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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a very nice trail located 5 minutes from ETSU. It is easy to follow, but there are several spurs off the main trail. It is worth taking a look at them if you want to make a longer hike. Everything is well marked, so getting lost isn't a problem. In mid-spring, take the time to follow ladyslipper loop. You will see numerous ladyslippers in bloom. Please be careful if you venture off the trail as the ladyslippers like to grow right on the edge of the path. Huckleberries are very plentiful here in the summer, but the local wildlife depends on them as a major food source, so it isn't a great place to go to pick large quantities. The view from Tip Top is nice, but is more wooded than White Rock. You can make the trail a loop if you follow the high ridge trail to White Rock, then take the White rock trail to the parking area. Trailhead: From I-81, take Exit 57-A to Johnson City, which puts you on I-26 (formerly I-181). Take Exit 36 to State of Franklin Rd. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp. Stay on State of Franklin for about 5 miles. Just past ETSU, turn right on University Parkway. Follow this road to the redlight where it intersects with Cherokee Rd. Turn right on Cherokee Rd, then take the next left onto Buffalo Rd. Follow Buffalo Rd. for about a mile. Buffalo Rd will take a sharp left and High Ridge Rd will be to the right. Take High Ridge Rd. It is about another 1-2 miles to the trailhead, but a gate marks the entrance to Buffalo Mountain Park about half way up. This gate is frequently closed in the winter. Once you reach the picnic area, follow the one-way loop around about 3/4 of its length. On the right, there is a small parking area adjacent to the trailhead. (Lat:36.27726 Lon:-82.34887) Trail Guides for Buffalo Mountain-Tip Top Trail: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Johnson City Parks & Rec (423) 283-5815 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Ashley Blevins, who has posted 2 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Lumpy on 6/10/2008 Don't let the fags run you off. If all the hikers would report this to the Police, then eventually we would win. I've personally had 3-4 arrested, just by reporting them. The JC park service usually has an employee on duty after 4 pm and his presence runs alot of these guys off. This place is too nice to let the fags win. Mr. Tom Dosser, along with several others and the Boy Scouts, have spent years building and maintaining trails, I've helped clearing trails after storms myself. I hike there all the time and yes I've seen bears, they generally hear you coming and scamper away before you even see them, if they haven't seen you, wave your arms in the air and yell, make alot of noise and they'll run. 
Reviewed by Dan on 4/16/2008 Its a nice trail. Can't add much except to just ignore the gay guys at the trail head. Cell coverage is spotty in places. For radio users there is a ham radio repeater on top of Buffalo, its 146.790(-) and FRS users often can be found on channels 2, 3, 5, 7, 11 in the area. Its a nice hike and the views are amazing.
Reviewed by Tigerbos on 4/6/2008 Nice hiking area..."the creeps" as mentioned by another reviewer, were gay men who used the area as a pick up spot. Last year, that area and a few others in Johnson city, were cleaned up...people were arrested and fined for loitering and "anti-social' behavior...Now there are signs up there about potential bears but so far, I've not seen any!
Reviewed by Amy on 2/5/2008 Ok, so this spot is special to me and a personal favorite for many reasons. I've hiked it many times with many good friends. You can almost see my house from Tip Top. But the # 1 reason...my fiance just proposed to me up on top on January 12th! Yeah Buffalo Mountain. The views are breathtaking. You feel as though you're in another world, when JC's just right underneath you. Happy Trails! 
Reviewed by JT on 10/18/2007 I just moved to J.C. a few months ago and was looking for closeby hikes. This is just down the road but I won't go back. There really were many creepy men just hanging around. There are an incredible about of places to go nearby without the "creep factor."
Reviewed by Louis on 5/28/2007 I like hiking up there.
Reviewed by Wayne on 5/21/2006 I have lived in Johnson City all my life and this was the first time I have been to Buffalo Mountain. Unfortunately it was foggy and damp but can't wait to go again. I agree with another writer that the trails are well maintained and marked. My friend Rick and I have been hiking on the Appalachian Trail and it is a thrill to know we have trails this nice so close to home. We spotted a deer and a wild Turkey and saw some beautiful Mountain Laural. No question, it's a redo.
Reviewed by Val on 5/17/2006 This is an awesome hike! Took my 2 teenagers and a couple of their friends yesterday- made it as far as the service road on the way to white rock, ran out of time and had to turn back. Today we arrived early and hiked to white rock. Breath taking views and beautiful trail scenery on the way up. The trails are well maintained and clearly marked. The down side which kept me on edge and a bit suspicious was the continuous cruising around the picnic area by lone males who stare quite a bit. It kind of creeped me out. The only hiker we saw on the trails was while we were resting at white rock- a guy walked past with no gear and dressed to well to seriously be interested in hiking. I smiled and he quickly looked away. I WOULD NOT hike this alone! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Tennessee Hiking, Tennessee Trails, Tennessee Hikes, Washington County Hiking, Washington County Trails, Washington County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||