If you are planning a visit to the quintessential town of Blowing Rock and the near by Blue Ridge Mountains, Moses Cone Manor should definitely be on your list of must see places in the area.
Whether you begin your visit at the well kept grounds and home offering beautiful views of the surroundings or decide to follow the old carriage trails designed by Moses Cone himself you’ll find yourself swept by the beauty and tranquility of the mountains aside Moses Cone Memorial Park.
Moses Cone is a true representation of the American dream. Once a son of an emigrant, working as a paddler he made his way up to become one of the most prominent textile entrepreneurs and industrialists, whose textile mills were the world’s leading producers of high-quality denim fabric in the early 1900s.
The beautiful 23 room, 13,000 square foot mansion known as Flat Top Manor is perched on the top of the mountain overlooking the valley. Near the town of Blowing Rock and Bass Lake, the home was built in 1901 in a Grand Colonial Revival style and was used by the textile magnate and his wife Bertha as a summer home and a place to showcase his love of conservation.
He not only built the carriage roads for everyone to enjoy but also planted 32,000 apple trees, white pine & hemlock, imported whitetail deer from Pennsylvania, built two lakes and stocked them with trout & bass. Since Moses and Bertha didn’t have children to take after them, a substantial amount of the property was donated for preservation following their deaths.
You can find the Moses Cone manor on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 294 right outside the town of Blowing Rock. Twenty five miles throughout the 3000 acres of well maintained mostly easy to moderate carriage roads turned trails, make for a terrific place to go hiking, jogging, running and strolling for a day or an afternoon. The walk to Bass Lake is as beautiful as the lake itself.
Moses Cone Manor makes for a nice break along the Blue Ridge Parkway and a great opportunity to come out of the car and stretch out your legs on any of the 13 short hikes you can enjoy here. We have a list of all of them below and you can pick any or all depending on how much time you are looking to spend here and your hiking abilities.
#1 Figure 8 Trail
LENGHT: 0.3 miles
EST.TIME TO COMPLETE: 10 min
DIFFICULTY: EASY
This easy pretty flat wooded trail snakes between hemlock and rhododendrons and is suitable for all hiking levels. It starts and gets you back to the Manor. It’s great for dogs and kids and very informative with plagues along the way describing the life on the Manor and flora and fauna that visitors might encounter. It offers lovely views of the meadows and peaks in the distance.
#2 Short Moses Cone Loop
LENGHT: 2.6 miles
EST.TIME TO COMPLETE: 1h 15min
DIFFICULTY: EASY
You can do this quiet trails two ways. Either start by the Manor following the paved road that passes by the old Sandy Flat Schoolhouse and than leads you down to Trout Lake where you can walk around the lake clockwise before heading back to the Manor or start at the lake, walk around it and head up to the Manor before making your way back down to the Lake.
Either way is fine however make sure to be vigilant when crossing the intersection where the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cone Road and Shulls Mill Road meet as there is no pedestrian crossing there and you will have to be walking on the road for a short bit. We wouldn’t recommend pets and kids on this trail for this reason.
#3 Raven Rock Loop
LENGHT: 0.9 miles
EST.TIME TO COMPLETE: 35 minutes
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
Raven Rock Loop is an easy less than a mile long loop that passes by great variety of wild flowers and is easy for all hiking levels. Dogs are allowed on the trail on a leash only.
#4 Cone Manor to Bass Lake Trail
LENGHT: 6.2 miles
EST.TIME TO COMPLETE: 3h
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
Beautiful trail that starts by the Manor and Carriage House and leads down to Bass Lake where you can loop around it and head back. The path is very well marked and maintained. The trail is considered moderate with steady incline on the way back. It is possibly the best trail here in our opinion and a great way to enjoy nature no matter the season. Grab a picnic and enjoy it by the lake. Bring the kids and dogs. Watch for horses on the trail.
#5 Flat Top Mountain Trail
LENGHT: 4.8 miles
EST.TIME TO COMPLETE: 2h 30min
DIFFICULTY: EASY
This trail is another one you have to do if you are visiting here. It is an easy trek mostly switchbacks in the woods and leads to a viewing tower offering spectacular views. The trail is very well maintained and marked, mostly gravel and there is barely any traffic. It’s another hike great for dogs and kids.
#6 Rich Mountain Carriage Trail
LENGHT: 6.3 miles
EST.TIME TO COMPLETE: 3h
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
Despite it being advertised as moderate the Rich Mountain Carriage Trail is pretty easy in our opinion. If you decide to check it out make sure to take the first right after you exit the Blue Ridge Parkway Access Road instead of following the GPS. You’ll see a sign that says one way and if you take it you’ll reach a larger parking lot from where the hike begins. There are not many clearings and views during the summer months but in winter and ones the leaves are off the trees you’ll enjoy some pretty good vistas.
