Lower Falls at Graveyard Fields is one of the most popular and easily accessible waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located near Milepost 418.8, this beautiful cascade drops into a wide, crystal-clear pool that has become a favorite spot for wading, swimming, and cooling off on warm summer days.
Reaching the falls requires just a short but moderately steep 0.3-mile hike, making it an excellent destination for families, casual hikers, and anyone looking for a rewarding waterfall without a long trek. If you're simply driving the Parkway, you can even catch a glimpse of the falls from a small roadside pull-off. In this guide, we'll share everything you need to know before you go, including trail conditions, parking, the best times to visit, safety tips, and what to expect during your hike.
Need to Know |
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Location: Milepost 418.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC |
Accessible: The falls are not accessible. |
Dog Friendly: Yes, but must be on a leash |
Distance: .06 miles round-trip |
Difficulty: Moderate |
Features: Waterfall, Swimming Hole, Jump off rock, unique plant life, dense rhododendron thicket, gorgeous fall colors |
Directions: Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 418.8 between Asheville and Waynesville, NC. There is a large parking lot for the area and a bathroom building. It will be hard to miss. |
2026 Update: Hurricane Helene Recovery
Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway in late 2024, resulting in extended road closures and repair work throughout the Graveyard Fields area. The good news is that Lower Falls at Graveyard Fields and the surrounding trail system are once again open, allowing visitors to enjoy one of the Parkway's most popular waterfall hikes.
While the trail is in good condition overall, you may notice areas where erosion, fallen trees, and cleanup efforts have subtly changed the landscape. Crews have worked hard to restore access while protecting the surrounding environment, and most visitors will find the hike much as they remember it before the storm.
As with any trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway, it's always a good idea to check current road conditions before heading out. Temporary closures due to maintenance, storm cleanup, or weather can still occur from time to time.
Our Videos
Join us as we hike down to Lower Falls:
Here's another video of Second Falls we took in the Fall of 2011:
Lower Falls Graveyard Fields Trail
Lower Falls (also called Second Falls) is one of two large waterfalls in the Graveyard Fields area. Of the two, Lower Falls is the easiest to access from the main parking lot and the shorter hike. Lower Falls also has a fairly large and deep pool of water below it, making it a very popular summer swimming hole.
Much of the trail down to Lower Graveyard Falls is now either pavement or wooden decking. The first part of the trail down from the parking lot is paved and crosses through a forest of dense rhododendrons. In late April and May, the trail is surrounded by purple flowers.
After exiting the canopy of Rhodos, you'll walk down a short set of wooden stairs to a bridge that crosses Yellow Prong, the creek that is the water source for both upper and lower falls, and Skinny Dip Falls as well.
To reach the falls, continue across the bridge to yellow prong, and walk along the wooden deck walkway on the other side. You'll see a dirt trail that leads to the left; this takes you to Upper Falls about 1.5 miles away. To reach Lower Falls, continue straight.
After crossing a small creek, the wooden decking will stop, and you'll be hiking on dirt again. You'll pass a couple of access trails to the left that lead to the Mountains to Sea Trail. You'll also pass a few informal trails to the right that take you down to Yellow Prong and above Lower Falls. - We do not recommend doing this, as it's dangerous.
Soon you'll reach a long set of wooden stairs heading down. Take these, you should hear Lower Falls at this point, and reach it at the bottom of the stairs.
As of May 2026 - Be aware as you walk down the wooden decking that some sections have rotted and fallen apart. You'll want to watch where you step to avoid holes, sharp wood, and rotted wood that may collapse. We hope these issues get addressed by the park service soon.
Lower Falls
The area just below the falls is where people often enjoy a good swim. The water is deep enough to allow for jumping off the rocks into the water. Just be careful, as Hurricane Helene changed the depth of the swimming area some.
There are also many shallow areas where younger and smaller children can safely wade and play in the water. We often bring our children here to swim, as do many others. This is a very busy and active area in Graveyard Fields, as you can see by the photos taken on Labor Day weekend.
Lower Falls from the Parkway
For those that aren't able to hike, if you don't have time to hike, or just want a different view of the Falls, Lower Falls is viewable from the Parkway and Handicap Accessible from your car and roadside pullover.
If you are driving towards Asheville on the Parkway, pass the main Graveyard Fields parking lot. Just a little past the parking lot, you'll see a wooden guardrail to your left and a gravel/grass pull over to your right. Lower Falls is viewable from the guardrail. Just be very careful, as there is a turn just past this, and cars come by fast.
Where to Stay When Visiting Lower Falls at Graveyard Fields
If you're planning more than a day trip, we recommend staying in either Brevard or Waynesville. Both towns make excellent base camps for exploring this section of the Blue Ridge Parkway and offer easy access to waterfalls, scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and local restaurants.
Our Pick: Prospect Hill on Main (Waynesville)
If you're looking for a memorable place to stay, Prospect Hill on Main is our top recommendation. We had the opportunity to tour the inn with the owners shortly after it reopened, and it's quickly become one of our favorite places to recommend.
This beautifully restored historic inn combines modern comforts with classic charm and is just a short walk from Waynesville's vibrant Main Street, where you'll find locally owned shops, restaurants, breweries, and galleries. Its convenient location also makes it easy to explore both the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Brevard
If you prefer to stay closer to Graveyard Fields, Brevard is an excellent choice. Located about 30 minutes from the trailhead, Brevard is known as the "Land of Waterfalls" and is surrounded by Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest. It's an ideal home base if you plan to visit several waterfalls during your trip, and the downtown area offers plenty of restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and locally owned stores to enjoy after a day on the trail.
Both towns offer a different experiences, and you really can't go wrong. If your trip focuses on waterfalls around Pisgah National Forest, Brevard is the more convenient choice.
