This North Carolina Forest Walk Is Both Beautiful And Haunting

Tucked away along the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 418.8, Graveyard Fields offers one of North Carolina’s most intriguing hiking experiences. This high-elevation valley combines stunning natural beauty with a haunting backstory that makes every step feel both peaceful and mysterious.

Long before it became a beloved hiking destination, the valley was stripped bare by intense logging and wildfires, leaving behind ghostly tree stumps that earned the landscape its unsettling name. Named for the moss-covered stumps that once resembled tombstones after extensive logging, the area has transformed into a hiker’s paradise filled with waterfalls, wild berries, and panoramic mountain views.

Whether you’re chasing cascading water, picking blueberries in summer, or simply soaking in the eerie yet enchanting atmosphere, Graveyard Fields delivers an unforgettable adventure that’s equal parts beautiful and spine-tingling.

1. Catastrophic 1925 Fire Changed Everything

Fire roared through Graveyard Fields in 1925, consuming every last spruce and fir tree in its path. The blaze burned so intensely that it destroyed the nutrient-rich topsoil, leaving behind a barren, blackened landscape.

Recovery seemed impossible at the time.

Decades passed before vegetation could take hold again in this scorched valley. Blackberry briers were among the first pioneers, their roots slowly rebuilding soil quality season by season.

Each year, decaying plant matter added precious nutrients back to the earth.

Today, the ecosystem continues its remarkable comeback at Graveyard Fields in Canton, though full forest restoration remains generations away. Scientists estimate it could take centuries for a mature spruce-fir forest to return completely.

The current landscape represents a snapshot of nature’s long healing process.

Hikers witness this ongoing transformation with every visit, watching new growth emerge yearly. The fire’s legacy lives on in the open meadows and berry patches that now define this unique destination.

2. Wild Berries Create Summer Paradise

August transforms Graveyard Fields into a berry picker’s dream, with wild blueberries ripening across the meadows. Blackberries and gooseberries also thrive here, their branches heavy with fruit throughout the summer months.

Hikers arrive with containers, eager to harvest nature’s bounty.

The berries grow so abundantly that you can snack continuously while hiking the trails. Sweet, sun-warmed blueberries burst with flavor that store-bought varieties simply cannot match.

Many visitors plan their trips specifically around berry season, returning year after year.

Early morning offers the best picking opportunities at Graveyard Fields before crowds arrive and temperatures climb. Solitude and abundance combine perfectly during these quiet hours.

The experience feels almost meditative, connecting you directly with the land.

These berry patches emerged from the 1925 fire’s aftermath, thriving in the open conditions. Wildlife depends heavily on this fruit, making the meadows buzz with activity all summer.

Your berry-picking adventure supports the ecosystem’s delicate balance.

3. Lower Falls Offers Easy Access Beauty

Second Falls, commonly called Lower Falls, sits just 0.3 miles from the parking area via paved paths and wooden boardwalks. This accessibility makes it perfect for families, casual hikers, and anyone seeking waterfall beauty without extreme effort.

The cascade tumbles gracefully over rocks into a popular swimming hole below.

Steep stairs lead down from the overlook, but the distance remains manageable for most fitness levels. Wooden platforms provide excellent viewing angles, though some planks show wear and require careful footing.

The waterfall’s roar grows louder with each descending step.

On warm days, the swimming hole at Graveyard Fields fills with visitors seeking refreshment in the mountain-cold water. The pool reaches surprising depth, perfect for a full-body plunge after your hike.

Slippery rocks surrounding the falls demand caution from swimmers.

This waterfall serves as the perfect introduction to the area’s natural wonders. Many visitors never venture beyond this spot, perfectly content with the scenery and swimming opportunities here.

4. Upper Falls Rewards Determined Hikers

Reaching Upper Falls requires a challenging 1.6-mile trek from the parking area, climbing over roots, rocks, and muddy patches. The trail gains elevation steadily, testing your endurance while promising a spectacular payoff.

This 40-foot cascade crashes down with impressive force, creating mist that cools the surrounding air.

The path to Upper Falls varies dramatically from the easy boardwalk to Lower Falls. Expect rough terrain, stream crossings, and sections that require careful navigation.

Sturdy hiking boots become essential equipment rather than optional gear.

Many hikers at Graveyard Fields consider the journey more rewarding than the destination itself. The trail winds through diverse ecosystems, offering constantly changing scenery and wildlife sightings.

Adventurous souls can scramble to the waterfall’s top for breathtaking perspectives.

