The trail features chances to see wildlife as well as incredible mountain views. Looking to the north, you’ll see the Elizabethton, TN. I recommend sturdy hiking boots for hiking any part of Buffalo Mountain, but especially when you’re on the east side. If you park anywhere other than the parking lot. Trail Photos There is a place about a half-mile down the road that looks like you can park there. The park functions as a nature preserve primarily for hiking, picnicking, and nature programs. It was way harder coming down than going up. The Buffalo Mountain Trail bends southwest and steepens on a wide, rocky path past two nondescript cabin remains. Fishing is permitted with a valid Colorado fishing license. Avalanches and rocks slides are their primary concern, though eagles are known to knock smaller animals off cliffs, and mountain lion have some success hunting in their lower range. Coming from Bristol, VA A second trailhead, located 50 yards south of this first parking area, leads to Lily Pad Lake. Be sure to stop at Shell Falls information area, where Shell Creek cascades down a steep pitch of granite. The trail difficulty is moderate with a few strenuous and moderately difficult stretches. Easiest method is to type in 570 Highridge Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604 into your favorite GPS, Beautiful Mountain views throughout the hike, including one of the best overlooks in Northeast Tennessee, You get to hike all four sides of the mountain, and each has it’s own unique ecosystem, Most parts of the White Rock Loop are not busy, Buffalo Mountain Park offers over nice hiking options, Trail can be tough for beginners at certain points due to steep elevation, Being so close to Johnson City means the mountain views aren’t as “natural” as some may like. Once you make it to the east side of the mountain, the terrain changes significantly. "I don't need therapy. Half-way between Bighorn Lake and the junction, a three mile road accesses the Medicine Wheel, a mysterious 74 foot stone circle with 28 spokes. Some of the descent is a little technical, and a tough punch back up after flying down the backside. Only used to identify you to ProTrails. Portions of the trail negotiate steep switchbacks and rugged talus fields above treeline, which require careful time management and equal exertion on the descent. Visitors will enjoy long stretches of open tundra, and a good chance to see mountain goat in prime habitat: The trail heads northwest on a moderate grade past the Eagles Nest Wilderness Boundary (.35 miles : 9,974') to the Buffalo Mountain Trail - South Willow Creek Trail split (.6 miles : 9,993'). Did this route 3 days after I moved to Colorado and had the itch to come back and go for a … Two trailheads leave off from the road near each other to circle around the 12,777 foot peak of Buffalo Mountain via an 11,900 foot pass at the far end. Buffalo Mountain Park is a 725-acre natural resource area obtained in 1994 through a land swap with the U.S. Forest Service. Instead I would encourage you to cross the road and head up the hill to where the White Rock Loop Trail meets the Tower Ridge Trail (blue blazes). Listen to the wind moving through the Rocky Mountainesque evergreen trees that seem to be growing out of bare rock. Adequately treat all water and be sure pumps are working to capacity prior to setting out. Hotels near Bison Paddock Loop Road: (15.82 km) Waterton River Suites (8.03 km) Prince of Wales Hotel (9.22 km) Northland Lodge (8.65 km) Bear Mountain Motel (8.56 km) Crandell Mountain Lodge; View all hotels near Bison Paddock Loop Road on Tripadvisor Po náročném pracovním týdnu je čas se trochu provětrat. In this solar visitor center, the National Park Service provides information and interpretation of the area, its history and wildlife. 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