Better public access and trail improvements for Graveyard Fields, one of the most popular spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway, will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Aug. 4, with representatives of The National Park Service, U.S Forest Service and Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation on hand for the area’s official re-opening.It had been closed earlier this year while crews completed extensive trail improvements, construction of new restrooms and an expanded parking area. It reopened in time for July Fourth.
The project has been in the works for five years, prompted by the site’s popularity and increase use, which was taking its toll on the land.
Contributions from the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s Community of Stewards members made the final product possible. The Foundation secured a Scenic Byways grant of $261,000 and committed to raising over $65,000 in matching funds — $40,000 is still needed to meet that goal.
“We have had over 100 donors and supporters of the project thus far and donations are still coming in”, said Carolyn Ward, CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. “This project is a great example of the power of the Parkway in rallying our Community of Stewards together to make a difference.”
Graveyard Fields is located in the Shining Rock area along the Haywood County section of the Parkway, near milepost 419.