Photo credit: AllTrails.com

Where: Graveyard Fields to the upper falls

Meet: Ironwood Square, Conserving Carolina’s office, 847 Case Street, Hendersonville, NC, at 8:30 a.m.

Distance and difficulty: 3.3–miles, moderately strenuous; trail type-lollipop

Elevation gain: 416′

Approximately 1 hour drive

Join us for a beautiful hike through the high-elevation landscape of Graveyard Fields, where open meadows, mountain streams, and surrounding peaks create a uniquely scenic setting. We’ll follow the Graveyard Fields Loop to the Upper Falls Trail, winding through a scenic forest alongside Yellowstone Prong creek to the Upper Falls, a magnificent cascade. We’ll then retrace our steps before continuing along the loop to Second Falls, enjoying cascading water, rhododendron-lined trails, and the natural beauty of this special landscape along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Hikers should expect a few creek crossings, and waterproof boots are recommended. There will be plenty of great spots for photos, and we’re hoping to catch some beautiful fall color along the way!

*Space is limited and pre-registration is required, and space is limited to 20 participants. Registration, by RSVP below, opens at 9:00 am Friday, September 18, 2026.  

Contact pam@conservingcarolina.org with additional questions.

Conserving Carolina is sponsoring a Friday hiking series this fall that is free, guided, and open to the public. The hikes will meet at Ironwood Plaza (Conserving Carolina’s office) and will leave promptly at 8:15 a.m. Hikers should plan to return to the area in the late afternoon, time varying with group size, distance of hike, and drive time. Car-pooling will be organized at the meeting location. If you’re coming from an area closer to the trailhead, please contact Pam Torlina (email above) to make other meeting arrangements.

Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Bring a bag lunch and/or snack and plenty of water for yourself.

In case of inclement weather, please contact Pam Torlina by email at: pam@conservingcarolina.org by 7:00 a.m. on the day of the hike and/or check the Conserving Carolina website ‘calendar’ to see if the hike will take place. Please also remember to bring any medication that you may need in the event of an emergency (ie: epinephrine, nitroglycerine, insulin, etc.). Hike leaders will carry a first aid kit; however, it may not contain specific medication for your individual needs.

Before each hike, you will be asked to sign a waiver form. For your safety, do not attempt any hike beyond your ability and experience. This schedule is subject to change.