Moses Cone Memorial Park Guide
Explore History and Nature at Moses Cone Memorial Park Guide
Discover the beauty and history of Moses Cone Memorial Park, a sprawling 3,500-acre estate on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Boone, North Carolina. This park offers a blend of stunning natural landscapes, including forests, lakes, and trails, along with a glimpse into the life of a prominent textile entrepreneur. It's a perfect destination for hiking, horseback riding, fishing, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the mountains. Moses Cone, a successful textile manufacturer, purchased the land in the late 19th century and transformed it into a model estate. He built Flat Top Manor, a grand Colonial Revival mansion, as his summer home. Cone was a conservationist and meticulously planned the landscape, creating lakes, planting forests, and building carriage roads that are now popular hiking trails. After his death, the estate was donated to the National Park Service and became a memorial to his contributions. Visitors to Moses Cone Memorial Park can tour Flat Top Manor (which houses the Parkway Craft Center), hike or horseback ride on the 25 miles of carriage trails, fish in Bass Lake or Cone Lake, and enjoy panoramic views from various overlooks. The Parkway Craft Center showcases the work of local artisans, offering a chance to purchase unique handmade crafts. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition within the park itself, nearby Blowing Rock and Boone offer a variety of dining options.
Transportation
The best way to reach Moses Cone Memorial Park is by car via the Blue Ridge Parkway. From Boone, take the Parkway south. Parking is available at Flat Top Manor and at various trailheads throughout the park.