Asheville Blue Ridge Runner: Graveyard Fields Trail

Even though we've lived in Asheville for nearly 6 years, we've barely scratched the surface in finding all the great trails. So based on a tip from my co-workers, we ventured off to Graveyard Fields this week and got to check out one of the most popular trails in the area, see a couple of waterfalls, and enjoy some early fall colors...

So let's start off by saying there is no graveyard at Graveyard Fields. There's a couple of theories as to how the area got it's name. One theory holds that many years ago a tremendous wind storm uprooted the spruce forest, leaving behind stumps that gave the area the appearance of a graveyard. Another theory is that logging in the early 20th century left tree stumps resembling gravestones. Graveyard fields experienced catastrophic fires in the last century, once in 1925 and again in the early 1940s. These fires swept through the area, destroying the stumps and scorching the soil. Plants that have grown back include mountain laurel, rhododendron as well as many wildflowers such as bluets, galax, asters, and honeysuckle. In the summer and fall you can enjoy blackberries, gooseberries, and blueberries scattered throughout Graveyard Fields. The berries attract a variety of wildlife including whitetail deer and black bear. The valley itself is over 5000 feet in elevation and is surrounded by mountains exceeding 6,000 feet in elevation.

The Graveyard Fields overlook/parking is located at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 418.8. The weekends can be very congested, so it's recommend to try and visit early in the day or mid week.

Our tip to you is study the map in the parking lot as the trails are not marked well. One thing to keep in mind is the distance to the waterfalls is not that far, but it's slow going on the trail because of rocks and roots. Be patient with yourself, and follow the signs that you can find.

In the mean time, you can enjoy our pictures until you are able to visit Graveyard Fields for yourself.