Graveyard Fields is a frequently explored hiking area in Asheville, and for good reason.

Located at mile marker 418.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Graveyard Fields is one of the most popular hiking destinations on the Asheville section of the parkway. With two waterfalls, The Lower and Upper Falls, this is one of the easier to access spots.

The Lower Falls is just a 1/3 of a mile from the parking lot. Follow the trailhead that departs on the right side of the parking lot. You'll descend stairs and then a paved trail. When you read the creek cross the bridge and follow the signs to the right. You'll then descend a longer set of stairs when you reach the Lower Falls. This is a popular swimming hole as well, and is deep enough to jump off the rocks into a pool! 

The Upper Falls is just over 3 miles round trip, but is worth the hike! The easiest way to get there is to depart from the trailhead on the left side of the parking lot. This is a less used access point and it a dirt trail all the way down. Well marked with signs and blue blazes, you cross fields, streams, and have a steeper rocky and root-filled ascent to the Upper Falls. Use caution climbing around the falls and keep kids close by. The rocks are slick (especially when wet) and it would be quite the slide down. From here you can hike back to the parking lot or make a left turn right before the main bridge to create a loop to the Lower Falls.

Camping used to be permitted in the area but due to bear activity is has been shut down for about 8 years. I mention this because there are many side trails leftover that used to take you to campsites. It is generally easy to decipher these side trails from the main trail, but just pay attention and make sure you're following the blue blazes and well-worn trail. The large creek should always stay on your left on the way to Upper Falls. 

Graveyard Fields is one of the few parking areas that offer bathroom facilities, they are backcountry restrooms but are kept relatively clean. The parking lot is large but fills up generally fast, you can park along the parkway as needed just use caution and make sure you are completely off the road. Blueberries are plentiful for the picking in mid-late summer, and this adds to the already busy lot due to the swimming hole - so be prepared for crowds! 

COVID NOTE: Rangers are cracking down on parking outside of the designated lot during COVID as the numbers exploring the park have been abnormally high. They are discouraging visitors since the sheer number at this popular outdoor destination is potentially marring anyone's ability to socially distance, and also considered negatively impactful to the natural area. 

Please note the address on the map is the Blue Ridge Visitor Center in Asheville. The hike doesn’t have an address but the mile marker is noted above!