Graveyard Fields

Second Falls at Graveyard Fields

While the name might sound a little scary, Graveyard Fields is, in reality, one of the most leisurely and enjoyable hikes within The Land of Waterfalls. Several hundred years ago the area was blasted by a freakish wind storm which toppled most of its trees. Then, in 1925 a wildfire razed the area and the forest has struggled to recover ever since. In stark contrast to the surrounding old-growth forests, Graveyard Fields is peppered with dwarfed trees and stumps that, with a little imagination, resemble tombstones in a graveyard setting. This unique and tranquil, mile high valley is filled with wildflowers in the springtime and surrounded by the towering peaks of The Blue Ridge Mountains. It is also home to three beautiful waterfalls.

The Yellowstone Prong flows through Graveyard Fields, patiently smoothing the valley's granite floor as it makes its way to the East fork of the Pigeon River. The Yellowstone enters the valley via Upper Falls, a whitewater plume that emerges between two rock masses and pours 50 feet down a narrow sluice of colorful granite. Further downstream, The Yellowstone takes an even deeper plunge at Second Falls.

Second Falls is a breathtaking scene with clear mountain waters flowing smoothly over several well-worn granite bluffs and filling a deep, clear pool at its base. This section of the Yellowstone Prong provides ample opportunity for the more adventurous to boulder-hop into the midst of its crystal clear waters and absorb the natural beauty of the area. The immense granite bluffs that form the falls are colorfully banded in a yellowish hue and the deep pool at the base is an inviting reprieve from the summer heat.

The third descent of The Yellowstone is Yellowstone Falls, a long decline of rushing water that flows in a clear, thin veil over smooth shelves of colorful rock. While we did not venture down to Yellowstone Falls during our visit to Graveyard Fields, I have read that it is a difficult, if not dangerous descent to the base. As is so often the case, my adventurous spirit will likely trump common-sense and I will make the descent on our next visit.

From Brevard, take NC-276 North to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Head West on the parkway for about 6 miles to mile post 418. (Lat:35.19218 Lon:-82.50834)

Hike On!