June 8, 2018
There are a number of trails located at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) outside of Blowing Rock, N.C. I would classify most of them as very family-friendly. They are nice, gradual uphill hikes, the trails are essentially wide carriage trails and the views are outstanding.
The Flat Top Trail begins at the Moses Cone Manor (or Flat Top Manor) at BRP mile 294. From the parking area, take the carriage road to the left, past the horse stables (and restrooms). Just past the tunnel, take the right path upward past the field on the left. For more specific instructions see Hiking Upward, which provides an excellent guide to Flat Top.
The best part of the hike are the mountaintop fields, with views for miles. Just past the fields, the woods reenters the woods for 1.2 miles until reaching the lookout tower, which provides 360 degree views from Blowing Rock, to Boone to Grandfather and Virginia. Alice, Ramona and Emily really enjoyed a this wonderful hike.
Total mileage is 5.3 miles.
Looks like a nice family hike. It’s amazing, seeing your girls growing up right on the blog… pretty cool!
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Too fast!!!
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Ha… quick response to that one. But I’ve been there… some of my grandkids are older than your kids. Life flies when ur hav’in fun… especially ‘trail fun.’
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