Cone Manor is the former residence of the deceased Moses H. Cone, textile mogul in the early twentieth century. Cone Manor is just south of Blowing Rock, on the Blue Ridge Parkway-- Look for the signs. The manor covers well over 3000 acres of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, and is currently maintained by the Park Service. Mr. Cone had over 25 miles of carriage trails built for his wife, traversing the acreage, and today these are all maintained as hiking trails, for man and beast. (Horses are allowed on the carriage trails). These trails vary from easy to strenuous. There are always a few Park Rangers hanging around, so get some help in planning your hike! I can recommend the "Graveyard Hike", easy couple of miles to the gravesite of the Cones. This hike is offered during the warmer months as a guided evening hike... real neat! Also available is the Figure-Eight Trail, a very short nature hike with many local species of flora identified on placards. Cone Manor also hosts a gift shop, stocked with offerings from local artisans and craftsmen. Plan on making a good half to full day at Moses Cone Manor!
Cone Manor, Figure Eight Trail
The purpose of this site is to share some photos, experiences and fun encountered while hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding areas. I have found hiking in general to be one of the most exciting ways to spend a couple of hours, or a few days.
Calling home the piedmont of North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Mountains create a magical place, close enough to be convienent, yet far enough away to prevent familiarity. I have been visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains regularly my entire life, and have never ceased discovering new adventures. The trick is not aways finding new places, but more often discovering new aspects of previously visited areas. Sometimes a change in weather can shed new light on familiar ground!
Thanks for taking the time to visit and enjoy the scenery, now get away from that computer and head for the hills!
