Flat Top Manor (Cone Manor)
Step back in time at Flat Top Manor, a historic Gilded Age estate offering stunning Blue Ridge views and artisan crafts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Flat Top Manor (Cone Manor)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Flat Top Manor, a historic Gilded Age estate offering stunning Blue Ridge views and artisan crafts.
"An unforgettable stop for history, stunning views, and warm hospitality."
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll want to explore the manor and the extensive carriage trails. Comfortable footwear is a must!
Check craft guild schedule :shopping_bags:
The Southern Highland Craft Guild hosts events. See if your visit aligns with artisan displays .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Flat Top Manor House
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Step back in time in this beautifully preserved Gilded Age estate, once a summer retreat for textile magnate Moses Cone.
Carriage Trails
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Wander through over 25 miles of scenic carriage trails, ideal for leisurely hikes and enjoying nature's beauty.
Southern Highland Craft Guild Shop
Inside Flat Top Manor
Discover unique handmade quilts, pottery, and other artisan crafts from local artists.
Flat Top Tower
Summit of Flat Top Mountain
Hike to the tower for panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Flat Top Manor
+1Exploring the Cone Estate
+1 Remember to wear comfortable shoes for walking and hiking.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll want to explore the manor and the extensive carriage trails. Comfortable footwear is a must!
Check craft guild schedule :shopping_bags:
The Southern Highland Craft Guild hosts events. See if your visit aligns with artisan displays.
Pack a picnic :sandwich:
Enjoy a meal with a view on the manor grounds or along the trails. Many find it a perfect spot for a relaxing break.
Visit Bass Lake :lake:
A popular spot along the carriage trails, great for dog walking and enjoying the serene lake views.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll want to explore the manor and the extensive carriage trails. Comfortable footwear is a must!
Check craft guild schedule :shopping_bags:
The Southern Highland Craft Guild hosts events. See if your visit aligns with artisan displays.
Pack a picnic :sandwich:
Enjoy a meal with a view on the manor grounds or along the trails. Many find it a perfect spot for a relaxing break.
Visit Bass Lake :lake:
A popular spot along the carriage trails, great for dog walking and enjoying the serene lake views.
Respect the grounds :evergreen_tree:
Help keep this beautiful place pristine by packing out what you pack in and being mindful of the environment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Flat Top Manor for its rich history, stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views, and the charm of the surrounding estate. The well-maintained carriage trails are a highlight for hikers and nature lovers, while the craft guild shop offers unique local treasures. Some visitors express disappointment at not being able to tour the full interior, but the overall experience is highly recommended for its historical significance and natural beauty.
"A Must-Visit Historic Gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains!
Flat Top Manor at Cone Manor is an unforgettable stop for anyone interested in history, stunning views, and warm hospitality. The staff was incredibly informative and accommodating, sharing fascinating details about how the Cone family lived in the early 1900s. Their passion for the site made the experience even more engaging.
The manor itself is a beautifully preserved Gilded Age estate, and walking through its halls feels like stepping back in time. Learning about the Cone family's influence on the textile industry and the surrounding landscape added extra depth to the visit.
Beyond history, the views are absolutely breathtaking. Overlooking the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, it's the perfect place to soak in the beauty of the region. Whether you're exploring the home, hiking the scenic trails, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, it's a place that stays with you long after you leave.
Highly recommend for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a memorable mountain escape!"
Ken Durbin
"Absolutely gorgeous property with gorgeous views and walking trails. Just a day trip from a lot of metro areas. And a short hop from blowing rock and boone. My biggest disappointment is always missing the open house, and never being able to see the interior. My understanding is that they open the Mansion up and allow different artists to display their work. I enjoy visiting the orchard. I can't imagine how magnificent it was to live here as a family."
Scott Mudry
"We've been coming here for years before we moved to Deep Gap and now it's only 45 minutes away. The carriage trails to Bass Lake are easy and are great for dog walking as well as running.
Lot of damage from Helene but 95% is cleaned up. Both Bass Lake and Manor House barn toilets are not open."
David Hinnant
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Flat Top Manor is located within Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock, NC. It's easily accessible by car, offering a scenic drive. Many visitors combine a trip here with exploring Blowing Rock itself.
Yes, Flat Top Manor is situated right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 294. It's a convenient and popular stop for those driving the parkway.
While the carriage trails are excellent for biking, access to the manor itself is primarily for pedestrians and vehicles. Biking is a fantastic way to explore the surrounding park.
There are parking areas available at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, including near the manor house. During peak times, parking can fill up, so arriving early is recommended.
The manor house itself has some accessible areas, and the grounds offer paved paths and gentle slopes. However, some of the hiking trails can be challenging. It's best to check with park staff for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no admission fee to visit the grounds or the exterior of Flat Top Manor. Access to the Southern Highland Craft Guild shop inside the manor is also free. Some special events may have separate ticket requirements.
The grounds and exterior of Flat Top Manor are generally accessible during daylight hours. The Southern Highland Craft Guild shop inside the manor has specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check their schedule before your visit.
