Trailhead · Blue Ridge Parkway
Open high-elevation valley with waterfalls and August blueberries
Overview
Graveyard Fields (milepost 418.8) is a mile-high valley carved by the Yellowstone Prong, ringed by 6,000‑foot peaks and dotted with open meadows, rhododendron, and wildflowers. The name comes from the eerie, gravestone‑like stumps left after severe windthrow and a 1925 wildfire. It’s one of the Parkway’s most popular stops for views, waterfalls, and cool summer temps.
Few places on the Parkway combine big‑view meadows, a fire‑shaped landscape, easy waterfall access, and late‑summer blueberries. It’s popular for good reason, and still feels unique compared to many standard overlooks.
Parkwolf’s verdictWhy It’s SpecialMap
Local know-how
Arrive early or on weekdays—parking fills fast and enforcement is strict.
Bring plenty of water; there’s no potable water at the trailhead.
Expect muddy spots and slick rocks—wear sturdy, grippy footwear.
If the lot is full, the NPS advises visiting another nearby Parkway stop.
In August, blueberry picking is popular—limit one gallon per person per day.
Plan your stop
The highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.
Blue Ridge Parkway Tour Guide
Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Blue Ridge Parkway. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.
See the Blue Ridge Parkway audio tourRecorded for this place
Graveyard Fields: Waterfalls and Wild Blueberries“You're about to reach Graveyard Fields, one of the most popular stops on the entire Parkway.”
Plays as you drive up to Graveyard Fields in the Parkwolf Blue Ridge Parkway Tour Guide.
More stories near here in the app
“…We knew we wanted to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. The narration was impeccably timed. The facts and info provided were meaningful. Without it, the trip would not have been near as awesome.”
Guide
Expect songbirds, butterflies, deer, and small mammals drawn to the valley’s diverse plant life. Black bears are present—especially during berry season—so stay alert and store food properly.
If the lot is full or you want more miles, consider nearby classics along the Parkway like Black Balsam Knob, Sam Knob, or Devil’s Courthouse.
Wildlife
1,208 sightingsBlack BearMost seen around 7 AMSighting map
1,020 sightingsElkMost seen around 7 AMSighting map
2,257 sightingsWhite-tailed DeerMost seen around 6 PMSighting map
200 sightingsCoyoteMost seen around 6 PMSighting map
1,126 sightingsWild TurkeyMost seen around 7 AMSighting map
255 sightingsRed-tailed HawkMost seen around 11 AMSighting mapSighting maps show where each species has been reported across Blue Ridge Parkway. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.
Keep exploring
ModerateUpper Falls Trail3.2 mi · 2.5 hr · At the trailheadShort, berry-lined stroll to a photogenic two-tiered waterfall.
ModerateGraveyard Fields Loop Trail3.2 mi · 2.5 hr · At the trailheadTwo waterfalls and open meadows on a high-elevation loop
EasySecond Falls Trail0.7 mi · 45 min · At the trailheadShort, stair-stepped walk to a photogenic waterfall and pool
ModerateTennent Mountain Loop5 mi · 2.5 hr · 1.6 mi awayTwo open balds, big views, and a rocky five-mile loop
ModerateBlack Balsam Knob via Art Loeb1.6 mi · 1 hr · 1.6 mi awayShort out-and-back climb to a 6,214-foot bald with sweeping 360-degree views
ModerateSam Knob Trail2.5 mi · 1.3 hr · 2 mi awayA short climb to a high bald with wide Blue Ridge views.
ModerateDevil's Courthouse Trail1 mi · 1 hr · 3.2 mi awayA steep, mostly paved climb from the Parkway to a four-state panorama.
ModerateFlat Laurel Creek Trail3.7 mi · 3.5 hr · 3.6 mi awayA creekside route from NC 215 to Black Balsam’s high country
Scenic pullout · 0.4 mi awayEast Fork OverlookClose-up mountain layers with haunting American chestnut snags
Scenic pullout · 1.1 mi awayLooking Glass Rock OverlookClassic view of Looking Glass Rock’s shimmering granite dome
Sight · 3 mi awayDevil's CourthouseShort, steep climb to a cliff-top panorama across four states
Scenic pullout · 4 mi awayPounding Mill Overlook (MP 413.2)Big sunrise views with Looking Glass Rock front and centerParkwolf’s Blue Ridge Parkway ranking
The audio tour guide for the drive, plus offline maps, trails, and wildlife heatmaps for when the signal drops.
