The Pisgah Conservancy, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, celebrated the completion of the new Upper Falls Connector Trail at Graveyard Fields with a ribbon cutting on Oct. 6.
The 1-mile trail is a major step forward in the larger Graveyard Fields Restoration Project, connecting the John Rock Overlook parking area on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Graveyard Fields valley floor. The new connection provides critical access for future restoration work, including trail reconstruction, stream and habitat restoration, storm recovery, and ongoing maintenance.
Located near Milepost 419 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Graveyard Fields is one of the most heavily visited destinations in the Pisgah National Forest. The area is known for its waterfalls, mountain vistas, and rare high-elevation ecosystems, but increased visitation, severe weather, and aging trail infrastructure have created significant challenges.
The Upper Falls Connector provides a wider corridor and durable infrastructure to accommodate the equipment and materials needed for future restoration and ongoing maintenance. Its design minimizes impacts to surrounding habitats while improving access to the valley.
Next steps in the Graveyard Fields Restoration Project include methodical repairs throughout the valley, including needed bridge replacements on Upper Falls Trail and Graveyard Fields Loop Trail.
To learn more about Upper Falls Connector Trail, the Graveyard Fields Restoration Project, and ways to help Pisgah, visit pisgahconservancy.org.