A New Route Into Graveyard Fields Just Opened on the Blue Ridge Parkway

By Jon Tharp, Broker  ·  October 8, 2026

Graveyard Fields has a new way in. A one-mile connector trail linking the John Rock Overlook parking area on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Graveyard Fields valley floor was celebrated with a ribbon cutting on Oct. 6.

Graveyard Fields sits near Milepost 419 on the Parkway and is one of the most heavily visited destinations in the Pisgah National Forest. The area is popular during the fall season for its fall colors and is known for its waterfalls, mountain vistas and rare high-elevation ecosystems.

What is the Upper Falls Connector Trail for?

The Pisgah Conservancy celebrated the opening in partnership with the Blue Ridge Parkway, the USDA Forest Service and the National Park Service. The Conservancy calls the new trail a major step forward in the larger Graveyard Fields Restoration Project.

According to the Conservancy, the new connection provides critical access for future restoration work, including trail reconstruction, stream and habitat restoration, storm recovery and ongoing maintenance.

How long has the Graveyard Fields restoration been in the works?

Since 2017, The Pisgah Conservancy and the Forest Service have worked in partnership with the National Park Service to develop a comprehensive restoration plan for Graveyard Fields. That plan includes major trail improvements, ecological restoration and enhanced recreation opportunities.

What comes next at Graveyard Fields?

According to the release, the next steps involve methodical repairs throughout the valley, including needed bridge replacements on the Upper Falls Trail and the Graveyard Fields Loop Trail.

Projects will be led by both The Pisgah Conservancy and the Forest Service.

Who helped make the new trail possible?

The project has been made possible through a partnership between The Pisgah Conservancy, the USDA Forest Service and the National Park Service - Blue Ridge Parkway. Contributions came from the Lastinger Family Foundation, Visit Haywood, the Fernandez Pave-the-Way Foundation, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, the Community Foundation of Henderson County – Perry N. Rudnick Endowment, the Carol B. Phelon Foundation and donors to The Pisgah Conservancy.

Source: WLOS News 13

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Graveyard Fields on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Graveyard Fields is near Milepost 419 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and is one of the most heavily visited destinations in the Pisgah National Forest. It is popular in the fall for its fall colors and is known for its waterfalls, mountain vistas and rare high-elevation ecosystems.

What is the Graveyard Fields Restoration Project?

Since 2017, The Pisgah Conservancy and the USDA Forest Service have worked in partnership with the National Park Service to develop a comprehensive restoration plan for Graveyard Fields. The plan includes major trail improvements, ecological restoration and enhanced recreation opportunities, with bridge replacements on the Upper Falls Trail and Graveyard Fields Loop Trail among the next steps.