Blue Ridge Parkway historic estate and carriage-road park

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

About six miles west of Tweetsie, typically 15-20 minutes when Parkway access is open

Explore Flat Top Manor, Bass Lake, and 25 miles of gently graded historic carriage roads at a free National Park Service estate on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The place

About Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park preserves the former Flat Top Manor estate at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 294. Moses and Bertha Cone shaped the property with orchards, lakes, pasture, woodland, and an extensive carriage-road system before the estate ultimately became part of the National Park Service.

The park's 25 miles of carriage roads are the durable visitor experience. Routes pass remnants of orchards, Bass Lake, the Cone cemetery, and the approach toward Flat Top Tower. The roads are shared with walkers, runners, horseback riders, and, in winter conditions, cross-country skiers; bicycles are not allowed on the carriage roads.

The NPS accessibility table lists Cone Park with accessible visitor-center, exhibit, program, and restroom services, but mountain grades and individual trail surfaces still vary. Current building interiors, restrooms, parking, and road segments can close independently, so a table entry or historic photograph is not a promise that every facility is open.

Treat the park as a flexible daylight companion to Tweetsie rather than a fixed-time attraction. Check the Blue Ridge Parkway road-closure page before departure, use designated parking, keep pets leashed, stay on established routes, and scale the walk to weather, daylight, and the group's mobility.

What stands out

See Flat Top Manor

Start with the estate's landmark house and designed mountain landscape, subject to current building access.

Walk a carriage road

Choose a short segment or longer route from 25 miles of gently graded historic carriage roads.

Circle Bass Lake

Use the lake landscape for a compact scenic stop while respecting current route and facility notices.

Read the Cone story

Connect the orchards, textile wealth, public estate, and National Park Service stewardship.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Tweetsie Railroad trip

Moses Cone is about six miles west of Tweetsie, usually 15-20 minutes when the Parkway approach is open. A short manor or Bass Lake visit can pair with a separate day or the edge of a Tweetsie visit, but a long carriage-road hike competes with a full theme-park day.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • LocationBlue Ridge Parkway Milepost 294 near Blowing Rock
  • Drive from TweetsieAbout six miles and typically 15-20 minutes when the approach is open
  • AdmissionNo entrance ticket is published for the National Park Service estate and carriage roads
  • Core experienceFlat Top Manor landscape, Bass Lake, and 25 miles of historic carriage roads
  • AccessNPS lists accessible visitor-center, exhibit, program, and restroom services at Cone Park; specific grades and surfaces vary
  • ClosuresCheck the live Parkway road-closure and operating-hours pages before every visit
  • ParkingUse established lots only; popular areas can fill and facility access can change
  • PetsPets are allowed on Parkway trails when leashed and under direct control; remove waste
  • BicyclesBicycles are not allowed on the Moses Cone carriage roads
  • WeatherMountain weather, ice, storms, debris, and seasonal operations can affect roads, trails, buildings, and restrooms

Return to the ticketed train

Add Tweetsie Railroad

Use the operator guide for exact 2026 dates, admission, locomotive-restoration context, timed seasonal events, accessibility, and live weather checks.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Where is Moses H. Cone Memorial Park?

The main estate area is at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 294 near Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

Does the park charge admission?

The National Park Service publishes no entrance ticket for the estate and carriage roads. Separate commercial services, events, or nearby attractions can have their own fees.

What can I do there?

See the Flat Top Manor landscape, walk part of 25 miles of carriage roads, visit Bass Lake, and explore orchard, pasture, woodland, and cemetery context.

Is Moses Cone wheelchair-accessible?

The NPS accessibility table lists accessible visitor-center, exhibit, program, and restroom services at Cone Park. Individual outdoor grades and surfaces vary, so call about a specific route or facility.

Is Flat Top Manor always open?

Do not assume so. Building interiors, restrooms, roads, parking areas, and trails can close independently. Check current NPS operating and closure notices.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes on Parkway trails when leashed and under direct control. Owners must remove pet waste and follow any posted area-specific restriction.

Can I bicycle on the carriage roads?

No. National Park Service rules prohibit bicycles on the Moses Cone carriage roads.

How should I pair it with Tweetsie Railroad?

Allow 15-20 minutes of driving when the approach is open. Use a short stop around a separate full park day, or give the carriage roads their own half day.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-23. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.