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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

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

3,500

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse 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 30 miles.

Canoeing Bass Lake in Moses Cone Memorial Park★ 7.0⌖ 0 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.

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→
Fishing at Trout Lake in Moses Cone Memorial Park★ 6.5⌖ 1 miFishing
Moses Cone Memorial Park

Fishing at Trout Lake in Moses Cone Memorial Park

Enjoy fishing at Trout Lake in Moses Cone Memorial Park, near Boone, NC. The serene lake is a great spot for a peaceful fishing experience. Accessible by car, it's family-friendly and best enjoyed in spring and fall.

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→
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.

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).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

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

Blowing Rock
⌖ 1.12 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
⌖ 5.17 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
⌖ 6.00 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
⌖ 9.12 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
Linville
⌖ 11.14 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Linville, North Carolina

A serene mountain town offering rich outdoor recreation with iconic natural landmarks and challenging trails.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Mortimer
⌖ 11.29 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
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.

12 bookable experiences

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