After reaching the top of the falls, we picnicked and relaxed, and played in the water. We followed the loop, visited the Second Falls (also called Lower Falls), and followed the Upper Falls signs on the Yellowstone Prong. This is a very popular area for fishing, hiking, and mountain biking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. Once you reach the upper part of the trail to reach Upper Falls, which is basically a rock river bed, the hiking gets a little more challenging. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 11 min to complete. The map shown above shows the route we took, a total 2.9-mile loop. Additional hiking is available on the Graveyard Ridge, which is less crowded. Because of the constant impact of erosion on the hiking trails, The Graveyard Fields area trails underwent significant rerouting during the summer of 2005 and have been updated since then, but the erosion problem continues. As you walk through the field-like area, see if you get the feeling of a “Graveyard Field.” A sign along the path About the Graveyard Fields Trails Map of the Graveyard Fields Trailsĭepending on the distance you want to hike, the map shown above gives an excellent summary. What you will experience today is a forest slowly recovering. This fire consumed the forest and deeply swallowed the soil’s nutrients. The forest recovered, only to be destroyed again by a devastating forest fire in 1925. Over the years, the rotting trees left stumps in the area that resembled a graveyard. The locals tell us that Graveyard Fields got its name when a tremendous wind storm blew through the area over 500 years ago and uprooted the beautiful Spruce trees growing on the mountainside. These high peaks form the source of the Yellowstone Prong of the Pigeon River, which flows through Graveyard Fields valley. However, the valley is over 5,000 feet and surrounded by mountains exceeding 6,000 feet in elevation, including Black Balsam Knob, Tennent Mountain, and Sam Knob. Views of the mountain range from above the Upper Falls Where did this trail get it’s nameĮveryone asks- what a crazy name, and precisely what does it mean? Graveyard Fields is technically the name of a flat mountain valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains south of Asheville. Below are all the details to make your day trip to Graveyard Fields a lifetime memory. ![]() Here you will find cooler summer temperatures and mountain breezes, various hiking trails, and mountain streams with waterfalls to picnic by. One of the more popular hiking trails in the area is Graveyard Fields, including beautiful waterfalls. The inn is located north of Asheville and just a few miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway. While staying at the Sourwood Inn, your hiking options are endless. The parking area includes this detailed map of the trails.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |