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Moses Cone Memorial Park wilderness guide
Memorial Park · NC

Moses Cone Memorial Park

Moses Cone Memorial Park offers a unique combination of history and outdoor recreation, characterized by lush landscapes and miles of scenic trails ideal for exploration.

Memorial Park3,5004+ Trails

Designation

Memorial Park

Total Wilderness Area

3,500

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Moses Cone Memorial Park

Moses Cone Memorial Park offers a unique combination of history and outdoor recreation, characterized by lush landscapes and miles of scenic trails ideal for exploration.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Situated on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, Moses Cone Memorial Park spans over 3,500 acres. The park is an outdoor lover's paradise with its rich history and natural beauty. Its centerpiece, the Cone Manor, is a testament to the Gilded Age, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The park's landscape consists of rolling meadows, mature forests, and a series of historic carriage trails that entice hikers, horse riders, and nature enthusiasts. These trails weave through the park’s diverse ecosystem, home to a variety of flora and fauna native to the Appalachian region. The park is dedicated to Moses H. Cone, a textile magnate and conservationist, whose vision and legacy continue to draw visitors looking for relaxation, adventure, and an opportunity to connect with nature. Key attractions within the park include Flat Top Manor, the Bass Lake, and numerous scenic viewpoints along the trails. As part of the National Park Service, Moses Cone Memorial Park captivates visitors with its blend of history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities.

Field Guide · Memorial Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Moses Cone Memorial Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Blowing Rock: A Natural Marvel★ 7.8⌖ 1 miSightseeing
Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock: A Natural Marvel

Explore Blowing Rock in NC for stunning views and unique wind phenomena. Drive-in access, best in spring and fall. Ideal for photographers due to scenic landmarks. Located near Blowing Rock, ensures a memorable visit with a touch of local legend.

SightseeingView Details→
Running the Bass Lake Loop in Moses Cone Memorial Park★ 8.2⌖ 1 miTrail Running
Bass Lake Loop

Running the Bass Lake Loop in Moses Cone Memorial Park

Explore the 0.8-mile Bass Lake Loop in Moses Cone Memorial Park, near Blowing Rock, NC. This family-friendly, easy trail offers a peaceful atmosphere for trail running and birding year-round, with scenic views of the lake and wildlife like ducks and loons.

Trail RunningView Details→
Canoeing Bass Lake in Moses Cone Memorial Park★ 7.0⌖ 1 miCanoeing
Bass Lake Drive

Canoeing Bass Lake in Moses Cone Memorial Park

Explore Bass Lake in Moses Cone Memorial Park, Blowing Rock, NC, with easy access to canoeing activities. Perfect for a peaceful paddle surrounded by lush greenery. Not accessible for wheelchairs. Best visited in spring and fall with quiet year-round conditions.

Hiking the Glen Burney Trail in Blowing Rock, NC★ 7.2⌖ 1 miHiking
Blowing Rock

Hiking the Glen Burney Trail in Blowing Rock, NC

Explore the Glen Burney Trail in Blowing Rock, NC, featuring picturesque waterfalls. This hike offers a moderately challenging route with historical landmarks, perfect for those interested in natural beauty and history.

Waterfalls & Wilderness: Glen Burney Falls Trail★ 7.2⌖ 1 miHiking
Glen Burney Falls Trail

Waterfalls & Wilderness: Glen Burney Falls Trail

Explore the 1.2-mile Glen Burney Falls Trail in Blowing Rock, NC. Enjoy moderate hiking with rewarding views of picturesque waterfalls. Best visited in spring or autumn, this trail is great for wildlife watching and a peaceful picnic.

Hiking to Flat Top Tower at Moses Cone Memorial Park★ 7.8⌖ 1 miHiking
The Flat Top Road

Hiking to Flat Top Tower at Moses Cone Memorial Park

Explore the 5.6-mile round-trip trail to Flat Top Tower in Moses Cone Memorial Park near Blowing Rock, NC. With moderate difficulty, this hike offers historical sights and panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and is popular among bird watchers and hikers.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Flat Top Manor, a grand mansion with historical exhibits and crafts✦ Bass Lake, a serene spot offering picnicking and easy trail access✦ The Carriage Trails, perfect for hiking, horse riding, and scenic views✦ Rich Mountain Overlook, offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Moses Cone Memorial Park

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Moses Cone Memorial Park
Park Recreation

Horseback Riding

Available in Moses Cone Memorial Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Moses Cone Memorial Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Moses Cone Memorial Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Moses 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 Cone Memorial Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access with no entrance fees; donations appreciated

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).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Moses Cone Memorial Park

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

Blowing Rock
⌖ 0.82 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Blowing Rock, North Carolina

A charming village offering a mix of serene landscapes and outdoor adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Boone
⌖ 5.21 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Boone, North Carolina

A laid-back mountain town that blends Appalachian charm with year-round adventure access in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Seven Devils
⌖ 7.26 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Seven Devils, North Carolina

A quaint mountain town with access to exhilarating outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and zip-lining in the High Country.

Fall and WinterExplore Town
Sugar Grove
⌖ 9.90 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sugar Grove, North Carolina

A quiet mountain community offering peaceful access to rugged hiking, wilderness paddling, and remote exploration in the Appalachian Highlands.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Mortimer
⌖ 11.77 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mortimer, North Carolina

A secluded outdoor retreat perfect for nature lovers seeking rustic adventures and solitude in the Pisgah National Forest.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Liraka
⌖ 11.94 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Liraka, Naundamal State

A remote and rugged destination offering pristine landscapes and authentic outdoor experiences in the wild heart of Naundamal State.

Late Spring to Early AutumnExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Moses Cone Memorial Park

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

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.