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 Riding on Rich Mountain Trail
View of Flat Top Manor from Bass Lake
Flat Top Mountain Trail
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
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
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