Parkway plans construction at Graveyard Fields

GRAVEYARD FIELDS – The parking area and trailhead at a popular spot along the Blue Ridge Parkway will be closed starting April 22 for construction work.

The area at Graveyard Fields will be closed for 11 weeks while workers expand the overlook, install new restroom facilities and make other improvements, according to a news release from the parkway.

“The project addresses important visitor services and safety issues, and includes construction of a new comfort station and doubling of the parking capacity,” the release states.

Workers will expand the overlook from 17 to 40 spaces. They will also make improvements to U.S. Forest Service trails “that include installing boardwalk, constructing check dams, improving drainage, closing non-system trails, and modifying boardwalk sections to fit new design features,” the release states.

Graveyard Fields is one of the parkway’s most popular recreation areas. The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is providing financial support for the project.

“We know that visitor use exceeds parking capacity every day of week throughout the summer and fall seasons at Graveyard Fields,” Foundation Director Carolyn Ward said in the release. “The foundation is pleased to provide a way to match people’s love of this site with its long term management and stewardship.”