Graveyard Fields and its Waterfalls

The walk starts at the Graveyard Fields Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway, at milepost 418.8. Take the steps and paved path down to the bridge over the Yellowstone Prong. Just beyond it a short spur on the right drops by wooden steps to the foot of Second Falls, also called Lower Falls. Go back to the junction and follow the loop trail up the valley through meadow and thicket. A longer side trail leaves it and climbs to Upper Falls, a taller, narrower cascade. Return down that trail, then finish the loop across the stream and back up to the overlook.

It is 3.1 miles (5.0 km) around with 350 feet (107 m) of climbing; allow about 1½ hours. The grade is Easy: mostly gentle, on boardwalk, mud and roots, with a steeper pull to Upper Falls.

The rocks at both falls are slick, and people have been badly hurt here: stay off the wet rock above and beside the falls. The trail is muddy after rain and icy in winter. This is black bear country, and camping is not allowed in the valley.

The car park holds about 20 cars and is often full by mid-morning; there are restrooms. The Parkway closes in ice and snow. Wild blueberries ripen in mid-August. The valley is named for the stumps and fallen trunks that once covered it like a graveyard.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.