Fall at Moses Cone Memorial Park: A Local’s Guide
The first time I stood on the porch of Flat Top Manor in October, I remember how the whole valley below me turned the color of a campfire. The amber, rust, and gold colors went all the way to the mountains. That’s the moment I fell for Moses Cone Memorial Park, and it’s the reason I come back every fall.
This former summer home of Moses and Bertha Cone was gifted to the Blue Ridge Parkway after Mrs. Cone’s passing in 1949. Simply so people like us could wander it for free. In this Fall at Moses Cone Memorial Park guide, I’m sharing everything I love about visiting in Autumn. Plus the history behind the estate, and some of my favorite photos from the trails.
Quick disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost if you make a purchase. Big, big thanks- every little bit helps!
Quick Facts About Moses Cone Memorial Park in Fall
Q: What makes Moses Cone Memorial Park worth visiting in the fall?
A: The park turns into a sweep of reds, oranges, and golds each October, with cool air and quiet carriage trails that make it one of the most scenic fall destinations along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Q: How many miles of trails are at Moses Cone Memorial Park?
A: The park has about 25 miles of carriage trails, originally built by Moses and Bertha Cone, open for hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing in winter.
Q: Who were Moses and Bertha Cone?
A: Moses Cone, nicknamed the “Denim King,” built his fortune in textile mills with his brother Caesar. He and his wife Bertha built Flat Top Manor as their summer home before the estate was donated to the Blue Ridge Parkway after Bertha’s death in 1949.
Q: Is there camping at Moses Cone Memorial Park?
A: Moses Cone Memorial Park itself has no camping facilities, but Julian Price Memorial Park, about four miles south on the Blue Ridge Parkway, has a campground and picnic area near Price Lake.
Q: What are the best things to do at Moses Cone Memorial Park?
A: Popular activities include visiting the historic visitor center and Parkway Craft Center. You can also explore the Cone family cemetery and Flat Top Tower. Additionally you can hike the carriage trails, and watching the sunset from the grounds.
Q: What attractions are near Moses Cone Memorial Park?
A: Nearby highlights include Grandfather Mountain and its mile-high swinging bridge, scenic overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Plus the town of Blowing Rock offers lovely shops and restaurants.
Q: Where should I stay near Moses Cone Memorial Park in the fall?
A: Since the park itself has no lodging, most visitors stay in nearby Blowing Rock at places like Chetola Resort or The Embers Hotel, or camp at Julian Price Memorial Park a few miles down the Parkway.
What Makes Fall at Moses Cone Memorial Park Special?
Who Were Moses and Bertha Cone, and What Is Flat Top Manor?
Moses Cone and his wife Bertha were children of Jewish and German immigrants. Moses and his brother Caesar, became wealthy from their textile mill, which produced high-quality denim fabric. For this reason, Moses Cone was known as the “Denim King.”
The crown jewel of the estate and the main reason visitors love exploring Moses Cone Park are the carriage roads created by the Cones. In fact, the carriage roads, or trails, are a true testament to the Cones’ love of nature and the environment around them.
Is Moses Cone Memorial Park Worth visiting in theFall?
Fall is arguably the best time to visit Moses H Cone Memorial Park. The park transforms into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, offering breathtaking views at every turn. The cool, crisp air and the beauty of autumn leaves add to the serene atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for a fall getaway.
What Are the Best Nearby Attractions to Moses Cone Memorial Park?
While exploring Moses H Cone Memorial Park, you will find many things there. Many of the activities are family-friendly and disability accessible,
Visit the Visitor Center and Parkway Craft Center
Most everyone planning to explore Moses Cone Memorial Park stops by the visitor center. It’s a great place to speak to a ranger and get the lay of the land. Next, you can visit the Parkway Craft Center and gift shop and get not only hand-made but unique souvenirs to take home. In addition, the Parkway Craft Center offers craft demonstrations by local artists in the summer.
Alternatively, you can take a guided tour of the second floor of the estate with a ranger to learn even more. All the information on operating hours and dates can be found here. There are also accessible restrooms in the converted horse barn next door to the visitor center.
Explore the Cone Family Cemetery and Flat Top Tower
Exploring Moses Cone’s grounds is quite interesting. You can visit the Cone family cemetery, as well as a carriage and apple barn. If you decide to visit the cemetery, you can continue to Flat Top Tower, and you will be rewarded with a grand panorama of distant mountains.
Hike the 25 Miles of Carriage Trails
As previously stated, the 25 miles of carriage trails are one of the most loved activities when exploring Moses H Cone Park. In addition to hiking and jogging along the paths, you can also horseback ride on the trails. Furthermore, cross-country skiers take advantage of the extensive trails in the winter.
Download the map of the trails above and see all the areas you can explore. To begin with, you can wander through the old apple orchards. Next, you could venture down to Bass Lake and take the loop around.
