Upper Falls Trail

This out-and-back starts at the Graveyard Fields Overlook trailhead near the vault toilets at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 418.8, then follows the signed Graveyard Fields Loop Trail through the open meadow before branching onto the Graveyard Upper Falls Trail to the two-tiered falls. The Forest Service places Upper Falls 1.6 miles from the trailhead; this stored corridor follows that route and returns the same way for 3.2 miles total fs.usda.gov. The National Park Service confirms that both waterfalls are accessed from the trailhead near the vault toilets in the Parkway overlook nps.gov.

The mapped one-way corridor is about 1.56 miles, while the visitor distance is 3.2 miles round trip. Plan on roughly 2 to 2.5 hours for the full outing, with about 400 feet of total elevation change. Surfaces include short paved and stepped sections near the overlook, packed dirt, boardwalks, rooty trail, and a rougher, often muddy approach near the falls. The final section can be slick and wet, especially after rain fs.usda.gov.

Navigation is generally straightforward if you follow the signed route and the Upper Falls spur, but junctions and social paths around the meadow can be confusing—photograph the trailhead map before starting. The base of the falls is the destination; rocks around the water are slick year-round. Spring wildflowers, late-summer berries, and fall color make the open setting especially scenic, but the meadow has more sun exposure than most Parkway hikes.

The overlook has a large parking area and restrooms. No permit or entry fee is required for the Parkway trailhead, and dogs are allowed on leash under Parkway rules nps.gov. Keep dogs close in bear country, carry water, and expect crowded parking on summer and fall weekends.