A great fall waterfall hike in Asheville
By Asheville Hikes ·
Graveyard Fields Waterfall Hike: Is It the Best Fall Hike Near Asheville?
**By David at Asheville Hikes, | 5+ years hiking in the Asheville area Published: October 5, 2026 | Last updated: October 5, 2026
Graveyard Fields is one of the best fall waterfall hikes near Asheville. The loop is about 3.2 miles at milepost 418.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, it passes multiple waterfalls, and high-elevation color peaks here earlier than almost anywhere else. Go early on a weekday for parking.
Key takeaways
- Plan on roughly 3 miles and about 2.5 hours for the full loop with both main waterfalls.
- Early October is prime color, but late September through mid-October can all be good.
- The parking lot fills by mid-morning, so arrive early or pick a weekday.
- Wear boots. Trails get muddy and the rocks near falls are slick.
- Bring your own water. There isn't any at the trailhead.
Why is Graveyard Fields worth the drive?
Graveyard Fields is a mile-high valley where waterfalls, open meadow, and Blue Ridge ridgelines all show up in one loop. The National Park Service describes it as a mile-high valley featuring spectacular waterfalls surrounded by rolling ridges. The elevation is 5,120 feet, per the Virtual Blue Ridge Parkway Guide.
The name comes from the wind-thrown tree stumps that once looked like headstones in the fog. It's a better story than most trail names, and it still fits on a misty morning.
I'll be straight about my take: this is one of the best hikes in the Asheville area for people who want waterfalls without a brutal climb. You get real payoff for moderate effort.
What waterfalls will you see at Graveyard Fields?
Most hikers see two main waterfalls: Second Falls (also signed as Lower Falls) and Upper Falls. For the extra adventurous, there is a 3rd waterfall called Yellowstone Falls that is less travelled and requires some bushwacking along a lightly traveled path.
Second Falls comes first and is the easy one. One guide puts it at a short but moderately steep 0.3-mile hike from the parking area. Another source lists it at about 55 feet high, with Upper Falls around 40 feet. Heights vary by source, so treat them as ballpark.
Upper Falls takes more work. It sits further along the loop, and the last section is a bit steep. It draws fewer people than Second Falls, which makes it the better spot to sit and eat a snack.
Both are more cascades than single-drop falls, so don't expect Niagara. Expect water tumbling over big rocks through colorful woods.
How long is the Graveyard Fields hike?
The full loop with both falls runs about 3.2 miles and takes roughly 2.5 hours at an easy pace. Published mileage ranges from about 2.9 to 3.3 miles because the spur trails to the falls get counted differently. One guide lists an elevation gain of 450 feet.
I added on Yellowstone Falls and another loop on the MST, so my distance was about 5 miles, my time was 2 hours and the elevation gain was 1200 feet.
The NPS notes that the main loop is rated easy, but the spur trails to the waterfalls are steep and add additional mileage.
| Option | Approx. distance | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Second Falls only | Under 1 mile round trip | Families, short on time |
| Full loop with Upper Falls | About 3.2 miles | Most hikers, best payoff |
| Extension toward Black Balsam | Longer, steeper | Experienced hikers wanting views |
When is the best time to hike Graveyard Fields in fall?
Early October is the best window, and mornings on weekdays are the best time of day. Graveyard Fields is consistently the first high-profile spot to turn on the Parkway, often peaking in the first week of October. That's thanks to the elevation and the blueberry and shrub meadows that turn red.
Because it peaks early, the area can be past prime by the middle of the month, while mid-elevation spots are just getting going. Check a current fall color report before you drive. On 9/29/2026, there were a few pops of fall color but Leaf Peepin' season isn't quite in full stride yet.
Summer has its own appeal. Locals pick wild blueberries here in August, but the crowds and heat are a different trade-off.
How do you get to Graveyard Fields and where do you park?
Take the Blue Ridge Parkway south from Asheville to milepost 418.8 and park at the Graveyard Fields Overlook. It's just over 25 miles from the NC 191 entrance to the Parkway in Asheville. Allow roughly 30 to 45 minutes of driving depending on Parkway traffic.
Parking is the real challenge. The NPS says finding a spot on a weekend or busy time of year requires an early start. One Parkway fall guide recommends arriving before 9 a.m. on October weekends.
Park only in marked spaces. Roadside parking is enforced, and the embankment is steep. If the lot is full, pick another Parkway stop and come back another day. Restrooms are vault toilets at the overlook.
What should you bring?
Bring sturdy boots with grip, water, a layer for wind at 5,000 feet, and a rain jacket. Trails past the paved section get muddy, and rocks around the falls are slippery. Climbing on or near waterfalls is dangerous.
Leashed dogs are welcome. Pack out everything you bring.
My take: the best fall waterfall hike near Asheville?
For the mix of easy access, real waterfalls, and early color, yes. Other hikes have bigger drops or better summit views, but few combine all three in a morning outing from Asheville. If you're adventurous, you can find your way to the top of Upper Falls for a great overlook, but tread carefully!
The one real downside is crowds. Beat them with an early start and you'll have a great day.
FAQ
How long does it take to hike Graveyard Fields? Most hikers finish the full 3.2-mile loop with both falls in about 2.5 hours. Second Falls alone takes under an hour round trip. Add time for photos, wading, and the steep spur to Upper Falls.
Is Graveyard Fields hard? It's easy to moderate. The main path is paved or boardwalk at first, then turns muddy and rocky. The spurs to the falls are steep. Families with kids do it regularly.
Can you swim at Graveyard Fields? People wade and cool off at Second Falls in summer. Rocks are slippery, and the water is cold. Watch your footing and keep kids close.
Are dogs allowed at Graveyard Fields? Yes, on a leash. Pack out waste, and keep dogs back from slick rocks near the falls.
When does the parking lot fill up? On fall and summer weekends, often by mid-morning. Arriving before 9 a.m. or going on a weekday gives you the best shot at a spot.
Make sure to check the weather, leave no trace, and have a fantastic hike!
About the author: David is an avid AVL hiker with over 5 years of experience hiking in the area.