Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
🏛️ The Denim King’s Mountain Estate — 3,500 Acres, 25 Miles of Carriage Paths, and the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Most Elegant Manor — Moses H. Cone Memorial Park at Milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock, North Carolina with 3,500 acres, Flat Top Manor (23-room Colonial Revival mansion), 25 miles of historic carriage roads, Bass Lake, Trout Lake, Southern Highland Craft Guild Parkway Craft Center, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, fishing, panoramic mountain views from Flat Top summit — Watauga County, NC
At Milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 23-room Colonial Revival mansion sits atop a mountain surrounded by 3,500 acres of rolling meadows, apple orchards, and forested ridges. This is the estate of Moses H. Cone — the “Denim King” — a textile baron who built his summer retreat here in the early 1900s.
Today, Flat Top Manor houses the Parkway Craft Center, operated by the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The estate’s 25 miles of historic carriage roads wind through some of the most beautiful scenery on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
What to See & Do
| Attraction | Details |
|---|---|
| Flat Top Manor | 13,000 sq ft Colonial Revival mansion. Parkway Craft Center — handmade works by regional artisans. Seasonal demonstrations on the front porch |
| Carriage Roads | 25 miles of wide, gently sloping historic carriage paths through meadows, forests, and orchards. Hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing |
| Flat Top Summit | Observation tower with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Grandfather Mountain |
| Bass Lake | Scenic 0.8-mile loop trail — accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Fishing permitted (NC license) |
| Trout Lake | Quieter lake connected to carriage road network. Fishing permitted |
| Craft Center | Southern Highland Craft Guild — pottery, weaving, woodworking, jewelry. Browse and purchase |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Fall (Oct) | 🍂 Peak fall color on the Blue Ridge. Carriage roads through golden meadows |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Craft Center open. Wildflower meadows. Cool mountain temperatures |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Dogwood and rhododendron blooms. Apple orchard blossoms |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Cross-country skiing on carriage roads. Snow-dusted manor views |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Moses H. Cone?
A textile magnate known as the “Denim King” who built this 3,500-acre mountain estate as a summer retreat in the early 1900s. The estate was donated to the National Park Service and became part of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Is the manor open to visitors?
Yes — seasonally (spring through November). The first floor houses the Parkway Craft Center, operated by the Southern Highland Craft Guild, with handmade crafts by regional artisans.
Are the carriage roads good for hiking?
Excellent — 25 miles of wide, gently sloping paths originally built for horse-drawn carriages. Perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and winter cross-country skiing. Multiple loops from 1 to 10+ miles.
Can I fish in the lakes?
Yes — both Bass Lake and Trout Lake are open for fishing with a valid North Carolina fishing license.
🏛️ The Denim King’s Blue Ridge Estate
23-room mansion, 25 miles of carriage roads, mountain lakes, and the Southern Highland Craft Guild — at Milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Wildlife & Nature
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park — 3,516 acres on the Blue Ridge Parkway — was the estate of “Denim King” Moses Cone, whose family’s textile mills revolutionized blue jeans. The Flat Top Manor (now a craft center) and 25 miles of carriage trails traverse the estate. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and songbirds inhabit the grounds.
Nearby Attractions
Blowing Rock — adjacent. Blue Ridge Parkway — through the park. Julian Price Memorial Park — adjacent. Grandfather Mountain — 10 miles south.
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