The need for a new trail
Graveyard Fields is a mile-high valley located off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Pisgah National Forest. Its waterfalls, mountain vistas, and unique high-elevation ecosystems make it one of the most popular hiking destinations in Western North Carolina.
The popularity of Graveyard Fields, combined with harsher weather conditions and insufficient infrastructure, leaves the area vulnerable to environmental degradation and unsafe recreation conditions. In 2017, we joined forces with the USDA Forest Service to begin developing a large-scale project plan for Graveyard Fields that includes major trail system improvements and additions, as well as ecosystem restoration.
None of the existing trails leading into Graveyard Fields can accommodate the needed equipment or material loads necessary for future phases of the Graveyard Fields Restoration Project to be implemented. This is due to the presence of staircases, narrow trail corridors, and existing bridges and other trail infrastructure that are incapable of supporting heavy loads.
One new trail, many benefits for Pisgah and its visitors
After considering alternative options like helicopter drops to transport materials, it was determined that a new 0.9-mile trail, now known as the future Upper Falls Connector trail, would be a better option because it would provide the following benefits:
- Long-term, sustainable access to the area for future trail maintenance needs
- Dispersal of visitors and expanded recreational opportunities by offering an alternative route into Graveyard Fields
- Improved access for emergency services
The decision to construct a new trail was made before Hurricane Helene struck our region. Now, the Upper Falls Connector trail will also serve as a critical logistics route for transporting materials and equipment needed to repair storm damage in this popular and unique area of Pisgah National Forest. We’ll be working with trail builders from Global Action Sports Solutions to construct the Upper Falls Connector trail.
The project will break ground in May 2026 and is expected to conclude in late summer, just in time for the beautiful show of fall foliage at Graveyard Fields.
