Graveyard Fields

Graveyard Fields is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 418.8. This overlook features two impressive waterfalls. The Graveyard Fields Loop is 3.2 miles. This moderate trail has a elevation gain of 450 ft. Lower/Second Falls is 55 feet high and Upper Falls is about 40 feet high.

Start from the overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trail at the lower end of the parking area at the right side of the large map. Begin your hike by going down the stairs on the right side of the parking area. The path below the stairs down to the stream is paved. When you reach the end of the pavement, there is a nice new wooden staircase with a couple of viewing platforms leading to a bridge.

Cross the bridge and take the trail up to the right. The trail almost immediately splits. Go right onto a side trail to Lower/Second Falls. The trail takes you to another bridge and then you will come to another intersection. Once again go right onto a new section of the trail. Go down to the base of the falls on steep wooden steps. At the bottom is a viewing platform. If you decide not to spend the rest of the day here, you can return to the parking area the way you came.

To continue to Upper Falls continue straight ahead. The next waterfall is a little over a mile after the first waterfall. Most of this section is fairly level. However, the last section is a bit steep. The trail splits just before Upper Falls, so keep right to reach the main waterfall. On the return from Upper Falls turn right after about 0.75 miles to cross the river on a newer-looking wooden bridge. Continue on this trail to the exit at the upper end of the parking area.

Graveyard Fields is a high mountain valley where the Yellowstone Prong of the Pigeon River begins. There are several stories behind how Graveyard Fields got its name. The first is that it came from when a windstorm knocked down hundreds of trees that originally grew there and the upended tree roots resembled gravestones in a graveyard. The second theory was that during the early 1900’s the mountains were being extensively logged, wiping out all the trees until all that remained were tree stumps. Over time moss covered the stumps, giving the impression of a graveyard.

The Graveyard Fields overlook is one of its most popular, especially during the summer and fall. Fall color comes early in this section of the parkway with excellent color during the 1st and 2nd weeks of October. To ensure finding a parking space it would be best to visit it on a week day during this time of year. Park rangers have been known to ticket cars parked along the parkway shoulders so park there at your own risk.

While you’re in the area, be sure to visit Skinny Dip Falls, just under two miles up the road on the Blue Ridge Parkway.