Blowing Rock Memorial Park
A charming mountain town gem with a beloved park, scenic drives, and vibrant fall colors. Perfect for families and nature lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall foliage magic
Blowing Rock Memorial Park
Best Time
Peak fall foliage magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming mountain town gem with a beloved park, scenic drives, and vibrant fall colors. Perfect for families and nature lovers.
"Memorial Park in Blowing Rock is such a charming spot in a wonderful town."
🚗 Park Smart Downtown
Utilize the free parking garage behind Memorial Park to easily access Main Street shops and restaurants.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the extensive carriage trails at Moses Cone Park; good walking shoes are a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Memorial Park Playground
Downtown Blowing Rock
A nature-inspired playground with slides, swings, and a butterfly garden. Perfect for kids to burn energy!
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Near Blowing Rock
3,500 acres of scenic carriage trails, forests, and lakes, featuring the historic Flat Top Manor.
Blue Ridge Parkway Access
Various points near Blowing Rock
Scenic drives with stunning mountain vistas, overlooks, and access to hiking trails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Fall Foliage
Explore Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smart Downtown
Utilize the free parking garage behind Memorial Park to easily access Main Street shops and restaurants.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the extensive carriage trails at Moses Cone Park; good walking shoes are a must!
📸 Capture the Views
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers breathtaking photo opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset. +1
🛍️ Shop Local
Support small businesses in Blowing Rock's charming downtown area. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smart Downtown
Utilize the free parking garage behind Memorial Park to easily access Main Street shops and restaurants.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the extensive carriage trails at Moses Cone Park; good walking shoes are a must!
📸 Capture the Views
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers breathtaking photo opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset. +1
🛍️ Shop Local
Support small businesses in Blowing Rock's charming downtown area. +1
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, carry water, particularly if hiking the longer trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Blowing Rock Memorial Park is a charming and well-maintained spot, particularly loved by families for its excellent playground and beautiful flower gardens. Visitors appreciate its convenient downtown location and the welcoming atmosphere, often enhanced by local events. While some find the slides a bit slow, the overall experience is highly positive, making it a delightful stop in a picturesque mountain town.
"Memorial Park in Blowing Rock is such a charming spot in a wonderful town. I had the chance to enjoy free live music from a local non-profit community band, which made the visit even more special.
The park has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and is a great place to relax while experiencing the local culture. A lovely stop if you’re in Blowing Rock!"
Tuung Thunm
"Memorial Park in Blowing Rock is a fantastic spot for families! My two daughters absolutely love the playground and the slides—plenty of fun to be had and everything is well maintained. It's a clean, safe, and welcoming public park with convenient restrooms nearby, which is always a big plus when you’re out with kids. A great place to take a break and let the little ones run wild!"
Robert Maddrey, Jr.
"Amazing flower garden! So many types of beautiful flowers! These gardeners are doing a wonderful job! The flowers alone make a visit to downtown Blowing Rock worth it!"
Kay Orr
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Blowing Rock Memorial Park is conveniently located at 1040 Main St, right in downtown Blowing Rock, NC. It's easily accessible by car, and there's a free parking garage behind the park.
Yes, Blowing Rock has direct access to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Several sections are open, including access to Moses Cone Memorial Park and various overlooks. Check Parkway status for closures.
Downtown Blowing Rock is very walkable. For exploring areas like Moses Cone Memorial Park or other attractions, a car is recommended. Many visitors enjoy day trips from nearby Boone.
Public transportation directly to Blowing Rock is limited. Most visitors arrive by car. If coming from further afield, consider flying into Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and renting a car.
Blowing Rock is a short drive from Boone, typically about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic and your specific starting/ending points.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Blowing Rock Memorial Park is a public park and is free to enter. Enjoy the playground, gardens, and amenities without any admission cost.
No, Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is also a public park and does not require tickets for entry. You can explore its grounds and trails freely.
Memorial Park is open daily from 7 AM to 11 PM, providing ample time to enjoy its facilities.
While street parking can be metered, there is a free parking garage located behind Memorial Park, offering convenient access to downtown.
The Flat Top Manor, also known as the Moses H. Cone Estate, is a prominent feature of the park. While you can admire it from the outside and explore the grounds, access inside may be limited or require specific tours.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Memorial Park features a popular nature-themed playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, a gazebo, volleyball court, picnic area, and beautiful flower gardens.
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park offers extensive carriage trails for hiking and biking, scenic views, two lakes, and the historic Flat Top Manor. It's ideal for nature walks and photography.
Yes, Memorial Park has clean and convenient public restrooms on site, which is a great amenity for families.
Absolutely! Moses Cone Memorial Park has over 25 miles of well-maintained gravel carriage trails perfect for hiking, trail running, and leisurely strolls. The Figure Eight Trail is a popular, gentle loop.
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers numerous overlooks near Blowing Rock, providing stunning panoramic views of the mountains. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to visit. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Blowing Rock offers numerous picturesque locations. Memorial Park's flower gardens, the historic Flat Top Manor at Moses Cone Park, and the overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway are all fantastic for photography.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for landscape and scenic photography. +1
During autumn, the vibrant fall foliage creates a stunning backdrop. Capture the colorful leaves at Moses Cone Park or along the Blue Ridge Parkway for incredible fall photos. +1
Drone usage is often restricted in national parks and protected areas. It's best to check specific regulations for Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and any areas managed by the National Park Service before flying a drone.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing both wide landscapes and details. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light conditions, especially during sunrise/sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The park's clean restrooms and proximity to downtown shops and eateries make it a convenient stop. For a more adventurous outing, the carriage trails at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park are wide and relatively flat, suitable for strollers or young walkers, and offer a chance to explore nature. 🍂 Fall Foliage Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
+1 Trails like the Figure Eight Trail provide gentle walks, while hikes up Flat Top Mountain offer more elevation and rewarding views. +1 For more challenging hikes, consider nearby options like Glen Burney Falls or Rough Ridge, accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
+1The centerpiece of the park is the Flat Top Manor, a magnificent 20-room mansion that stands as a testament to the Gilded Age. While interior access might be limited, the exterior architecture and the surrounding grounds are a sight to behold. Visitors can also explore the Figure Eight Trail, a popular and gentle 0.7-mile loop perfect for a relaxed walk, and Flat Top Mountain, which offers a more challenging hike with rewarding views from its tower.
+1This park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, trail running, photography, and picnicking. It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and appreciate the legacy of its former owner. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially if you plan on tackling longer trails.
Blowing Rock's Charming Downtown & Memorial Park
+1Nestled right in the heart of downtown is Memorial Park, a beloved community hub. This park boasts a nature-inspired playground that has been a hit with families, featuring slides, swings, and a butterfly garden. It's a clean, safe, and welcoming space for children to play while parents can relax on benches or enjoy the vibrant flower gardens that are meticulously maintained.
+2The convenience of Memorial Park extends beyond its play structures. It's within walking distance to numerous shops, coffee houses, and restaurants, and importantly, offers access to clean public restrooms. The park also hosts events, such as free live music, adding to its appeal as a central gathering place for both locals and visitors.
Scenic Drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway
+1Key attractions accessible from the Parkway near Blowing Rock include Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and the iconic Grandfather Mountain. The Parkway is particularly stunning during the fall foliage season, when the mountains are ablaze with color, drawing visitors from all over. However, it's essential to check the Parkway's status for any seasonal closures, especially during winter months.
Whether you're seeking a leisurely drive, a spot for a picnic with a view, or access to hiking trails, the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock is an absolute must. Remember to drive cautiously, as the road has many curves and can be popular with cyclists and other travelers.
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