fbpx
Regional impacts from Hurricane Helene continue; please visit thoughtfully. Get latest updates here. X

In 1901, industrial magnate Moses H. Cone and his wife Bertha built a 20 room Colonial Revivalist mansion on Flat Top Mountain. Born to immigrants, Cone worked his way up from traveling peddler to a textile mogul, earning the moniker, “The Denim King.” A naturalist and conservationist, Cone planted extensive white pine forests and hemlock, built several lakes stocked with bass and trout, and planted a 10,000-tree apple orchard. Visit the Moses Cone Memorial Park to tour the mansion, hike the many carriage trails, fish in the lakes, and discover art at the Southern Highland Craft Guild.


Trails: Carriage Trails (see below)


Views: Bass Lake, Trout Lake, Meadows, Mountains


Picnic Tables: No tables but great spot for a quilt picnic


Camping: No


Other Features: Historic manor house & craft center

The Carriage, Horse & Hiking Trails

Enjoy 25 miles of beautiful carriage roads. Visit Cone Cemetery on your way to Flat Top Tower, where you will find stunning views. Explore the apple orchards, walk around Bass Lake, investigate the Maze and apple barn. Most trails are multi-purpose and open to horseback riders, joggers, hikers, and cross-country skiers. Help preserve these historic trails by staying on the designated paths and LEAVE NO TRACE.

Horseback riders on Rich Mountain Trail

Horseback Riding on Rich Mountain Trail

view of flat top manor from bass lake

View of Flat Top Manor from Bass Lake

flowers in meadow on flat top trail

Flat Top Mountain Trail

mountain view from flatop tower

View from Flat Top Tower

Rich Mountain Carriage Trail

MODERATE
2.6 miles (5.2 miles total, out and back)
Dogs allowed on leash


Flat Top Mountain Carriage Trail

MODERATE
2.8 miles (5.6 miles total, out and back)
Dogs allowed on leash


Watkins Carriage Trail

MODERATE
3.3 miles (6.6 miles total, out and back)
Dogs allowed on leash


Black Bottom Carriage Trail

EASY
.5 mile (1 mile total, out and back)
Dogs allowed on leash


Bass Lake Carriage Trail

EASY
0.9 miles (loop)
Dogs allowed on leash


Deer Park Carriage Trail

MODERATE
1.2 miles (2.4 miles total, out and back)
Dogs allowed on leash


Maze Carriage Trail

MODERATE
2.3 miles (4.6 miles total, out and back)
Dogs allowed on leash


Duncan Carriage Trail

MODERATE
2.5 miles (5 miles total, out and back)
Dogs allowed on leash


Rock Creek Bridge Carriage Trail

EASY
1 mile (2 miles total, out and back)
Dogs allowed on leash


Figure 8 Trail Loop

EASY
.7 mile (loop)
Dogs allowed on leash


Trout Lake Carriage Trail Loop

EASY
1 mile (loop)
Dogs allowed on leash

Moses Cone Memorial Park Trail Map
Moses Cone Memorial Park Trail Map

The Southern Highland Craft Guild Store

On the first floor of Flat Top Manor, you’ll find exquisite handmade crafts from members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Enjoy seasonal craft demonstrations. 


 

  • April-May Hours: Wed-Sun from 10 am to 4 pm (open for season April 15)
  • June-October Hours: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
  • November Hours: Wed-Sun from 10 am to 4 pm | Closed Thanksgiving | Last day of the season is November 27
  • CLOSED November 28-April 14

Related Articles

 

Cross Country Skiing Access

Cross Country Skiing Access

Cross Country Skiing enthusiasts have been coming to the mountains for years to enjoy the snow and hone their skill. The Carriage Trails at Moses Memorial Cone Park in Blowing Rock offer 25 miles of trails that are wide and well maintained year-round.

read more
Indulge in this Mid-Week Itinerary

Indulge in this Mid-Week Itinerary

Come to Blowing Rock and indulge in a mountain getaway! Take in the natural beauty of the High Country, experience local arts, shopping, and decadent dining options. This itinerary outlines 2.5 days of relaxation and recreation for couples or friends alike.

read more
Dog Gone Good Time

Dog Gone Good Time

Instead of leaving your dog behind when you go on vacation, bring your four-legged family member to beautiful Blowing Rock! Below, we’ve outlined a great one night adventure of activities and sights that are perfect for you and your pet.   Morning -Start your day...

read more
5 Sunset Views in Blowing Rock

5 Sunset Views in Blowing Rock

The warm light creates the evening "golden hour" when everything is cast in a glow. Sunset light enhances fall colors, too! Check out these beautiful, no-hike sunset spots for a perfect end to your day whether with your friends, your significant other, or alone with...

read more
Moses Cone: The Denim King & His Gilded Age Manor

Moses Cone: The Denim King & His Gilded Age Manor

Born in Jonesborough, Tennessee in 1857, Moses Herman Cone was the eldest of 13 children born to Jewish-German immigrants. He and his brother, Caesar, worked with their father in his dry goods business in Maryland and later moved to Greensboro, NC, and partnered with...

read more
Birding in Blowing Rock

Birding in Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway and bordered by the Pisgah National Forest, providing close proximity and easy access to a multitude of habitats. This area of the Blue Ridge Mountains provides a home for about 160 breeding species of birds, with over...

read more
BR Historical Society Helps Cone Restoration

BR Historical Society Helps Cone Restoration

On April 3rd, the Blowing Rock Historical Society (BRHS) presented the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation with a $3500 check for restoration projects at the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park.  This donation was from the proceeds of BRHS's 2018 Artists in Residence (AiR) program....

read more

Upcoming Events

 

There are no upcoming events at this time.