Timeline
06:49
Graveyard Fields- Blue Ridge Parkway
Park and walk the 64-minute trail from the Blue Ridge Parkway overlook to Graveyard Fields. The path is short but steep, so leave time to hike down to the base of the falls before the sun crests the horizon.
07:39
Graveyard Fields- Blue Ridge Parkway
Stand by the Lower Falls as the sun rises at 07:39. The golden light hits the rock face and the cascading water, creating a misty, backlit scene. This is the peak moment for photography and quiet reflection.
08:19
Head back toward town for breakfast. All Day Darling opens at 07:00, so it will be ready for you just as you finish your hike. Grab a coffee and a pastry to warm up after the morning hike.
Local tip
The trail to Graveyard Fields is a steep 0.7-mile hike. Wear sturdy shoes and bring layers, as it is significantly colder in the gorge than at the overlook.
Check before you go
- All Day Darling is open Mo-Su 07:00-20:00.
- The Blue Ridge Parkway is open 24/7, but parking at the Graveyard Fields overlook fills quickly on weekends.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Asheville (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).