Spider webs often stretch across the trail during early morning hours, greeting the day’s first hikers. Arriving early means claiming the falls for yourself, experiencing its power in peaceful solitude.

The hike back feels easier, buoyed by accomplishment and stunning memories.

5. Loop Trail Provides Perfect Overview

The 3.2-mile Graveyard Fields Loop Trail showcases the valley’s diverse beauty without overwhelming beginners. Rated as easy to moderate, the loop connects both waterfalls while traversing open meadows and forested sections.

Hikers can customize their experience by choosing which waterfall spurs to explore.

Wooden bridges cross babbling streams at multiple points, adding charm to the journey. The trail surface varies from packed dirt to rocky sections, keeping the hike interesting throughout.

Dappled shade alternates with sunny meadow stretches, providing natural temperature regulation.

Wildflowers bloom along the loop at Graveyard Fields during the spring and summer months. Mountain laurel and rhododendron create colorful displays that complement the berry bushes.

Each season transforms the loop’s character, making repeat visits worthwhile.

The loop’s popularity means you’ll rarely hike alone, with friendly fellow adventurers offering encouragement and trail tips. Many hikers report the supportive atmosphere as a highlight, creating unexpected connections.

The communal experience enhances rather than detracts from the natural beauty surrounding you.

6. White-Tailed Deer Roam Freely

Berry abundance attracts large numbers of white-tailed deer to Graveyard Fields throughout summer and fall. These graceful creatures graze openly in the meadows, often allowing surprisingly close observation.

Early morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Deer seem almost accustomed to human presence here, though they maintain healthy caution. Watching them move through the landscape adds a magical element to any hike.

Their tracks crisscross muddy trail sections, evidence of their constant presence.

The open meadows at Graveyard Fields make deer spotting much easier than in dense forests. You can watch them from considerable distances, observing natural behaviors without disturbance.

Fawns appear in early summer, their spotted coats providing perfect camouflage among the vegetation.

Photographers love the opportunities this location provides for wildlife imagery. The combination of deer, scenic backdrops, and good lighting creates frame-worthy moments regularly.

Remember to maintain respectful distances, allowing animals to behave naturally and safely.

7. The Haunting Name Has Logging Roots

Early 20th-century loggers stripped this valley bare, leaving behind countless tree stumps scattered across the landscape. Over time, moss and spruce needles blanketed these remnants, creating eerie mounds that resembled grave markers dotting a forgotten cemetery.

Local hikers began calling the area “Graveyard Fields,” and the name stuck permanently.

The resemblance was so striking that visitors would pause mid-hike, captivated by nature’s accidental graveyard. Today at Graveyard Fields in Canton, you can still spot some of these ancient mounds along the trails. They serve as ghostly reminders of the forest that once towered here.

The logging era stripped away centuries of growth in just a few years. Yet nature proved resilient, slowly reclaiming the valley with new life.

Walking through this landscape feels like stepping through layers of history, where beauty and loss intertwine. The name adds an unmistakable mystique to every hike, making visitors curious about the stories buried beneath their boots.

8. Autumn Colors Create Spectacular Display

Fall transforms Graveyard Fields into a painter’s palette of golds, oranges, and deep reds. The open valley allows sweeping views of color-drenched mountainsides stretching toward distant horizons.

Peak foliage typically arrives in mid-October, though elevation and weather influence exact timing.

Blueberry bushes contribute brilliant crimson hues to the meadow floor, contrasting beautifully with evergreen patches. The diversity of plant species creates layered color displays that evolve throughout autumn.

Each visit during the fall season reveals subtly different combinations.

Photographers flock to Graveyard Fields during this season, capturing nature’s grand finale before winter. The crowds intensify considerably, making early arrival even more critical than usual. Golden hour light sets the entire valley ablaze with warm, magical illumination.

Cooler temperatures make hiking more comfortable during autumn months, with fewer insects bothering trail users. The crisp mountain air carries the earthy scent of fallen leaves and approaching winter.

This season offers the perfect combination of visual beauty and ideal hiking conditions.

9. Yellowstone Falls Challenges Adventurers

Beyond the well-traveled paths to Upper and Lower Falls lies Yellowstone Falls, a 125-foot multi-cascade spectacle. Reaching this waterfall requires serious hiking commitment and strong navigation skills.

The trail becomes less defined, demanding attention and trail-finding ability.

This adventure appeals to experienced hikers seeking solitude and challenge beyond the main attractions. The waterfall’s impressive height and multiple tiers reward those willing to put in the effort.

Few visitors make this trek, meaning you’ll likely have the falls entirely to yourself.

