Graveyard Fields Loop Hiking Guide
Graveyard Fields is a high, open valley at about 5,000 feet, where historic fires left a landscape of shrubs, blueberry bushes and scattered snags instead of forest. The Yellowstone Prong runs through it and drops over two waterfalls. It is one of the first places in the Southern Appalachians to turn colour in autumn, and one of the most crowded Parkway parking lots from late morning onward.
The Loop and the Falls
The Forest Service lists the loop at 3.2 miles with about 400 feet of gain. Lower Falls is just 0.3 miles from the parking area down a set of steps. Upper Falls, about 40 feet tall, is 1.6 miles from the trailhead via a rougher spur that adds distance and rocky footing; with Upper Falls included, the day comes closer to four miles. The rest of the loop crosses open ground with views to the surrounding ridges.
Changed by Helene
Hurricane Helene in September 2024 reshaped Lower Falls and moved some trail junctions, and the loop was rebuilt afterwards. Older maps and guidebook descriptions may not match what you find on the ground, so follow current signage. The Parkway section between mileposts 382 and 420 reopened in August 2025. The Forest Service lists no closure on the loop, though nearby construction at the John Rock Overlook parking area is a separate project.
Blueberries and Fall Colour
Wild blueberries ripen across the valley in August and draw pickers as well as bears. In early October the shrubs turn red and orange before most of the surrounding forest changes, which makes Graveyard Fields a first stop for leaf-peepers — and makes the lot overflow on autumn weekends. A weekday visit or an early start is the difference between a quiet walk and a line of cars along the Parkway shoulder.
Bears and Rules
Camping is prohibited in Graveyard Fields because of bear activity. Keep food packed away, and never leave it unattended at the falls. The Forest Service is blunt about waterfall safety: the rocks around the falls are extremely slippery, and you should never go to the top of any waterfall. People have been seriously hurt here, particularly at Upper Falls.
Practicalities
The trailhead is at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 418.8, roughly 37 miles southwest of Asheville. There are restrooms at the lot and no fee. Keep dogs leashed. This high section of the Parkway closes periodically in winter for ice, which cuts off access entirely; check the NPS road-status page before you go. Expect cool temperatures and wind even in summer at this elevation.
Hiking tips for Graveyard Fields Loop
- Arrive before 10 a.m. from late spring through October; the lot overflows by late morning.
- Follow current signage — Helene moved junctions and older maps no longer match the loop.
- Stay off the rocks at the top of both waterfalls; the Forest Service warns they are extremely slippery.
- Come in August for wild blueberries, and keep an eye out for bears doing the same.
- Check the NPS Parkway road-status page in winter, when this high section closes for ice.
Nearby trails to explore
- Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain
- Looking Glass Rock Trail
- Mount Pisgah Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Graveyard Fields is the easiest high-country walk off the Parkway and a great first hike with new partners. Use TrailMates to find Asheville hikers for a blueberry or leaf-peeping day. Download the TrailMates app to connect.