Graveyard Fields Trail
A moderate 3.2-mile out and back hike through a high alpine valley with two picturesque waterfalls surrounded by 6,000 ’ peaks . Start the hike at the lower end of the parking area and hike down the steep paved path . Take in the views from the viewing platform and boardwalk and cross the river on the bridge before veering right to reach the bottom of the waterfall . A boulder-filled river bank offers great views of the waterfall , but limited areas to explore . If you want to take a longer hike , venture back up to the viewing platform area , but head to the right following along the river through a scenic valley with views of the Shining Rock Wilderness above . Upper Falls is located around 3 miles upstream and is a moderate hike on mostly flat terrain in a beautiful setting . The area gets its name from the numerous tree stumps that were left behind in the early 1900s that resembled grave stones . Looking around , hikers will see Black Balsam Knob , Tennent Mountain , and Sam Knob towering above .
Getting There : Head south on the Blue Ridge Parkway to milepost 418 to parking area for Graveyard Fields Overlook . The trail starts on the right side of the parking lot when your back is to the Blue Ridge Parkway facing the view . This is one of the most popular hikes in Asheville and the parking lot fills up quickly during busy seasons .
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