The Tar Heel state is abundant with beauty from its rich forests to its mysterious mountains and shimmering water sources. Sometimes a long drive, hike, or float is in order to reach these inspiring places. How often can you find a magnificent natural wonder near a parking lot in North Carolina? Two lovely waterfalls sit in the Graveyard Fields Area of the Pisgah National Forest near Canton. Both are accessible from the trailhead, but the Second Falls — also called Lower Falls — is only a third of a mile from the parking lot. It's hard to believe something so grand is just a few steps away.

While it's difficult to tear ourselves from the breathtaking drive, Graveyard Fields sits at an elevation of more than 5,000 feet along the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 418.8.

Here you'll find a restroom and a parking lot. This space can fill up quickly - so try to plan for an early stop.

Start your hike at the staircase nearest to the restroom building where the .6-mile round trip begins as a paved route.

You'll walk through some pretty rhododendrons, mountain laurel, and honeysuckle that show off in the spring. The route becomes a bridge that spans the Yellowstone Prong which feeds the waterfalls.

Once you cross the bridge, turn right to meet the trail intersection where you will go down a long flight of stairs to the viewing platform for the Lower Falls.

Since the parking lot is higher than Graveyard Fields it's necessary to walk down some pretty steep stairs, across bridges, and some wooden planks to access the Second Falls with a short path between the stairs.

Another way to access the falls is from the slippery, large rocks at the base - but please use caution. For such a short hike, the payoff is immense at this natural wonder near a parking lot in North Carolina.

It's difficult to say in which season the falls look prettier - but autumn brings colorful leaves that create interesting and pointy designs.

Even framed by only a few bits of crimson, the views of the Second Falls are pretty immense.

And in the summer months, the Second Falls is a popular swimming hole and a place to catch a few rays.

After your short hike, continue the journey to the Graveyard Fields Loop Trail, which is about 1.3 miles round trip.

We hope you journey to this natural wonder near a parking lot in North Carolina.  While you're there, head over to the Shining Rock Wilderness area to see a tree that looks just like a dragon.

If you are a hiker and would like some help navigating, AllTrails+ offers a free trial.