Graveyard Fields Loop Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway
Adventure Destination

Graveyard Fields Loop Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway

Explore the 3.2-mile Graveyard Fields Loop Trail near Canton, NC, featuring beautiful waterfalls and lush landscapes. Ideal for photographers and nature lovers, it's perfect for an invigorating hike. Best visited in spring and fall; expect summer crowds near this picturesque attraction.

Hiking7.8/10Moderate
Photo Gallery

Category

Hiking

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

About This Adventure Destination

Graveyard Fields Loop Trail, located near Canton in Western North Carolina, offers one of the region’s most popular outdoor getaways. Situated along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this trail stands out for its combination of accessible hiking, distinctive natural features, and refreshing waterfalls. The area earns its eerie name from the ghostly stumps left behind by a historic windstorm that swept through after old-growth timber was harvested, giving the landscape a striking, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

The trail features two main waterfalls: the easily reached Lower Falls and the more challenging Upper Falls. The Lower Falls provides a scenic spot to pause and enjoy the cool mist amid lush vegetation and moss-covered rock formations. The Upper Falls, reached by a steeper climb, rewards hikers with impressive views and a peaceful setting above a steep basin. Along the trail, visitors pass through open meadows filled with seasonal wildflowers and ripe blueberries in autumn, while the surrounding forests showcase rhododendrons and native hardwoods. The trail is part of a larger ecological area shaped by volcanic and sedimentary rock formations, contributing to unique soil conditions that support diverse plant species.

Graveyard Fields Loop Trail also links to sections of the famed Mountains-to-Sea Trail, allowing for longer adventures. Its moderate difficulty and well-maintained paths make it a favorite for families, photographers, and nature lovers alike. With cool streams and shaded woods, it’s an ideal destination for a daytime retreat from nearby towns. Whether walking the loop or hiking to the Upper Falls, visitors experience a memorable slice of North Carolina’s mountain charm.

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Editorial Assessment

The Graveyard Fields Loop Trail earns a rating of 86 due to its beautiful waterfalls, lush landscapes, and the peaceful experience it offers all visitors. Though not among the very top natural landmarks globally, it is a treasured spot for North Carolina's outdoor adventures.#Tags #Hiking #Waterfalls #BlueRidgeParkway #NorthCarolina #Nature```

Graveyard Fields Loop Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway

Adventure Guide to Graveyard Fields Loop Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway

1

Experience Graveyard Fields Loop Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway

  • Special Features:

    Explore the 3.2-mile Graveyard Fields Loop Trail near Canton, NC, featuring beautiful waterfalls and lush landscapes. Ideal for photographers and nature lovers, it's perfect for an invigorating hike. Best visited in spring and fall; expect summer crowds near this picturesque attraction.

  • Visitor Tips:

    Best time to visit is during Spring and Fall. Bring adequate water, appropriate outdoor gear, and camera.

  • Directions:

    Blue Rdg Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716, USA

2

Exploring Near Canton, North Carolina

  • Local Insights:

    Offers direct access to top trails, protected natural reserves, and picturesque viewpoints across Canton, North Carolina.

  • Visitor Tips:

    Check local regulations, trail conditions, and weather before heading out.

3

Photography and Wildlife

  • Special Highlights:

    Watch for native wildlife including Deer, Birds.

  • Visitor Tips:

    Arrive in early morning or late afternoon for the softest lighting and quieter trails.

Reviews

Y
Yağmur2 months ago

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

N
Nicholas Saunders3 months ago

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

R
Roger Meli4 months ago

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

H
hagenson084 months ago

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

R
Ron Lamberth4 months ago

It's listed as a 3.2  to 3.5 mile hike. 🤷‍♂️ Well, if you do the hike we did it's probably closer to 4 miles. This is a popular family hike because of its beauty and access to two waterfalls. Hiking to the Lower Falls is fairly easy. This part is considered " the loop". Hiking to the Upper Falls is rather strenuous and is an out and back hike. Your hike starts at steps at the parking lot sidewalk; a wooden sign depicts trail and waterfall locations, but because of intersecting and/or unmarked trails in the area it CAN be confusing at times - especially if you hike to the Upper Falls, so a trail map is generally helpful. This part of the trail is not well marked. The trail of the parking lot is initially paved, which leads to a bridge over Yellowstone Prong, the stream feeding both waterfalls. If going to the Lower Falls (downstream of the bridge, and 0.3 miles from trailhead), cross the bridge, pass a small “off ramp” which the main trail takes to the left, cross the boardwalks, and follow signpost(s). This trail includes a 60-step wooden stairway to the base of the falls. Remember, rocks around waterfalls are very slippery; NEVER go to the top of any waterfall. Blueberries are abundant in the fall. After about a mile, main trail turns left to cross Prong and return, in about a mile, to parking. If going to Upper Falls (1.6 miles from the trailhead), continue straight ahead on the trail, which crosses a small stream and climbs to the falls. (Although Graveyard Fields Trail is rated ``easy' overall, the majority (approximately ½ mile) of this trail has a rougher surface and steeper grade than the majority of the trail.) Length of 3.2 or 3.5 miles assumes proceeding directly to Upper Falls as described and retracing one’s steps to parking. Actually I think the Lower Falls is actually prettier and is less of a hike so - unless you're just wanting more of a workout, just visit this falls. 👍👍👍👍👍

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