Take a hike through a forest of rhododendron, a field of wildflowers, pick blueberries in the fall, and visit two amazing waterfalls all in a 3.5-mile trail. Graveyard Fields is a popular and unique hike off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Don’t miss this perfect family-friendly and pet-friendly hike!
The name, Graveyard Fields, might sound creepy, but don’t worry… it has nothing to do with a real graveyard. There are theories that the name came from the appearance of tree stumps looking like gravestones back in the early 1900s. The spooky-looking tree stumps are no longer there due to a wildfire, but the recovering vegetation has created the picturesque area you see today.
Table of Contents
Know Before You Go
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile road that takes you through the Blue Ridge Mountains starting from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and ending in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The drive along the Parkway includes scenic overlooks, beautiful landscapes with diverse plants and wildlife, and amazing hikes.
Since the Blue Ridge Parkway is located at higher elevation, it can experience frequent closures during the winter. Sometimes closures happen in the spring and fall as well. Stay up to date on road closures along the Parkway here.
How did Graveyard Fields get its name?
Graveyard Fields got its name a long time ago when heavy winds knock down many trees leaving behind tree stumps. The stumps looked like gravestones which gave the area an appearance of a graveyard. There is another theory in which logging took place in the area leaving behind tree stumps, again, giving the appearance of a graveyard.
Then in the mid-1920s, a wildfire burned through the area which destroyed the gravestone-looking tree stumps. The vegetation in Graveyard Fields has been slowly recovering since the fire.
Be Safe
Please use caution when exploring around the waterfalls. It is highly advised NOT to climb the rocks near the waterfall due to the risk of slipping and falling. The top of any waterfall is especially dangerous. Avoid playing in the streams above a waterfall. Always keep a close eye on your kids!
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
About the Trail
Graveyard Field Loop to Upper Falls
Location: Graveyard Fields is located in the Pisgah National Forest and along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 3.5 miles with an elevation gain of 400 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 1 to 2 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Easy to moderate depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail consists of rocky and wooden steps, boardwalks, paved path, and dirt/rocky.
Pet-friendly? Yes! Your furry friend must be a on leash.
How to Get to the Trailhead
The trailhead to Graveyard Fields is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 418.8. The parking area is fairly big but can fill up fast. Make sure to arrive early to beat the crowds! There are also bathrooms at this parking area.
Put this address in Google maps: Graveyard Fields 418.8, Graveyard Fields, Canton, NC 28716
OR
This address works too: Graveyard Fields Loop Trail, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716
Trail Directions
This hike involves a loop plus a short out-and-back section. Most people tend to complete the loop counterclockwise reaching the lower (or second) falls first then finishing the hike by seeing the more popular upper falls last.
Quick disclaimer… when my husband and I hiked this trail in 2023, we completely missed the upper falls. I honestly have no idea how we missed it. We finished the Graveyard Fields Loop but somehow missed the turn to get onto the Upper Falls Trail to reach the other waterfall.
In 2018, I hiked Graveyard Fields with my family, and I remember seeing both upper and lower falls. I also took pictures but unfortunately, I cannot find them. We will return to see Graveyard Fields upper falls (and lower falls again) and capture our own pictures to share with our readers!
Ok, tangent is over. Here are the trail directions which I have gathered from various sources to make sure you don’t miss the upper falls either!
From the parking area, head towards the right of the parking lot (looking at Graveyard Fields) to start your hike towards the lower falls. The trail descends down a paved path and a set of steps.
The lower (or second) falls is only 0.3 miles from the parking area. You will reach two sets of footbridges and the last one has a little ramp on the left to reach the rocks. Explore the area and have some fun in the water (if it’s a hot summer’s day or if you’re into cold plunges on a chilly fall day).
Continue following the trail signs along the Graveyard Fields Loop Trail. You will go up a set of wooden steps next.
You will pass over a few boardwalks along the way. In the fall, you might see blueberries growing in this area.
Continue following the signs that say “GYF Loop to Upper Falls”.
This is where things got tricky… or we just simply passed the other trail heading towards the upper falls. There are many reviews that talk about side trails off of the main trail making this hike confusing. Just do your research and have a physical or digital trail map with you so you don’t make the same mistake we did.
Continue following the loop trail then veer onto a spur trail. You will cross a small stream and ascend upward towards the upper falls. The trail eventually splits. If you keep right, you will reach the main drop of the upper falls. If you keep left, you will have an awesome view of the upper falls.
Retrace your steps back to the loop trail and take a right. You will cross over another wooden bridge. Eventually you will return back to the parking lot.
Congrats, you did it! 🥳
Avoid the Crowds
Graveyard Fields is a popular spot and is both family-friendly and pet-friendly. Most people of all ages will be able to complete this hike. Therefore, it can get crowded! When my husband and I went here in 2023, we had to wait a little while until a parking spot became available. Other people decided to park along the side of the road where you’re not supposed to… don’t be that person. To avoid the crowds, follow these tips below!
Get there early! You can start hiking Graveyard Fields at any time. We recommend arriving as early as possible. Most people start coming into the parking area around 8-10 AM. Beat the crowd and get there before everyone else!
Go on a weekday! The most popular days people hike to Graveyard Fields is on the weekends and most days during the summer. Kids are out of school and families are on vacation. The weekdays are the best days to go to avoid crowds.
Go in the offseason! This is the time of year when fewer people are traveling. Usually around late fall through the winter to early spring when the weather is not very ideal for outdoor activities. Be aware, the Blue Ridge Parkway might be closed during the winter (depending on the weather conditions).
Get a late start! Rather than hiking early in the morning, you can choose to hike later in the afternoon before sunset to avoid the crowds.
READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors
We Vlogged Our Experience!
More Hikes Along the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC
There are a bunch of awesome hikes to do along the Blue Ridge Parkway! Below is a list of some of our personal favorites.
Black Balsam Knob & Tennent Mountain – Hike along on one of the most scenic trails in North Carolina – Art Loeb Trail. This fairly short hike takes you through a picturesque landscape and summits two mountains with 360-degree views!
Waterrock Knob – take a short hike (0.5 miles one-way) to this very popular spot right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s a perfect spot to watch sunset!
Devil’s Courthouse – hike this short, steep trail to one of the most prominent rock formations along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The observation point provides panoramic views as far as the eye can see!
Skinny Dip Falls – take a short hike to (what used to be) one of the most popular waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway. After a tropical storm in 2021, Skinny Dip Falls has been completely changed. It’s a short, easy hike to reach the falls and still worth checking out!
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