Moses H. Cone Memorial Park | Boone

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is a historic and expansive recreational area situated along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Encompassing roughly 3,500 acres of land, the park is a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities. It was originally the private estate of Moses H. Cone, a wealthy textile industrialist, and his wife Bertha, and today it is managed by the National Park Service as part of the Blue Ridge Parkway system.

Historical Context and Estate Origins

Moses H. Cone, known as the “Denim King” for his pioneering role in the American denim and textile industry, purchased the land in the early 1900s as a summer retreat. In 1901, he and Bertha built the impressive Flat Top Manor, a 23-room Colonial Revival mansion perched on a hilltop overlooking Bass Lake and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. The estate was intended as a peaceful escape from urban life and a place to enjoy nature’s beauty while also demonstrating Moses Cone’s interest in conservation and progressive agriculture.

The estate was carefully developed with a variety of features designed to complement its natural setting:

Flat Top Manor: The centerpiece of the estate, this grand house features classical architecture with elegant interiors, and it originally served as the family’s summer home.

Carriage Roads: Over 25 miles of gently graded carriage roads were laid out across the property to provide access by horse-drawn carriages. These wide, gravel roads meander through forests, meadows, and around lakes, offering scenic routes for travel and leisure.

Bass Lake and Beaverdam Creek Lake: Two man-made lakes created for aesthetic beauty, fishing, and recreation.

Apple Orchards: Moses Cone planted approximately 32,000 apple trees across multiple orchards on the property, cultivating around 80 varieties of apples. The orchards were an important part of the estate’s agricultural endeavors, showcasing Cone’s interest in sustainable land use and farming.

Forestry and Plantings: Cone planted extensive white pine forests and hemlock hedges, and he introduced bass and trout to the lakes, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship.

After Moses Cone’s death in 1908, Bertha Cone continued to care for the estate until her death in 1947. Upon her passing, the entire estate was donated to the National Park Service to become part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, preserving it for public enjoyment and conservation.

Features and Attractions Today

The park preserves much of the original estate’s charm and natural beauty while opening it to visitors for a wide range of activities:

Flat Top Manor and Parkway Craft Center

Flat Top Manor now serves as the Parkway Craft Center, operated by the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The first floor houses a gift shop featuring handmade Appalachian crafts, including pottery, woodwork, weaving, and jewelry, produced by local and regional artisans. In the warmer months, artisans often conduct live demonstrations on the manor’s front porch, offering visitors an immersive experience of traditional Appalachian craftsmanship.

Carriage Trails

The network of 25 miles of carriage roads is one of the park’s most celebrated features. These wide, gently sloping paths wind through diverse terrain including forests, meadows, and alongside lakes. They are popular for hiking, horseback riding, trail running, and in winter, cross-country skiing. The trails vary in length and difficulty, with some accessible to families and casual walkers, while others appeal to more experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

Prominent trails include:

Craftsman’s Trail: A short loop that circles around the manor and gardens, ideal for a leisurely walk.

Flat Top Road: A longer trail that extends to the Flat Top Observation Tower, a historic fire tower offering panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The carriage trails maintain their historic gravel surface and are kept clear for easy access, allowing visitors to experience the same routes that Moses Cone and his family once traveled by carriage.

Bass Lake and Other Natural Areas

Bass Lake is a 22-acre lake near Flat Top Manor, surrounded by trails and picnic areas. It offers opportunities for catch-and-release fishing and peaceful strolls along its shoreline. The park’s natural areas are rich in Appalachian flora and fauna, making it a great spot for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and nature photography.

Apple Orchards and Agricultural History

Although the original apple orchards are no longer active, visitors can still see remnants such as the old apple barn and orchard boundaries. Interpretive signage provides insight into the agricultural heritage of the estate and Moses Cone’s innovative approaches to farming and land management.

Visitor Amenities and Accessibility

Visitor Center: Located at Flat Top Manor, the craft center serves as an information hub, gift shop, and cultural venue.

Picnic Facilities: Several picnic areas with tables are available for day visitors who wish to enjoy meals amidst nature.

Restrooms and Parking: The park is equipped with clean restroom facilities and ample parking near major trailheads and Flat Top Manor.

Accessibility: The first floor of Flat Top Manor and some of the carriage trails are wheelchair accessible, ensuring that visitors with mobility challenges can enjoy parts of the park.

Activities and Programs

Visitors to Moses H. Cone Memorial Park can engage in a variety of recreational and cultural activities:

Hiking and Walking: The carriage trails provide miles of scenic hiking routes through peaceful woodlands and past lakes.

Horseback Riding: The wide carriage roads are suitable for horseback riding, and nearby stables often offer rentals.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing: In winter, the park’s trails provide a great venue for snow sports.

Craft Demonstrations: During spring through fall, artisans at the Parkway Craft Center demonstrate traditional crafts, connecting visitors with Appalachian cultural heritage.

Events and Educational Programs: The National Park Service and Southern Highland Craft Guild host seasonal events, workshops, and guided tours to deepen visitor understanding of the area’s history, natural environment, and crafts.

Conservation and Legacy

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park stands as a testament to early 20th-century conservation efforts and the vision of its original owners. The estate’s preservation has allowed the maintenance of Appalachian natural landscapes in their near-original state, promoting environmental stewardship while providing public access to these treasured lands.

The park is a key cultural and recreational asset in the Blue Ridge Mountains, blending history, art, and outdoor activities in a way that honors the heritage of the region and the enduring legacy of the Cone family.

Summary

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is an exceptional destination that combines:

Historic architecture and cultural heritage in Flat Top Manor.

Extensive carriage roads for hiking, horseback riding, and winter sports.

Beautiful natural settings including lakes, forests, and remnants of historic apple orchards.

The promotion of Appalachian arts and crafts through the Parkway Craft Center.

Conservation of native ecosystems and public enjoyment of the Blue Ridge Parkway environment.

This park offers a rich experience for visitors interested in history, nature, and Appalachian culture, making it a significant landmark in North Carolina’s mountain region.