From the Cone Manor,
heading down toward Bass Lake.
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When you are traveling away from home for business or on a vacation, it's nice to include a stop at a really nice running venue. This should include a scenic environment, freedom from vehicular traffic, and a challenging terrain (like hills).
Another desireable feature, if you are trying to escape Florida's heat and humidity during the sumer, would be cooler temperatures.
There is a place that meets all these requirements in North Carolina near Boone on the Blue Ridge Parkway; the
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park.
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If you are going to be in the area for a while, it won't be necessary to repeat your route each time since there are 25 miles of trails. The running surface is ballast rock and and stays fairly firm even in wet weather .
One out-and-back section goes up a hill to a fire tower. Some sections of the trail are in wooded areas and one (shown on the right) passes through an open meadow.
Frieda Wyner has been on every possible route in the park; read her article about mountain running.
For a map of the trail system, click here.
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It was a cool 52º
coming down from Flat Top.
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The Autumn Leaves drift beneath your feet.
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The mountains of North Carolina become even more popular in the fall season when the "Leafers" show up to see the leaves changing. The blend of reds, yellows, and greens, makes a beautiful scene for a pleasant, refreshing run.
This photo was taken on the trail around Bass Lake which is the one perfectly level place in the park.
Runners use this trail for warming up and also for doing sprints and intervals.
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| Is there any down-side to this wonderful place? Well, perhaps one minor one.
Since the trails were originally constructed as the highway system for Cone's Estate, they have traditionally been used by horse drawn carriages and equestrian enthusiasts.
Therefore, you may encounter some horses and their "leavings" on the trails. Just be careful where you step and you'll come out smelling like a rose :-)
Try to include this great running venue in your next trip north.
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Where there are horses, there is "You-Know-What!"
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