Graveyard Fields Loop Trail

Why is this one of the top Asheville area hikes?

This family-friendly hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway has something for everyone and several hiking options.

Graveyard Fields sits at over 5,000 feet in elevation, where cooler air, open meadows, and exposed ridgelines create a landscape that feels distinct from the forested valleys below.

The name traces back to a historic logging-era flood that left behind a tangle of uprooted trees resembling a “graveyard” of timber. Today, that once-disturbed land has rebounded into wide-open fields dotted with wildflowers and framed by Blue Ridge peaks — a living example of the mountains’ resilience.

What draws hikers back again and again are the waterfalls. Two primary cascades — Lower Falls and Upper Falls — spill through rhododendron tunnels and mossy rock corridors, offering some of the most accessible waterfall views along the Parkway.

In late summer, the meadows fill with wild blueberries. In October, the fields ignite in crimson and gold. In every season, the wind moves freely across the open landscape, carrying the feeling that you’ve stepped into something expansive.

Graveyard Fields

Where Are the Waterfalls at Graveyard Fields?

Two primary waterfalls define this hike:

Lower Falls

Just under one mile from the trailhead, Lower Falls is the more accessible cascade. A series of wooden and stone steps lead down to a wide viewing area. In summer, hikers sometimes wade into the cool mountain water (exercise caution — rocks can be slick).

Upper Falls

Farther along the loop, Upper Falls feels more secluded. A short spur trail descends to a narrower, taller cascade framed by boulders and dense vegetation. This section can be muddy after rain and icy in winter.

Together, they make Graveyard Fields one of the most popular waterfall hikes near Asheville.

What Should You Know Before Hiking Graveyard Fields?

Before setting out, keep these tips in mind:

• Check Blue Ridge Parkway closures: Weather can affect access, especially in winter.
• Arrive early: Parking is limited and fills fast during peak seasons.
• Wear sturdy footwear: Mud, loose gravel, and slick rocks are common.
• Prepare for shifting weather: High elevation means cooler temperatures and stronger winds.
• Be bear aware: This is black bear habitat. Store food securely and avoid leaving scraps behind.

Leave No Trace

Graveyard Fields is surrounded by the Shining Rock Wilderness. Wilderness areas are designed to be left in their natural state. Stay on the designated trails to help preserve the unique and fragile ecosystems found here. And, note that camping isn't allowed at Graveyard Fields -- there's been high bear activity in the area.

What are Some Important Seasonal Tips?

When you get to the Graveyard Fields parking lot, you’ve got a few options. Take the stairs from the parking lot down to the paved path through the rhododendron (in beautiful bloom in June), which leads to a viewing platform. From here, you’ll take more wooden steps to a bridge over Yellowstone Creek. At the end of the bridge, take the right side of the trail toward Second Falls (only about .2 mile). This is a popular swimming hole in the summer, and many people end their hike here. To continue, go back to the trail you just left, where the loop trail really begins.

You’ll enter into a high mountain meadow (the most popular summer blueberry picking area). Pass the camping area, then take the trail to the right. Pass Graveyard Ridge Trail (which goes right), and continue left to Upper Falls. Return to the trail you came up on, which will lead you back to the loop that gets you back to the parking lot toward the parking lot after Upper Falls. This is the simplest way to see the most, but if you are camping and want to spend more time here, you can add sections of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail or hike all the way to Black Balsam at Milepost 420.2.

Can I Pick Blueberries at Graveyard Fields?

Blueberry bushes are abundant here, and picking them is a popular activity around mid-August. To get them before they’re all picked out, you’ll need to arrive early in the day, early in the season. Under Park Service rules, individuals may pick one gallon per day for personal consumption.

How Do I Get There?

From downtown, take I-240 West to I-26 East. Take Exit 33 (marked Blue Ridge Parkway-Brevard Road-Hwy 191). Turn left (south) onto Highway 191 and go 2.1 miles, passing brown signs for Blue Ridge Parkway and NC Arboretum. Turn right at the entrance to The North Carolina Arboretum and follow signs for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn south on the parkway and drive to Milepost 418.8, Graveyard Fields.

What are the GPS Coordinates?

35.320319, -82.847216