Buffalo Mountain Park

Walked all around Buffalo Mountain Park last month (August 2008). I've never encountered more bugs! Insects were constantly in my face. They went up my nose, in my ears, and were everywhere. The Skin So Soft bug repellant blend did nearly nothing to deter the bugs. If you hike here, be sure to bring some Deep Woods Off to make the experience better. By the end, bugs and a bee sting later, my friend and I couldn't wait to reach the end of the trail. As for the hike itself, it is hilly and good exercise to go the long loop all the way around the park. There are some scenic vistas, but most are at the end of the trail (if you go counter clockwise). In August, there weren't many flowers, perhaps the foliage is better in the Spring. Through much of the trail, the trees are burned and/or dead. The "Cascades" is more like a trickle of water. Not scenic enough to justify the walk if that is all you wanted to see. Overall, the trail was good exercise and the dog had a blast. But I've been on hikes with more interesting scenery and diverse/interesting flora and fauna. I doubt I'll do this hike again. Since I just had an afternoon to hike in the area, I wish I had chosen a different site. Also, I don't think the distances are accurate--points that are supposed to be .1 mi. end up taking 10+ minutes to walk. Either the distances aren't accurate or some prankster moved the signs. On the upside, there were no unsavory characters hanging around. The trailheads were clean and there were a few 20-something hikers on the trail who were friendly.

What a wonderful park. 14 to 15 miles of great trails.I have nothing against gay folks but to see so many men sitting around alone in cars is kink of spooky. The JC cops need to go back! I agree that you are more likely to be attacked by a member of the general population than the gay group but for a family there is no need of PDA!

Now that the JCPD and other law enforcement have put a stop to the creep factor there wren't any more gay guys hanging out at the picnic area. It looks fine to me. I will be making return trips to this hike quite often since it does extent into the national forest. I may even take a long multi-night trip up there and see what I can find.

Buffalo Mountain is a great local park. The hiking is excellent to be in the city. You can actually hike after a day at the office. The gay guys who hang out at the picnic are harmless. You are much less likely to have your car broken into or mugged by them than the general population. Just go enjoy the beautiful, well maintained trails and leave the gays alone. Life is good.

I have family here, so we checked out the local park here at Buffalo Mountain on our visit from Texas. Actually, it's hardly a mountain at maybe 2000 feet, more like a big hill. There are numerous thugs and shady looking characters throughout the area, and I was glad I have a concealed handgun permit while we hiked a short trail here. Here's the kicker, this park appears to be the local gay hangout and I am not, nor do I care for my family to view this lewd behavior openly in public! Frankly I am appalled at what the local authorities let go on here, in what could be a very nice little park. Would not go back if you paid me! Make the drive to Grandfather Mountain or Blowing Rock in North Carolina less than 90 minutes from here.

So there are ups and downs to this place. After all, it is a mountain. However, the downers here are the rather unsavory types hanging out around the place where you have to leave your car. Isn't there some way the park service could clear them out? Maybe not. Anyway, there are quite a few things to do, so long as you're looking for hiking. You can get to some nice views with little effort, and some very nice views for a little more. Its especially rewarding if you are from Johnson City, because you can actually do the "I can see my house from here" if its a clear day. It makes a nice afternoon trip if you want to get in some hiking but don't have the time to go to one of the AT segments in the bigger mountains to the east.