Graveyard Fields is a popular hiking area off the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 418.8), especially during autumn as this is one of the first places in North Carolina to see the trees change color. This section of the Parkway is often closed during the winter due to ice and snow.
Its name, Graveyard Fields, supposedly comes from spruce and fir trees felled by a huge windstorm long ago. The tree stumps covered in moss looked like gravestones until the area was destroyed by a fire in 1925.
The two waterfalls here – Second Falls and Upper Falls – are on the Yellowstone Prong, a tributary of Pigeon River. Hiking to both is around 3.3 miles roundtrip. There is a large parking lot, but it can fill up quickly so get there early or late in the day. It also has a restroom unlike many nearby waterfalls.
Second Falls
The lower waterfall, called Second Falls, is only a third of a mile from the parking area. Take the stairs next to the restrooms. Walk the path through rhododendron and mountain laurel until you reach a creek. Cross the bridge and follow the boardwalk.
You will pass an offshoot for the Upper Falls on your left, continue straight. Take the trail to your right and descend the wooden stairs to a viewing platform. For a closer look, you can scale the boulders at the base of the 55-foot waterfall. This is a popular stop, so there can be people all over the area which makes it difficult to get an unobstructed photographic view.
Upper Falls
To see the Upper Falls, retrace your steps to the Graveyard Fields Loop trail you passed. After about a quarter mile, the trail splits, with the right route taking you to the Graveyard Ridge Connector Trail. Veer left to stay on the loop. Then you’ll hit a T-junction, with the waterfall to your right and the rest of the Graveyard Fields loop to the left. Turn right.
You’ll make your way along wild berry bushes like blackberries and blueberries.
There are no blazes on the Upper Falls trail and only a few signs. It would be easy to get lost or turned around in a couple spots. I would consider this a moderate hike. The path is a mix of dirt, wooden plank bridges, stairs, stone steps, boulders, and rough terrain. The last section is a steep and steady climb.
Upper Falls is two sections – a 40-foot main drop followed by a narrow chute down a rockface. Before the waterfall, the trail splits again. Going up to the right will lead to the base of the main drop.
If you stay straight, you’ll come across the chute first. From the chute, you can climb the narrow trail next to the falls up to the main drop. If it is too slippery or you don’t feel comfortable on that spur trail, you can make your way to the upper path which is more level.
Upper Falls Main Drop
Upper Falls Chute
Finish the Graveyard Fields Loop
After the waterfall, backtrack to the T-junction and go straight/veer right. You’ll cross a bridge over Yellowstone Prong. Then the trail moves back into the forest and begins a steady climb. The loop ends at a staircase which leads up to the other end of the parking lot.
It was peak season and heavily traveled the day I ventured out. With the fall colors, it was the perfect time to see the area in all its glory! If you don’t mind the crowds, I would add this to your autumn hike bucket list.