Upper Falls Trail

This is the waterfall people come to Graveyard Fields for—and it earns the hype. Starting from the large Graveyard Fields Overlook at milepost 418.8, the path dips into open, brushy meadows scarred by historic fires, then follows a mix of boardwalks and dirt to reach the two-tiered Upper Falls on the Yellowstone Prong. Expect big color in autumn, wildflowers in spring, and ripe blueberries and blackberries in late summer. The setting is far more open than most Parkway hikes, with mountain views peeking over the heath and shrubs [npplan.com](https://npplan.com/parks-by-state/north-carolina-national-parks/blue-ridge-parkway-park-at-a-glance/blue-ridge-parkway-hiking-trails/blue-ridge-parkway-graveyard-fields-loop-trail-and-upper-falls-hike-mp-418-8/).

It’s a quick one: about 1.6 miles round trip from the overlook to Upper Falls and back, with roughly a couple hundred feet of total gain. Surfaces range from short paved sections near the parking lot to gravel, packed dirt, boardwalks, rock steps, and rooty patches. Most of the route is easy, but the final approach gets steeper, rougher, and frequently muddy, with a few simple creek crossings. Plan on sturdy shoes and expect wet feet if water is up [ashevilletrails.com](https://ashevilletrails.com/graveyard-fields-trail-blue-ridge-parkway/), [romanticasheville.com](https://www.romanticasheville.com/graveyard_fields.htm).

Navigation is straightforward if you stick to signed paths, but social trails and junctions can be confusing—snap a photo of the trailhead map before you drop in. The base of the falls is the main goal; adventurous hikers sometimes scramble higher for different vantage points, but rock is slick year-round. If you prefer a shorter, busier payoff, the Second Falls spur from the same area is extremely popular; Upper Falls usually sees fewer people once you’re past the initial meadows [blueridgemountainlife.com](https://blueridgemountainlife.com/upper-falls-graveyard-fields/), [hikewnc.info](https://www.hikewnc.info/trailheads/pisgah/graveyard-fields).

Best time to hike: March through October. Spring brings wildflowers; August is prime for blueberries; late September through October lights up with foliage. The meadows mean sun exposure—midday summer heat can be punchy—so start early for cooler temps, softer light, and fewer crowds. Weekends in summer and fall are slammed; weekdays and mornings are your friend [npplan.com](https://npplan.com/parks-by-state/north-carolina-national-parks/blue-ridge-parkway-park-at-a-glance/blue-ridge-parkway-hiking-trails/blue-ridge-parkway-graveyard-fields-loop-trail-and-upper-falls-hike-mp-418-8/).

Trailhead logistics are easy: a large overlook lot with restrooms serves all Graveyard Fields routes. No permits or entry fees are required on the Parkway, and pets are allowed on leash (max 6 ft). Pack out waste and keep dogs close—this is prime bear country when berries are on [nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/fees.htm), [nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/pets.htm).

Why go: a short, varied walk to a unique, mossy, two-tier cascade framed by open country you don’t see much elsewhere on the Parkway. Why skip: if you hate mud, crowds, or messy junctions, wait for a dry weekday or choose another waterfall day.