#7 Bass Lake Loop Trail
LENGHT: 0.9
EST.TIME TO COMPLETE: 25min
DIFFICULTY: EASY
One of our absolute favorite trails to take the kids on especially when they were younger and just getting in the groove of hiking. The loop around the lake is easy and flat following a gravel wide road. It does get busy and the parking lot does get full but if you head here early in the morning you’ll find plenty of parking and room to roam.
#8 Bass Lake to Maze
LENGHT: 3.8 miles
EST.TIME TO COMPLETE: 1h 45min
DIFFICULTY: EASY
This easy like walk hike offers beautiful views of the lake especially in a misty moody morning. The trail is gorgeous during the fall months although because of it being so easy it does get busy, but the gravel well maintained and marked road gives plenty of room to spread. You’ll enjoy beautiful wild flowers along the path, dance vegetation and spectacular mountain views. The trail is mostly shaded and is perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
#9 Trout Lake Loop Trail
LENGHT: 2.7 miles
EST.TIME TO COMPLETE: 1h 20min
DIFFICULTY: EASY
This old carriage, packed gravel road is clearly marked and easy to follow. The trail is mostly shaded, flat and wide. Take right at the bridge to enjoy a walk along the Lake. You’ll find several spots where the shore can be approached. Don’t be deterred by the gate as part of the trail is leased to a farm and is being used as a pasture but the cows you’ll encounter along the way only add to the picturesque setting. There is plenty of parking for this trail.
#10 Trout Lake Carriage Trail
LENGHT: 3.6 miles
EST.TIME TO COMPLETE: 1h 40min
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
If you are looking to spend couple of hours in the woods the Trout Lake Carriage Trail is for you. A beautiful walk through the woods following a wide gravel path going downhill that leads to the lake. The way back is a little bit of a workout but nothing too strenuous. The trail starts where Flat Top Road meets The Blue Ridge Parkway. If you are looking to extend the hike start at the Manor and take the section of the Mountain to Sea Trail and add an additional 2.5 miles to your trip. Trail is perfect for dogs and kids. Ones at the beautiful lake take a sit and a moment to enjoy the peace and serenity of this marvelous spot.
#11 Trout Lake Loop Trail
LENGHT: 1.6 miles
EST.TIME TO COMPLETE: 40min
DIFFICULTY: EASY
An easy and relaxing loop around the beautiful lake perfect for a morning or an evening stroll. Well marked and maintained, clean and wide path that is heavily trafficked offering beautiful scenery of the lake and surrounding hills. The trail is used by locals for exercise so you will come across other visitors on this hike. This trail is great for small kids and unexperienced hikers just looking for a short and quick walk in the woods.
#12 China Creek Trail
LENGHT: 5.2 miles
EST.TIME TO COMPLETE: 3h 20min
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
This trail is more for the experienced hikers or if you are looking to get a good workout. The steep, single track, narrow at places trail makes for a nice climb over some loose rocks and brushes. There are lots of switchbacks, a small waterfall and partial views. The parking is small and has only about 3-4 parking spots however this trail is never busy so that would not be a concern. We do not recommend this trail for kids, pets or if you are looking for a nice stroll through the woods with any reward at the end.
#13 Deer Loop Trail
LENGHT: 3 miles
EST.TIME TO COMPLETE: 1h 40min
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
Another trail that is not for the faint of heart. The first 0.6 miles are straight uphill starting with a staircase from the road up to the trail. From there follow the carriage road which is pretty flat and easy. The gate that you’ll reach is not the end of the trail. It only gets prettier behind it. Wildflowers in the spring bloom in all colors and the colors in the fall are pretty vibrant all around you. The path gradually snakes at the top before opening to a lovely view of the meadow. There is limited parking but again this trail is not heavily trafficked and you will pretty much be sure to have it all to yourself if venturing here.
Parking at the Moses Cone Memorial Park is a little tight on weekends and during the fall months but if you are patient and make couple turn arounds you’ll be sure to find a spot. The views from the front porch of the Manor are breathtaking and a stop at the great gift shop filled with beautiful local crafts, hand woven textiles, woodworking, glass works, quality jewelry, painting and unique art is a must.
Moses Cone Manor is open daily free of charge and guided tours are offered by rangers following a reservation. We highly recommend signing up for one as the place has such magnificent history. During the summer months, artisans demonstrate their skills on the front porch.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram and check out our other post for more great ideas on what to do in and around this area.