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Cemetery loop is a trail in Pisgah National Forest. This trail can be an easy out and back or a loop with a connection to the Long Branch Trail. The start of the trail follows an old wagon road, FS-475D. This trail is rarely used and somewhat overgrown in places
Cemetery Loop is named for the old McCall family Cemetery located near the end of this trail. Most of the headstones are from the 1800s.
You can skip the cemetery; it is a marked side trail and not visible from the main path.
1.2 miles each way if you hike out and back or 2.3 miles if you hike the loop with Long Branch. If you wanted to hike or bike a longer loop, you could include the entire Long Branch trail, which would add 3.4 miles.
You can camp on this trail; the one campsite is located more than 1000 feet from the road, so it is not considered roadside camping—the campsite is near the end of the trail past the cemetery.
Cemetery Loop makes a great beginner mountain bike trail, or it can also serve as a warm-up ride for other trails in the area. Bikes are not allowed in the cemetery.
This trail is a beautiful trail for dogs. The majority of the path is wide and offers plenty of room for the entire family. There are also a few small water sources on the cemetery side, and if you connect with the Long Branch Trail, there are a much larger stream and crossing. Check out the best dog trails in the area here
Directions from Asheville: Take I-26 to Exit 40. Turn right off of the highway and follow Highway 280 for 16 miles. Turn right onto 276/Forest Heritage Scenic Byway towards the Blue Ridge Parkway. After 5.3 miles, you will see a fork in the road with a sign for the fish Hatchery. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 475. Continue for 5.4 miles, park at gate 475-D on left.