Flat Top Manor

Overview

Flat Top Manor is the gleaming centerpiece of Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, a grand Colonial Revival estate perched above Bass Lake. Built in 1901 by textile magnate Moses H. Cone, it’s part Gilded Age mansion, part craft hub, and part trailhead—easily one of the Parkway’s most popular stops.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

Few places along the Parkway combine elegant architecture, hands-on culture, and miles of easygoing walking like this. You can browse the Parkway Craft Center inside the house, watch regional artists demonstrate mountain handicrafts on the porch, then step straight onto the estate’s carriage roads for a mellow stroll or a longer outing.

What You’ll See

• Inside the manor’s first floor: the Parkway Craft Center, an information desk, and a bookstore.
• On the porch: big, breezy views toward Bass Lake and the surrounding hills.
• Around the grounds: former orchards, barns, and a family cemetery spread across a 3,500‑acre estate with two picturesque lakes.

Trails and Activities

• Carriage roads (25 miles): wide, well‑graded gravel paths for hiking and horseback riding; when conditions allow, locals ski them in winter.
• Craftsman’s Trail: a short loop circling the manor if you want a quick sampler.
• Flat Top Road: a popular route from the manor area toward the Flat Top Mountain lookout tower.

Craft Center

The Parkway Craft Center showcases traditional Appalachian craftsmanship—think quilting, weaving, pottery, woodcarving, and more. Demonstrations are seasonal, so check ahead if seeing artists at work is a priority.

History Snapshot

Moses H. Cone—nicknamed the “Denim King”—built this as a summer retreat and laid out the estate’s gracious carriage roads, lakes, and orchards. The manor’s exterior has been recently rehabilitated, returning the landmark to its bright, pristine look.

Wildlife

The surrounding fields and forests commonly host deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of birds. The lakes draw waterfowl—bring binoculars if you like to spot as you stroll.

Practicalities

There’s no admission fee to visit the manor or explore the grounds. Restrooms are available at the manor area. There’s no food service, so pack water and snacks. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails but not inside the house.

Best Time to Visit

• For fewer people and easier parking: arrive early, especially on weekends.
• Craft Center hours are typically 10am–5pm (seasonal), with Saturdays and mid‑day periods the busiest.
• Shoulder seasons (spring and late fall) are lovely for walking the carriage roads without peak‑summer crowds.

Quick Take

If you only have an hour: enjoy the porch views, browse the Craft Center, and walk the Craftsman’s Trail loop. With more time: drop down to Bass Lake or head up Flat Top Road for a longer, classic estate ramble.