Moses H. Cone Memorial Park wilderness guide
National Park · NC

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park offers visitors serene landscapes and historical charm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

National Park3,5004+ Trails
DesignationNational Park
Total Wilderness Area3,500
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park offers visitors serene landscapes and historical charm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located at the base of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, Moses H. Cone Memorial Park spans across 3,500 acres of preserved land and is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The park is named after Moses H. Cone, a notable textile entrepreneur and conservationist, and features his impressive turn-of-the-century manor, Flat Top Manor, alongside the park's artful carriage trails and majestic landscapes. Rich in biodiversity, the area supports a variety of plant and animal species thanks to its lush forest and nearby water bodies. The park's historical significance, alongside its outdoor recreational opportunities, makes it a prime location for visitors to explore. Recreational activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and fishing are popular here. The park's meticulously maintained trails, which span over 25 miles, are also used for winter sports during the cold months. Noteworthy sites include the Bass Lake and Trout Lake, which provide tranquil settings for fishing and picnicking. The spectacle of rhododendrons in full bloom during spring adds a colorful highlight to visits. The park's visitor appeal is enhanced by guided tours of the manor house, insight into regional history, and the area's inherent tranquility.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

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

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Flat Top Manor - a historic home with stunning architecture and local crafts.✦ Bass Lake - ideal for tranquil walks and horseback riding.✦ Carriage Trails - beautifully maintained for hiking and winter sports.✦ Trout Lake - a serene spot for fishing and picnicking.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Park Recreation

Horseback Riding

Available in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
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.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee; free access

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).
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

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

Zip Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
ZiplineADV Bookable

Zip Tour

Experience the thrill of soaring across ten zipline platforms and a 50-foot swinging bridge in Blowing Rock’s High Country. This 3-hour Sky Valley Zip Tour blends scenic mountain views with adrenaline-pumping excitement.

Zipline3 Hours • Ages 10+ between 70 and 250 poundsCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Whistle Pig Kid Zip
ADVEXPEDITION
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
ZiplineADV Bookable

Whistle Pig Kid Zip

Whistle Pig Kid Zip delivers thrilling zip lines and a 20-foot slide for kids in the heart of Appalachia. Discover why this Blowing Rock adventure park is the perfect family outing.

Zipline2 Hours • Ages 4+Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
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
Make Your Own Ornament Class
ADVEXPEDITION
Boone, North Carolina
WorkshopADV Bookable

Make Your Own Ornament Class

Turn an afternoon in Boone into a hands-on craft session: design and take home a one-of-a-kind glass necklace or ornament in about an hour. Family-friendly and beginner-focused, this studio class is a perfect creative stop between hikes and scenic drives.

WorkshopAges 5+ • 2 Hours • No experience needed!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Glass Heart Class
ADVEXPEDITION
Boone, North Carolina
WorkshopADV Bookable

Glass Heart Class

Spend an hour in Boone creating a handcrafted glass heart necklace. Perfect for travelers aged 12+, this quick, guided workshop makes a wearable keepsake you made yourself.

WorkshopAges 12+ • 1 Hour • No experience needed!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Glass Jellyfish Class
ADVEXPEDITION
Boone, North Carolina
WorkshopADV Bookable

Glass Jellyfish Class

Turn an afternoon in Boone into a quick, hands-on maker session. In one hour at Boone Blownt you’ll learn basic lampworking and leave with a wearable glass jellyfish pendant.

WorkshopAges 13+ • 1 Hour • No experience needed!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
ArtBox
ADVEXPEDITION
Boone, North Carolina
WorkshopADV Bookable

ArtBox

Create holiday keepsakes with ArtBox, a $15 kit that ships to Boone visitors and contains two wooden ornaments, paints, brushes, and water cups. Perfect for a cozy evening after exploring the Blue Ridge, it’s an easy, portable craft that captures mountain light.

WorkshopArt BoxCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Private Snowboarding Lessons
ADVEXPEDITION
Boone, North Carolina
PrivateADV Bookable

Private Snowboarding Lessons

Three focused hours with a private coach: learn stance, turns, and carving on a slope you choose. TourBoone’s tailored lessons make fast progress accessible for beginners and intermediates in Boone, NC.

PrivateJoin us at a local mountain of your choice, where you will receive a 3 hour snowboarding lesson.Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Buffalo to Laytown
ADVEXPEDITION
Lenoir, North Carolina
Sightseeing TourADV Bookable

Buffalo to Laytown

Paddle the scenic waterway from Buffalo to Laytown with Upper Yadkin Outfitters, where history unfolds alongside vibrant wildlife. This kayak trip combines peaceful river miles with stories of Civil War forts and Appalachian legends.

Sightseeing TourFor all ages! • 3 Hours • Kayaking and Canoeing for EveryoneCertified Outfitter
From$35
Book Trip