Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is a large protected area in the Blue Ridge Mountains featuring a Colonial Revival mansion, two lakes, and an extensive network of trails. The property spans thousands of acres with varied landscapes from forested areas to open meadows.

The property was built in the early 1900s as a summer residence for textile industrialist Moses Cone and his wife Bertha. It was donated to the National Park Service in 1949, opening it to public access.

Inside Flat Top Manor, a craft shop showcases works by regional artisans and offers demonstrations year-round, reflecting the area's tradition of skilled handwork.

The park is open to visitors from April through November and is situated at Milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Guided walks, manor tours, and nature programs are available, so wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.

The estate's landscape design was influenced by Gifford Pinchot, first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, who consulted on white pine plantings and hemlock hedging. His forestry expertise helped blend the area's natural woodland character with cultivated grounds.

Location: North Carolina

Architectural style: Colonial Revival architecture

Website: https://nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/moses-h-cone-memorial-park-mp-294.htm

GPS coordinates: 36.14960,-81.69230

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44