Graveyard Fields Loop Trail
Graveyard Fields Loop Trail things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Plan your stay

Affordable Hotels in Contiguous United States
Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

The Coolest Hotels You Haven't Heard Of (Yet)
Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

Trending Stays Worth the Hype in Contiguous United States
Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.
Posts
π Graveyard Fields Loop Trail, NC Park directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway and head down the stairs to take a dip in this cool mountain waterfall. Beware, the water is cold π₯Ά. Dogs are allowed and clean up after yourself!! This is a popular spot in the summer months so be prepared to share the space with others occasionally. #waterfall #asheville #northcarolina #hike #hiker #forest #hiking #outdoors #nature #granola #granolagirl #hikenc #crunchylife #blueridgemountains #blueridgeparkway
emhikin
48712
It's listed as a 3.2 to 3.5 mile hike. π€·ββοΈ Well, if you do the hike we did it's probably closer to 4 miles. This is a popular family hike because of its beauty and access to two waterfalls. Hiking to the Lower Falls is fairly easy. This part is considered " the loop". Hiking to the Upper Falls is rather strenuous and is an out and back hike. Your hike starts at steps at the parking lot sidewalk; a wooden sign depicts trail and waterfall locations, but because of intersecting and/or unmarked trails in the area it CAN be confusing at times - especially if you hike to the Upper Falls, so a trail map is generally helpful. This part of the trail is not well marked. The trail of the parking lot is initially paved, which leads to a bridge over Yellowstone Prong, the stream feeding both waterfalls. If going to the Lower Falls (downstream of the bridge, and 0.3 miles from trailhead), cross the bridge, pass a small βoff rampβ which the main trail takes to the left, cross the boardwalks, and follow signpost(s). This trail includes a 60-step wooden stairway to the base of the falls. Remember, rocks around waterfalls are very slippery; NEVER go to the top of any waterfall. Blueberries are abundant in the fall. After about a mile, main trail turns left to cross Prong and return, in about a mile, to parking. If going to Upper Falls (1.6 miles from the trailhead), continue straight ahead on the trail, which crosses a small stream and climbs to the falls. (Although Graveyard Fields Trail is rated ``easy' overall, the majority (approximately Β½ mile) of this trail has a rougher surface and steeper grade than the majority of the trail.) Length of 3.2 or 3.5 miles assumes proceeding directly to Upper Falls as described and retracing oneβs steps to parking. Actually I think the Lower Falls is actually prettier and is less of a hike so - unless you're just wanting more of a workout, just visit this falls. πππππ
Ron Lamberth
00
Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this hiking spot is worth stopping at. It is a pretty drive to it and really easy to locate. Parking is a little tight as there aren't many spots but if you can find one I definitely recommend making the effort. It does have bathrooms at the top of the trail. The trail itself is relatively easy, most of it leading to the top of the falls is paved . It's downhill most of the way so the harder trek is making it back up the hill. There a little stops along the way of you need them. Once you get to the top of the falls there is little bridged paths. There are little areas where you can let your dogs drink and cool off in the water or children. My nieces enjoyed wading in and walking. Once through there you can take a left and go through the meadows which is a loop trail. Please be careful on this cause there are lots of roots and rocks to trip you up. Or you can take a right and take the trail down to the base of the falls. I highly recommend doing both trails cause it's fun and a relatively nice walk for both. Unfortunately I would say this trail is not wheelchair accessible and if with a cane or walker again please mind your footing as there are roots and rocks to trip you up when getting off the paved path.
Christina Mosier
00
Came here during the first week of April on a clear day, but not much was in bloom. I heard a lot of good things about this trail, especially after reading about best hikes near Ashville. However it didn't really live up to all the hype. While the scenery was gorgeous and the lower waterfall very pleasant, the trail is confusing. From the parking lot to the lower falls you will find that the trail is easy and well maintained. Eventually however you will find that the trail becomes unmarked at critical junction points leaving you confused about how to proceed. There are no blazes or tree markings save for one or two, and the wording is mostly rubbed off. If you're just visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway for the day and are like most people wearing sneakers, you will find the trail extremely slow because of the numerous water crossings and muddy stream banks. In some cases you will proceed 50 yards and then realize that you've gone the wrong way and have to double back to cross over the stream again. I would not say that this is an easy hike nor would I say that this is a hike for a casual visitor. I would recommend appropriate waterproof hiking boots, and allow an additional hour over what you've budgeted in case you have trouble finding the trail. At no point are there any markers indicating how much further you have to go to reach the Upper Falls, and frankly the mileage estimates are misleading because this is a slow walking trail. You feel you've gone much further especially with all of the wrong turns. The scenery is easily a four-star but overall the poor condition of the wooden areas of the trail and the lack of markings make this an average outing at best.
Bryan
00
This trail is located right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. We did the loop hike that started at the parking lot, went to second falls (lower falls), then upper falls, and took the loop back. The trail is pretty moderate. It's not very steep overall, just a few minor hills. It was very muddy when we were there. There's one turn off at the end where I think the trail could have been better marked. Luckily another hiker told us the trail on the right was a spur and the falls was to the left. Second falls was really pretty. Upper falls was nice, but kind of hard to get a good view of with the trees around it. You'll get better mountain views on the parkway on your way to and from the hike than on the trail. I think it was supposed to be about a 3 mile round trip hike but we added on a mile or two attempting to find another waterfall unsuccessfully. I think there are better hikes along the parkway, but this one is still worth doing.
Jacqueline Telljohann
00
The trip to the lower falls was all downhill with stairs and paved parts but there was a short bridge with a hole and soft spot in it and the stairs afterwards were a little steep and missing half a step on the first section after the bridge. The lower falls were beautiful. We took a one year old in a stroller there and got a little tricky in spots but was doable. The upper falls trail wasn't as bad/strenuous according to my husband and daughter. But the trek back was all uphill and we all were very thankful for the rest spots. There is a bathroom at the parking lot which is the only one until Waterrock knob overlook headed towards Maggie Valley. I gave it 4 stars due to the gaping hole/soft spot and half missing step. The trail is shaded mostly which makes is very inviting and cooler in hot weather.
Detra Edwards
00
Nearby Attractions Of Graveyard Fields Loop Trail
Graveyard Fields 418.8
East Fork Overlook
John Rock Overlook
Second Falls

Graveyard Fields 418.8
4.8
(574)
Click for details

East Fork Overlook
4.9
(122)
Click for details

John Rock Overlook
4.7
(38)
Click for details

Second Falls
4.9
(9)
Click for details
Basic Info
Address
Blue Rdg Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716
Map
Phone
(828) 257-4200
Call
Website
nps.gov
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(379 reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
adventure
scenic
family friendly
pet friendly
off the beaten path
attractions: Graveyard Fields 418.8, East Fork Overlook, John Rock Overlook, Second Falls, restaurants:

- Please manually select your location for better experience