The Graveyard Fields Waterfall Loop: Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina- The family-friendly hiking loop will take you to two scenic waterfalls, Second Falls and Upper Falls. This article will tell you everything you need to know about the Graveyard Field hiking trail, from where to park, which direction to go, how far and long, how hard the hike is and much more.
This hiking area gets its name from the appearance it gives looking somewhat like a graveyard. From a fire long ago many of the tree stumps look like gravestones.
Stats
Length: 3.3 miles round trip loop (plus add ons)
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 350 feet
Trailhead: Graveyard Fields Parking Lot (off the Blue Ridge Parkway)
Overview
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When To Go
The best time to take this hike is between the months of March and October. In the winter the trail is not accessible but the falls can be seen from the road. You will need to walk along the road from the parking lot, making it actually a longer hike than on the trail.
Blueberry picking is popular on this trail, you can pick up to one gallon per Park Rules. The best time to pick blueberries is in late July or early August.
Where To Stay
We stayed about 15 minutes outside of the city at the “Gather Around the Fire Pit AirBnB“. We wanted something in between the mountains and the city as we were seeing both. And we definitely wanted something with an outdoor fire pit so we had the option to sit outside and enjoy our to-go drinks. Check out this article on The Best AirBnB’s in Asheville, both in the mountains and near the city.
How Hard Is The Hike?
This hike is moderate. There are some steps and mild creek crossing along this path. But besides that is a fairly easy hike. Many families and pets will be seen along this route.
The Route
Parking
There is a decently large parking lot at the trailhead, it is right off of the main road so it is hard to miss. Since this is a popular area the parking lot does seem to fill up fast, but the good news is that since it is a short hike you will see many people coming and leaving, loop around a few times and you probably will be able to find a spot. You could also plan to go early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds.
There are drop toilet restrooms at the parking lot and trailhead to use before getting on the trail.
The Start
This trail is mostly a loop, you can start by going to the Upper Falls first or the Second Falls, we started with the Second Falls first on our loop.
From the parking lot near the restroom you will start the loop by heading down the stairs. The path eventually levels out. Early on the route (about 0.2 miles in) you will need to take a right on the loop towards the Second Falls.
Second Falls
Near the Second falls you will need to go down a series of stairs and platforms to get to the bottom of the falls viewpoints.
Here we climbed around the rocks to see different angles of the waterfall. I love how wide this waterfall was.
Supposedly in the summer you may see people swimming near the Second Falls waterfall.
Get Back on the Loop
After seeing Second Falls you will need to get back onto the loop. On your way back you do have an option to extend your loop if you wanted to get some extra steps in.
Optional Add On
On the way back from Second Falls you will pass a split that you might have noticed on the way in. This hard right split will take you to the Mountains to Sea Trail (you will be on a short connector trail before bringing you to the actual Mountains to Sea Trail). This connector trail is only 0.23 miles. but you can add on a loop by turning left on the Mountains to Sea Trail, hike about 0.35 miles before turning left on the Graveyard Ridge Trail for another 0.30 miles and then turning right once again to get on the the Graveyard Ridge Connector Trail to put you back on the Graveyard Fields Loop. This entire add on will be about an extra 1.2 miles.
Back on the Graveyard Fields Loop
If you don’t want to do the above options head back to the Graveyard Fields trail and go straight to continue the loop.
*You can actually go right the way you came to go back towards the parking lot towards Upper Falls. But to complete the loop you will need to go straight. I would recommend going straight as some only come to see Upper Falls; this section of the trail can become crowded. It was much more peaceful and pleasant on the upper section of this loop.
This section of the trail has an old route and newer route. They are similar in distance but one is more corroded than the other.
Boardwalks
About 0.7 miles in on the loop you will come across some boardwalks. These were added recently to help protect the vegetation.
Upper Falls Trail
On 0.8 miles into the trail you will come across another split. This split will be another out and back trail to the Upper Falls, head right on this trail towards the falls.
If going during fall or spring, or after it has been rainy this area can get wet and swampy. Be prepared with proper shoes and maybe even a walking hole for guidance if you are not sure footed.
Creek
About 1 mile into the loop you will need to cross a small creek, again being sure footed this should be fairly easy.
Boulders
Right before the Upper Falls come into view at about 1.3 miles in you come across some large rocks. To see the falls you will need to climb and maneuver around these boulders to the waterfall.
Upper Falls
After seeing the falls from different viewpoints we found a quiet area to eat our packed sandwiches and snacks while listening to the falls. The head back on the same trail.
Hike Back
The trail back will start with the one you took to get to the Upper falls. Then to complete your loop as we did head right at the trail spilt. Here there will be more boardwalks. A lot of green moss and trees.
Before you know it you will be back at the parking lot and finished with your Graveyard Fields Loop.
Where Else Can I Hike Here?
As stated at the beginning of this loop you can add on an additional 1.2 miles by hiking parts of the the Mountains to Sea/Graveyard Ridge Trail Extension Loop which will loop you back on to the Graveyard Fields Loop.
You can also add in sections of the Mountains to Sea Trail or hike all the way to Black Balsam at Milepost 420.2.
Tips For The Hike
Dog and Family Friendly
This hike is dog friendly (on leash) and family friendly
You Can Pick The Blueberries
Under Park Service rules, individuals are allowed to pick 1 gallon per day for personal consumption.
Leave No Trace
Follow the Leave No Trace guidelines and tips to keep these beautiful places open to the public and beautiful.
What To Bring
Water: I brought this 1 liter collapsible water bottle for our day hike, which was more than enough.
Snacks: we like jerky sticks, a peanut butter sandwich, granola bars, and trailmix to bring on our hikes.
Hiking Poles: I like my travel hiking poles for long all day hikes, it also helped in those muddy areas on the trail, but they are not a must.
Sturdy Hiking Shoes: I wore my Vasques Hiking Shoes.
DayPack: My favorite lightweight summer daypack is the Osprey Daylite Daypack. Perfect size for all that you need.
Hat/sunglasses: Depending on what time of day you go you might not have shade on some sections of the trail.
Sunscreen
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