While the exterior is always accessible, interior tours of the manor house are not always available. The Southern Highland Craft Guild uses some of the interior space for their shop and exhibits. Check for any special open house events.
No advance booking is required for general access to Flat Top Manor and Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. It's a public park and historic site. Special events might require tickets.
Dogs are welcome on the grounds and carriage trails of Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, provided they are kept on a leash. They are not permitted inside the manor house itself.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers over 25 miles of carriage trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. You can also visit Bass Lake, explore the Cone Cemetery, and hike to Flat Top Tower for stunning views.
You'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains. The Flat Top Tower offers especially expansive vistas.+1
Restroom facilities are available at the Manor House barn and near Bass Lake. However, these may be closed seasonally or due to maintenance.
Built in the early 1900s by textile magnate Moses H. Cone and his wife Bertha, it served as their summer retreat. The estate was later donated to the National Park Service.
Absolutely! The manor's architecture, the surrounding natural beauty, and the scenic trails make it a fantastic spot for photography, especially during fall foliage.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly at Flat Top Manor. However, the charming town of Blowing Rock, just a short drive away, offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. There are many scenic spots along the carriage trails and on the manor grounds where you can enjoy a packed meal.
Typically, there are no permanent food vendors within Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. It's best to bring your own snacks and drinks or plan to dine in nearby Blowing Rock.
Blowing Rock offers a diverse culinary scene, including American comfort food, Southern cuisine, bakeries, and cafes. You'll find options to suit various tastes and budgets.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is highly recommended, especially if you plan to spend several hours exploring the park and trails. This allows for flexibility and maximizes your enjoyment of the scenic surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
The manor house itself, the surrounding gardens, the carriage trails, Bass Lake, and the views from Flat Top Tower are all prime photography locations.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful soft light. Midday can be harsh, but the manor's white facade can handle it well. Fall foliage season provides stunning colors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the manor and expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or distant mountain shots. A tripod can help with low-light conditions or long exposures.
Drone usage is typically restricted in National Park Service areas like Moses H. Cone Memorial Park to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check current NPS regulations before flying a drone.
Fall offers vibrant foliage, spring brings blooming flowers, summer provides lush greenery, and winter can offer a serene, snow-dusted landscape. Each season provides unique photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kids will enjoy exploring the manor house grounds and imagining life in a grand estate. Pack a picnic to make a day of it, and let them burn off energy on the trails.Look for opportunities to engage children with the history of the Cone family and the craft guild. The open spaces provide room for play, and the natural beauty offers a chance for discovery. Remember to bring water and snacks, and be aware that restroom facilities might be seasonal.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
+1The hike to Flat Top Tower is a must for its rewarding panoramic views. Don't forget to explore the trails around Bass Lake for a more relaxed experience. The park's location along the Blue Ridge Parkway also makes it a convenient stop for a scenic walk during a longer road trip.
🚗 Road Trippers on the Blue Ridge Parkway
+1Take time to walk around the manor, explore the nearby trails, and perhaps visit the craft shop. It's an ideal spot for a picnic lunch or a short hike to Flat Top Tower. Combine your visit with other Parkway attractions for a memorable road trip experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Moses Cone and Flat Top Manor
The estate encompasses over 3,500 acres and features a stunning 23-room, 13,000-square-foot manor house. The Cone family's passion for agriculture and landscape design is evident in the meticulously planned carriage roads, gardens, and the picturesque Bass Lake. After Moses Cone's death, Bertha continued to manage the estate, and upon her passing, the property was bequeathed to the National Park Service in 1949, preserving it for public enjoyment.
Today, the manor house serves as a hub for the Southern Highland Craft Guild, showcasing the work of regional artisans. Visitors can explore the history of the Cone family, admire the architecture, and appreciate the legacy of their contributions to both industry and conservation. The surrounding parkland, with its extensive trail system, offers a chance to experience the natural beauty that inspired the Cones.
Exploring the Moses Cone Memorial Park Trails
A popular route is the hike from the manor house to Flat Top Tower. This trail winds through wooded areas and open meadows, offering glimpses of the surrounding mountains. Reaching the summit of Flat Top Mountain, you'll find the Flat Top Tower, a structure that provides breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's a rewarding climb for those seeking expansive vistas.
+2Other notable trails include the Bass Lake Loop, a relatively flat and easy path ideal for families and dog walkers, and routes that lead to the Cone Cemetery, offering a poignant historical perspective. The well-maintained trails, combined with the stunning natural scenery, make Moses Cone Memorial Park a hiker's paradise.
+1The Southern Highland Craft Guild at Flat Top Manor
Visitors can browse a diverse range of items, including intricate quilts, beautiful pottery, handcrafted jewelry, woodwork, and more. The guild's presence ensures that the manor continues to be a vibrant center for arts and crafts, supporting local artists and providing visitors with authentic, locally-made treasures.
+1Attending one of the guild's special events or craft fairs held at the manor can be a particularly enriching experience, allowing you to meet the artists and learn more about their craft. It adds another layer of cultural immersion to your visit to Flat Top Manor.
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