Falls takes more effort. Follow the blue-blazed Graveyard Fields Loop Trail across the open meadow, then turn onto the orange-blazed Upper Falls Trail. It's about a mile from the parking lot, and the last half mile is rockier and steeper, with Upper Falls dropping in two sections. A hike that takes in both falls runs about 2.5 miles round trip. Side trails crisscross the valley, so carry a map. The meadow fills with wildflowers in summer and wild blueberries later in the season.
Local's Tip
Go early on weekends, since parking fills fast. Restrooms are at the overlook. Check the Parkway's road status before you drive, because sections close in winter weather.
What the locals say
Local families and regulars bring visiting friends here for a quick waterfall hike, and kids love splashing in the pool below Lower Falls on hot summer days. Hikers with a couple of hours add Upper Falls.
What you need to know
Graveyard Fields is a waterfall hiking trail in a high mountain valley off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 418.8, about an hour southwest of Asheville, with two waterfalls on the Yellowstone Prong. Lower Falls, also called Second Falls, is the quick one. A paved path and a 60-step wooden stairway drop to the base of the falls, about 20 minutes round trip from the overlook. Upper Falls takes more effort. Follow the blue-blazed Graveyard Fields Loop Trail across the open meadow, then turn onto the orange-blazed Upper Falls Trail. It's about a mile from the parking lot, and the last half mile is rockier and steeper, with Upper Falls dropping in two sections. A hike that takes in both falls runs about 2.5 miles round trip. Side trails crisscross the valley, so carry a map. The meadow fills with wildflowers in summer and wild blueberries later in the season.
What the locals say
Local families and regulars bring visiting friends here for a quick waterfall hike, and kids love splashing in the pool below Lower Falls on hot summer days. Hikers with a couple of hours add Upper Falls.
Scoops for Graveyard Fields