The area is an 'incised plateau' rather than a true graveyard, despite its eerie name.
The 1925 fire was ignited by a lightning strike, which decimated the spruce-fir forest that once stood there.
Because of its high elevation, the area often experiences frost as early as September.
The park is home to a significant population of rhododendrons and mountain laurel which bloom in early summer.
The Yellowstone Prong stream that feeds the waterfalls eventually joins the Pigeon River watershed.
High-elevation sun exposure at this site is intense, even on cool days.
The park serves as an important habitat for black bears, who frequent the area during berry season.
Graveyard Fields is a high-elevation plateau located at milepost 418.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Pisgah National Forest. The area is named for the moss-covered, lichen-covered stumps that remained after a massive 1925 forest fire and subsequent windstorm stripped the land. The trail features two distinct waterfalls, known as the Upper and Lower falls, fed by the Yellowstone Prong. Hikers traverse a loop trail consisting of wooden boardwalks and natural terrain through a landscape dominated by blueberries and blackberries. The area sits at an elevation of approximately 5,300 feet, resulting in temperatures significantly cooler than the surrounding lowlands. It is a popular location for observing fall foliage in late September and October. The terrain is a primary example of high-altitude ecological succession following human-induced fires. The area is highly sensitive to off-trail foot traffic, which threatens local vegetation. Most visitors focus on the Lower Falls loop, while a more rugged path continues to the Upper Falls.
The wooden boardwalk overlook provides the most stable and scenic view of the Lower Falls.
Carry a rain jacket even on sunny days, as weather changes rapidly at this altitude.
Wear waterproof hiking boots, as the trail can be muddy and rocky in many sections.
Visit on a weekday to avoid the severe parking congestion common on weekends during autumn.
Do not attempt to swim or climb on the waterfall rocks, as the moss is extremely slippery and accidents are frequent.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is subject to closures during winter storms and heavy ice conditions.
Stay strictly on the marked trail and boardwalks to protect fragile alpine bog vegetation.