The route to Yellowstone Falls from Graveyard Fields involves steep sections and potential stream crossings. Conditions vary dramatically based on recent weather and seasonal factors. Research the current trail status before attempting this extension of your Graveyard Fields exploration.

Waterfall enthusiasts consider Yellowstone Falls among the region’s hidden gems, worth every challenging step. The sense of discovery amplifies when you finally hear the cascade’s roar through the trees.

This experience separates casual visitors from dedicated adventurers seeking the area’s deepest secrets.

10. Parking Challenges Require Strategy

The parking lot at milepost 418.8 fills incredibly fast, especially during peak summer and fall weekends. Arriving before 9 AM dramatically increases your chances of snagging a spot in the official lot.

Late arrivals often park along the roadside, sometimes walking considerable distances back to the trailhead.

Three restroom facilities serve the parking area, though reviews consistently mention their less-than-pristine condition. The convenience outweighs the cleanliness issues for most visitors preparing for their hike.

Plan accordingly and set expectations appropriately.

Weekday visits to Graveyard Fields offer significantly better parking availability and trail solitude. The experience transforms completely when you’re not navigating crowds at every turn. Early morning weekdays provide the absolute best combination of parking ease and peaceful hiking.

Some hikers park at nearby Black Balsam and hike connector trails to Graveyard Fields instead. This alternative approach adds mileage but guarantees parking and provides additional scenic variety. The Blue Ridge Parkway’s popularity creates these challenges, but smart planning overcomes them easily.

11. Mountain To Sea Trail Connection

Graveyard Fields intersects with North Carolina’s famous Mountains-to-Sea Trail, offering extended hiking opportunities for ambitious adventurers. This 1,175-mile trail eventually connects the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks.

The connection point provides access to the vast wilderness beyond the immediate valley.

Hikers can extend their Graveyard Fields experience by following the MST in either direction. The trail climbs to spectacular ridgeline views and descends into remote valleys few visitors ever see.

This option appeals to those seeking multi-day backpacking adventures.

The MST section near Graveyard Fields showcases some of the route’s most beautiful high-elevation terrain. Rhododendron tunnels, mountain balds, and panoramic vistas characterize this portion. Day hikers can sample the trail without committing to its full length.

Trail markers clearly identify the MST intersection, making navigation straightforward for curious explorers. Even a short detour along this legendary trail adds special meaning to your Graveyard Fields visit.

The connection reminds visitors they’re experiencing just one small piece of North Carolina’s incredible trail network.

12. Swimming Holes Provide Refreshment

Cold mountain water collects in natural pools throughout Graveyard Fields, creating perfect swimming opportunities on warm days. Lower Falls features the most popular swimming hole, deep enough for full immersion.

The water temperature shocks initially, but feels refreshing once you adjust.

Slippery rocks surrounding these pools require extreme caution when entering and exiting the water. Several reviewers mention the hazards, emphasizing the importance of careful footing.

The rocks’ moss coating becomes treacherously slick when wet.

Families gather at these swimming spots throughout the summer at Graveyard Fields in Canton, creating lively, joyful scenes. Children splash while adults relax on sunny rocks, recovering from their hikes.

The combination of waterfall views and swimming creates memorable experiences.

The pristine water quality reflects the protected watershed’s health and purity. Swimming here feels like stepping into nature’s own refreshing pool, far from chlorine and crowds.

Pack a towel and embrace the opportunity to cool off after exploring the trails under summer sunshine.

13. Nearby Black Balsam Extends Adventure

Just minutes from Graveyard Fields along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Black Balsam Knob offers additional hiking and camping opportunities. This high-elevation area features rare mountain bald ecosystems with 360-degree views.

The combination makes for an exceptional multi-day adventure.

Dispersed camping is permitted at Black Balsam, unlike within Graveyard Fields itself where camping is prohibited. Backpackers often base themselves here while day-hiking to Graveyard Fields and surrounding attractions.

The flexibility allows for extended wilderness experiences without designated campground constraints. Connector trails link Black Balsam to Graveyard Fields, creating loop options for ambitious hikers. These routes traverse ridgelines with spectacular panoramic views across multiple mountain ranges.

The high-elevation terrain provides completely different scenery from the valley below.

Combining both destinations creates a comprehensive Blue Ridge experience showcasing diverse ecosystems and landscapes. Many visitors regret not allocating more time to explore both areas thoroughly.

Planning a full weekend allows proper appreciation of everything this remarkable region offers to outdoor enthusiasts.