Graveyard Fields Loop

The Graveyard Fields Loop is a seasonal beauty, best visited from spring through late fall. In the spring, the rhododendrons and mountain laurels burst into bloom, painting the valley in shades of pink and white. Summer brings a bounty of wild blueberries and blackberries, which visitors are allowed to pick and enjoy.

Fall is perhaps the most popular time to visit. Because of its high elevation, the leaves here tend to change color earlier than in the valleys below. You can usually expect vibrant reds and oranges to appear in early to mid-October. During the winter, this section of the Blue Ridge Parkway often closes due to ice and snow, so always check the National Park Service road map before heading out.

Because this is one of the most popular spots on the Parkway, the parking lot at Milepost 418.8 fills up incredibly fast, especially on weekends. We recommend arriving before 9:00 AM or visiting on a weekday to secure a spot. If the lot is full, do not park on the grass or shoulder of the Parkway, as rangers frequently issue tickets to protect the delicate ecosystem.

Wear sturdy hiking boots, as the trail can be slippery near the waterfalls and muddy after a rain. Pack plenty of water and a light jacket; the weather at 5,000 feet can be significantly cooler and windier than in nearby towns. There are vault toilets at the trailhead, but no running water, so come prepared.

You should set aside at least 2 to 3 hours to complete the full Graveyard Fields Loop at a comfortable pace, allowing time to sit by the falls. If you only plan to see Lower Falls, one hour is usually sufficient.

A perfect day might start with a sunrise drive to the overlook, followed by a morning hike while the mist is still lifting off the meadows. After your hike, you can enjoy a picnic at the trailhead before heading a few miles north to Black Balsam Knob for even more expansive 360-degree views. Finish your afternoon by driving down into the valley for a late lunch in a nearby mountain town.

The area surrounding Milepost 418.8 is a hub for outdoor recreation. Just a short drive away, you can explore the rugged beauty of Black Balsam or take a scenic detour toward Lake Blue Ridge for a change of pace. If you are willing to venture further into the region, you can find family-friendly activities like Toccoa River Tubing Co. or Pappy's Trout Pond & Tubing for a relaxing afternoon on the water.

For those who enjoy local flavor, a visit to Mercier Orchards offers a taste of the mountains, while the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway provides a nostalgic way to see the landscape. If you haven't had enough of the water, Fall Branch Falls is another excellent hiking destination nearby that offers a different perspective on the region's unique geology.

Reaching the Graveyard Fields Loop is half the fun. The trailhead is located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 418.8. The drive from Asheville takes about an hour and offers some of the most iconic vistas in the Eastern United States. You will pass through several tunnels and over high-altitude bridges that make the journey feel like an adventure in itself.

If you are coming from the south, the drive up from the Georgia border through the mountains is equally stunning. Keep your camera ready, as there are dozens of overlooks along the way where you can pull over to admire the rolling blue ridges that give the area its name.

When choosing where to stay, we recommend looking for accommodations based on their drive time to the Parkway. Staying in a nearby mountain cabin or a boutique inn allows you to be at the trailhead early in the morning, beating the crowds and catching the best light for photos.

We always suggest booking directly with the host or the property’s official website. This often provides the best rates and ensures you have a direct line of communication with someone who knows the area intimately. Look for stays in the high-country corridors that offer easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance ramps, ensuring you spend less time in traffic and more time on the trails.