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Lone Oak Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · Running trail in Johnson City, Tennessee · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Lone Oak Trailhead'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.
What runners say about Lone Oak Trailhead
“Well maintained trail with great views of distant mountains.”
“Great trail, 1200 foot climb in about a mile and a half is a little challenging in spots but the views are beautiful!”
“This is a well-maintained and well-marked trail.”
We hiked this trail to what's called the tiptop! My how beautiful it was. Kind of steep most of the way to the top so I'd bring lots of water. There's a picnic table and bench at the top. Witha stunning view of Johnson City. About an hour hike one way 🙂.
A well-maintained trail to summit of Buffalo Mountain. This trail is a moderate to strenuous continuous uphill climb. Remnants of the forest fire a decade ago still visible and late autumn through winter brings many great views. Picnic table and bench at the Tip Top summit about 1.2 miles.
Gorgeous sunsets dazzle and delight hikers on Lone Oak Teail. Close to 30 switchbacks make this mountain trail an easier hike on the Dry Creek (west) side of Buffalo Mountain.
A well maintained path that zigzags its way up Buffalo mountain ⛰ Owing to the zigzag, the path is not too steep, making it possible to run up and down the trail — it is much appreciated by hikers and fell runners alike.
Trail conditions & character
“Great trail, 1200 foot climb in about a mile and a half is a little challenging in spots but the views are beautiful!”
“Great trail, 1200 foot climb in about a mile and a half is a little challenging in spots but the views are beautiful!”
“No bathrooms, and the parking lot is more like a widespot you park and walk across the road to the trail.”
“This is a well-maintained and well-marked trail.”
Plan your run at Lone Oak Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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 — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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.
Buffalo Mountain Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 184 reviews
Hilly, dog-friendly nature area offering forested hiking trails to waterfalls & panoramic overlooks.