Another option, if you’re more adventurous, is to explore the Maze and Apple Barn. If you’re looking for a longer, more strenuous hike, then you should consider the Rich Mountain road trail, which leads to views of Rich Mountain. No matter which trail or trails you choose, I know you will enjoy exploring Moses H Cone Memorial Park.
Watch the Sunset from the Grounds
Of course, I discovered one more wonderful thing on my recent visit here. In addition to being a great way to spend the day, it is also a marvelous place to watch the sunset. Not to mention you can view them from just about anywhere on the property. Just make sure you find a nice spot to relax and face west. Then you can just simply enjoy.
Moses Cone Memorial Park photographs beautifully in every season — and if you’d love to bring a little of that beauty home, you can browse fine art prints from my travels at lisa-soots.pixels.com.
What Are the Best Nearby Attractions to Moses Cone Memorial Park?
While Moses H Cone Memorial Park has plenty to offer, several nearby attractions are also worth exploring. This area is located very close to Moses Cone and provides all kinds of fun activities that everyone will enjoy.
- Grandfather Mountain: This park is a must-visit for nature lovers. It features a mile-high swinging bridge, wildlife habitats, and stunning views.
- Blue Ridge Parkway: Known for its scenic beauty, Parkwaykway provides numerous overlooks, hiking trails, and cultural sites.
- Blowing Rock: This charming town features quaint shops, delightful restaurants, and the famous Blowing Rock attraction.
Where Should You Stay Near Moses Cone Memorial Park in Fall?
As a final point, Moses H Cone Memorial Park does not have camping facilities. However, there are options if you plan to stay longer and spend more time on the trails.
First, Julian Price Memorial Park has a campground and picnic area about 4 miles south on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s an excellent location to spend the night under the stars. You can find Maps and make reservations here.
Also, the campsite is next to Price Lake, open to non-motorized boats and fishing, for which you will need a license. Each site has a picnic table, BBQ grills, and a lantern pole.
In addition to Price Lake, the park includes several waterfalls and some of the area’s most beloved trails.
If you don’t enjoy camping, then the lovely town of Blowing Rock has a few great options too.
Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock is a great place to stay and features trails that lead directly into the park by Bass Lake.
The Embers Hotel is another terrific option in Blowing Rock. This 4-star hotel features beautiful views and free parking and is located near all activities in Blowing Rock.
You can also find all sorts of hotel options at Booking.com. Additionally, they offer hotel reviews, car rentals, attraction tickets, and tours as well.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Moses Cone Memorial Park in Fall
Moses H Cone Memorial Park is the perfect place to experience the beauty of Autumn. The park is one of those places that stays with you long after the leaves have dropped. There is so much beauty here like the light through the trees and the quiet of the carriage trails. It’s the kind of golden afternoon you want to bottle up and keep. If you have a favorite trail or view here that I missed, tell me in the comments. I love hearing where you wander.
And if this little corner of the Blue Ridge Parkway stirred something in you, there’s more where that came from. Explore one of my favorite pretty places on the blog, browse the quotes I’ve collected in Pretty Words, or Start Here if you’re new to FollowSoots and want the full tour.
Until next time — go find something beautiful of your own this fall. 🍂
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Moses Cone Memorial Park free to visit?
A: Yes. Admission is free, since the park is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway and managed by the National Park Service. There are no entrance fees or timed tickets required.
Q: When is peak fall foliage at Moses Cone Memorial Park?
A: Fall color typically peaks in mid to late October in this part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, though the exact week shifts a little each year depending on temperature and rainfall.
Q: Are dogs allowed at Moses Cone Memorial Park?
A: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the carriage trails and throughout the grounds, which makes it an easy stop for a family fall hike.
Q: How long does it take to hike the carriage trails?
A: It depends on the route. The loop around Bass Lake takes under an hour, while longer trails like the Rich Mountain Road trail can take several hours round trip, so plan around how much time you have.
Q: Is Moses Cone Memorial Park good for kids or beginner hikers?
A: Yes. Many of the shorter carriage trails are flat, wide, and easy for strollers or wagons, which makes the park a good choice for families and less experienced hikers.
Additional Questions You May Have
Q: Can you drive right up to Flat Top Manor?
A: Yes, there’s a parking area at the visitor center near Flat Top Manor, so you don’t have to hike far to see the historic home and grounds.
Q: What is Flat Top Manor used for today?
A: Flat Top Manor now houses the Parkway Craft Center, where visitors can shop for handmade Appalachian crafts and, in season, watch local artists give live demonstrations.
Q: Is Moses Cone Memorial Park part of the Blue Ridge Parkway?
A: Yes, the park sits along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock, North Carolina, and is maintained by the National Park Service as part of the parkway system.
Furthermore, if you liked this post, you might also like a few other posts on North Carolina. Such as Awesome Outdoor Activities at W. Kerr Scott Dam and Outdoor Fun & ActivitIes near North Wilkesboro, NC. Of course, you may also enjoy Blue Ridge Parkway – Photo Inspo from Wilkesboro to Linville Falls, NC.
