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Buffalo Mountain Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 184 Google reviews · Running trail in Johnson City, Tennessee · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Buffalo Mountain Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hilly, dog-friendly nature area offering forested hiking trails to waterfalls & panoramic overlooks.
What runners say about Buffalo Mountain Park
“Couldn’t get to White Rock from the Noggin due to a downed tree; pivoted to Huckleberry Knob, great view!”
“This hike was mostly well-marked until the very end when we ended up making a wrong turn and going in a circle.”
On the outskirts of Johnson City, Buffalo Mountain Park is a hidden gem! The abundance of varying trails make it an excellent place to either run (as I prefer) or hike. My favorite loop crosses various terrain and clocks almost 5.25 miles and 1500’ of elevation.
Just beautiful. There are roughly three trails you can do when you arrive. We hiked the Noggin trail. It is not a light feat at all. All the trails are true hikes at moments. They’re super steep and some are slippery and muddy.
Great hike. Definitely some steep up high climbs. Worth it for the overlooks!
5 stars first, and foremost; as there was no admission for me to be able to hit the trails. I loved that the trails were wild but clearly marked. Waterproof boots are a must; the Noggin goes up and across a quick stream. AllTrails marked all the routes nicely.
Trail conditions & character
“Couldn’t get to White Rock from the Noggin due to a downed tree; pivoted to Huckleberry Knob, great view!”
“The mountain is not too high, so it's easy to climb up all the way to the top even with your car.”
“Excellent trails, mostly single track with really nice elevation.”
“We went on the White Rock loop and it definitely has some elevation gain which we like!”
“This hike was mostly well-marked until the very end when we ended up making a wrong turn and going in a circle.”
“There are numerous ridge views as well as many lookouts that are fairly close to parking.”
Plan your run at Buffalo Mountain Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitejohnsoncitytn.org
- Phone(423) 283-5815
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Johnson City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
