Graveyard Fields

Graveyard Fields is an area of Pisgah National Forest neat Shining Rock Wilderness and accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 418.8.  Between 500 and 1000 years ago, a natural disaster uprooted the trees of the spruce forest.  The decomposing stumps and trees formed mounds that resembled a graveyard, hence the name.  In 1925, disaster struck again when a catastrophic fire raged through the area and burned so hot as to sterilize the soil.  The area still recovering today; however, the open field provides fantastic views and makes this a very popular destination.

Directions:

From Brevard, head east on US-64 and then turn left on US-276.  Drive 15.1 miles and turn right and then left to get on the Blue Ridge Parkway southbound.  In 7 miles, turn right into the Graveyard Fields Overlook.  Note this is a very popular spot and parking fills fast.

Map:

Trails:

Graveyard Fields Loop Trail (#358):

Graveyard Fields Loop Trail makes a 1-mile loop around Yellowstone Falls.

Graveyard Ridge Trail (#356):

Graveyard Ridge Trail splits from Mountains-to-Sea Trail and leads up to Graveyard Ridge.

Mountains-to-Sea Trail (#440):

The statewide Mountains-to-Sea Trail runs for about 6 miles through the area.

Upper Falls Trail (#358A):

Upper Falls Trail splits from Graveyard Fields loop and leads about 3/4 mile to its namesake waterfall.

Points of Interest:

Second Falls:

Second Falls is a popular and easy to visit waterfall in Graveyard Fields.

Skinny Dip Falls:

Skinny Dip Falls was a waterfall and swimhole near Looking Glass Rock Overlook that was damaged from flooding after Tropical Storm Fred.

Upper Falls:

Upper Falls is the uppermost waterfall on Yellowstone Prong.

Yellowstone Falls:

Yellowstone Falls is the largest waterfall in the area but also the most difficult to reach.

Wildlife:

Asters (Aster spp.) are common in the area and bloom in late summer and fall.

Blog Entries:

08-Oct-2022: Graveyard Ridge MST Hike

28-Oct-2018: Yellowstone Falls

10-Oct-2015: Torrential Rain at Graveyard Fields

23-May-2015: Birthday Waterfalls

18-Oct-2014: Pisgah Forest Waterfalls