Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina is an activity that can take years to complete because there is so much to see and do along the Parkway! At the many pull over areas, visitors find trailheads that lead to amazing trails taking visitors to overlooks, waterfalls, and adventures into the Blue Ridge Mountains that are right out of a storybook. Graveyard Fields Loop Trail is one such trail.
Found at Milepost 418.8 on the Parkway, Graveyard Fields is a high-traffic 2.9-mile trail that leads down into a ravine and past two waterfalls.
Aside from many, many stairs, the trail is relatively easy and has an overall elevation change of 305 feet. Bring along your walking sticks to make going up and down the stairs more manageable if you have issues with your knees or ankles.
Eventually, the hike leads past the lower falls, found within the loop. Stop to enjoy the breathtaking beauty before heading out of the loop to the upper falls.
You'll see here how the trail loops and then spins out of the loop to the left. This is the more difficult section of this 2.9-mile trek because it's very steep. Take your time and don't give up. The view of the upper falls is absolutely worth the effort here.
Graveyard Fields Loop Trail sees high traffic in the height of tourist season. If visiting between April and October, you may want to consider tackling this hike very early in the morning, or simply scheduling your adventure for a weekday, rather than a weekend.
Most people can complete the hike in under three hours. The trail leads down into a ravine and the added time climbing out of the ravine is accounted for in this allotted time.
In warm seasons, wear clothing you can swim in and hop into the big blue pool at the base of the falls. The big boulders on the opposite side of the falls make this one natural swimming pool you'll absolutely love!
