Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Blue Ridge Parkway wilderness guide
Memorial Park · NC

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Blue Ridge Parkway

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is a historic estate on the Blue Ridge Parkway known for its stunning views, extensive trail system, and rich history.

Memorial Park3,5003+ Trails

Designation

Memorial Park

Total Wilderness Area

3,500

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Blue Ridge Parkway

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is a historic estate on the Blue Ridge Parkway known for its stunning views, extensive trail system, and rich history.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located at milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, Moses H. Cone Memorial Park encompasses a majestic country estate developed in the late 1800s by textile magnate Moses H. Cone. The 3,500-acre park is home to the Flat Top Manor, a Colonial Revival mansion that offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Cone family. The park is renowned for its 25 miles of historic carriage trails that meander through dense forests, around scenic lakes, and offer sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain vistas. The Cone family, known for their commitment to land conservation, left a significant legacy that contributes to both the ecological richness and recreational opportunities found here today. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing, while wildlife watching provides a chance to see local species in their natural habitat. The park's mix of natural and historical features makes it a captivating destination for those exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Field Guide · Memorial Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Blue Ridge Parkway

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Flat Top Manor, a historic 20-room mansion offering stunning views.✦ Bass Lake, perfect for a peaceful walk or a spot of fishing.✦ 25 miles of carriage trails ideal for hiking and horseback riding.✦ The Cone Cemetery, the final resting place of Moses and Bertha Cone.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Blue Ridge Parkway

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Blue Ridge Parkway
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Blue Ridge Parkway
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Blue Ridge Parkway
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Blue Ridge Parkway
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Blue Ridge Parkway
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Blue Ridge Parkway.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access; no permits required for day use.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Blue Ridge Parkway

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Blue Ridge Parkway

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Blowing Rock, North Carolina
⌖ 2.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Blowing Rock is a picturesque village perfect for outdoor enthusiasts craving hiking, mountain biking, and serene scenic drives. Experience the rugged beauty and rich history in North Carolina's highlands.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Seven Devils, North Carolina
⌖ 5.00 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Seven Devils, North Carolina

Seven Devils is a quiet mountain town ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Experience thrilling zip-lining, serene hikes, and refreshing snow sports with a backdrop of stunning scenery.

Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Boone, North Carolina
⌖ 6.00 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Boone, North Carolina

Boone is a Blue Ridge adventure town where mountain biking, fly fishing, and hiking collide. With scenic drives, deep forests, and snowy slopes, it’s an ideal year-round basecamp for exploring the Appalachian High Country.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Sugar Grove, North Carolina
⌖ 9.07 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sugar Grove, North Carolina

Sugar Grove offers quiet mountain adventure with hiking, paddling, and camping in rugged terrain near Pisgah National Forest. Ideal for travelers seeking solitude in the North Carolina Appalachians.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Linville, North Carolina
⌖ 9.82 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Linville, North Carolina

Linville, NC is a tranquil town providing access to breathtaking natural landmarks like Linville Gorge and Falls. Known for outdoor adventures like hiking and fly fishing, it's a nature lover's paradise.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Mortimer, North Carolina
⌖ 10.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mortimer, North Carolina

Mortimer, NC offers a secluded escape for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore hiking trails, fish in Wilson Creek, and enjoy the wilderness of Pisgah National Forest. It's an ideal spot for camping, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Blue Ridge Parkway

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Canoe the New: South Fork paddling just east of Boone
ADVEXPEDITION
Boone, North Carolina
CanoeADV Bookable

Canoe the New: South Fork paddling just east of Boone

Guided and self-paced canoe outings on the South Fork of the New River — trips from 1.5 hours to more than six, with a simple, leave-your-worries-behind approach.

CanoePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Camp on the New River: Tent, Tube and Launch from Your Campsite
ADVEXPEDITION
Elizabethton, Tennessee
River TubeADV Bookable

Camp on the New River: Tent, Tube and Launch from Your Campsite

Riverside campsites on the New River let you pitch a tent with direct access to tubing, canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, with nearby showers and grills—this guide summarizes what to expect and how to plan.

River TubePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Creekside Campsites with 30 AMP Hookups on Elk Creek
ADVEXPEDITION
Ferguson, North Carolina
LodgingADV Bookable

Creekside Campsites with 30 AMP Hookups on Elk Creek

A practical guide to year‑round, creekside camping at Leatherwood Mountains’ Elk Creek Campground — size, hookups, pet and horse policies you need to know.

LodgingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip