Lower Falls at Graveyard Fields

Graveyard Fields got it's name years ago from wind-thrown tree trunks that gave the appearance of a graveyard, until 1925 when an intense fire swept through the area, destroying the stumps. The forest has been recovering ever since.

The parking area for Graveyard Fields is located at milepost 418.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, approximately 1 hour South of Asheville, NC. From the parking area you are able to view the vastness of the valley, surrounded by Blue Ridge Mountains with 6,000-foot peaks. It truly is a wonder.

To begin the trail, you will find stairs that descend to a paved path that takes you through a thick patch of rhododendrun, leading you to a bridge that crosses the Yellowstone Prong. At this point if you look to your right, you will notice you are at the top of the Lower Falls. To your left, a picturesque view of the Yellowstone Prong. Cross the bridge and you are lead to a fork in the trail, to reach the Lower Falls the trail takes a slight right and makes its way down a wooden staircase to place you at an overlook of the falls. It's a popular swimming hole during the summer months, you can even slide down a part of the rock (at your own risk, be careful.) During the fall/winter months it's just as beautiful and makes for a great picnic/chill spot. High peak for fall colors is early October.

On your return trip back to the parking area there are other trails to explore, such as Graveyard Fields Loop and Upper Falls.

If you're hungry afterwards, Pisgah Inn is 10 miles away (milepost 408.6.) They have an on-site restaurant that gets my stamp of approval!