The Graveyard Fields Loop is a 3.1-mile trail system within Pisgah National Forest along the Blue Ridge Parkway, accessed at Milepost 418.8 near Waynesville, North Carolina. The area sits at approximately 5,120 feet elevation and offers a plateau-style hike through a recovering spruce-fir forest to two prominent waterfalls: Second Falls (also known as Lower Falls) and Yellowstone Falls (Upper Falls).
The trailhead is located at a well-signed parking area directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway, with facilities including restrooms and an interpretive display. The loop begins with a short descent on a paved section before transitioning to compacted dirt and rocky trail beside Yellowstone Prong, a cold mountain stream that feeds both waterfalls.
The route reaches Second Falls at approximately 0.7 miles — a wide, tiered 60-foot waterfall accessible via a short side trail and stone steps to the viewing area at the base. Continuing around the loop, the trail passes through an open meadow dotted with stumps, the remnants of a logging-era forest fire that gave the area its evocative name. Yellowstone Falls, a narrower 50-foot cascade, is reached at approximately 2.3 miles via a steeper, rockier side spur.
The trail surface is predominantly compacted dirt and rock with some boardwalk sections near the creek. Stepping stone creek crossings are present and may be submerged or challenging after heavy rain. Total elevation change is minimal, making the route accessible to most ages and fitness levels. The area is heavily visited during peak season, and the main Parkway parking area fills by mid-morning on summer and fall weekends.
Great Fields receives occasional snow from November through April. The Blue Ridge Parkway may close in winter weather conditions, so checking road status before visiting is advisable from late November through March.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Blue Ridge Parkway Mile 418.8, Pisgah National Forest
- Best season
- May-October
What to bring
- Hiking shoes
- Water
- Waterfall-viewing footwear (rocks can be slippery)
Location
Blue Ridge Pkwy MP 418.8, Waynesville, NC 28786
35.3207, -82.8467 View on map
Highlights
- Second Falls — a wide, tiered 60-foot waterfall accessible via stone steps at approximately mile 0.7
- Yellowstone Falls (Upper Falls) — a narrow 50-foot cascade reached by a steeper spur at mile 2.3
- Plateau-style loop through recovering spruce-fir forest and open meadow at 5,120 ft elevation
- Yellowstone Prong, a cold mountain stream paralleling much of the loop trail
- Blue Ridge Parkway trailhead with restrooms and interpretive display on the area's logging history
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 10 am on summer and fall weekends — the Parkway pullout parking area fills by mid-morning.
- Stepping stone creek crossings can be submerged after heavy rain; check conditions before committing to the full loop.
- Check Blue Ridge Parkway road status at the NPS website before visiting — the Parkway closes in winter weather.
- Wear waterfall-safe footwear with grip when approaching the rocks near Second Falls, which can be slippery.
- The lower meadow area is excellent for photography in morning light or during fall foliage peak in mid-October.
When to visit
The loop is most enjoyable from May through October when both falls are in good flow and the Blue Ridge Parkway is reliably open. Fall foliage typically peaks in mid-October at this elevation and draws large crowds; early morning visits or weekday trips are strongly recommended during peak autumn weekends.
Accessibility
The first portion of the Graveyard Fields Trail from the parking area is paved and relatively flat, providing access to the meadow viewpoint for visitors with limited mobility. The full loop involves unpaved rocky trail, stepping stone creek crossings, and steeper side spurs to the upper falls that are not wheelchair or stroller accessible. The parking area has accessible restrooms.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Graveyard Fields Loop take?
Most hikers complete the full 3.1-mile loop in 2 to 2.5 hours, including time at both waterfalls. A shorter out-and-back to Second Falls only takes about 45 minutes.
Are both waterfalls visible year-round?
Both falls are accessible year-round when the Blue Ridge Parkway is open, though the Parkway may close in winter due to ice or snow. Water flow is strongest in spring and after significant rainfall.
Is there a fee to access Graveyard Fields?
There is no separate fee to access Graveyard Fields. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a free National Parkway with no entry charge at any of its access points.
Why is it called Graveyard Fields?
The name comes from the stumps and fallen logs left after a logging-era forest fire in the early twentieth century. The stumps scattered across the open meadow section of the loop resembled grave markers to early visitors, and the name stuck.