December 29th, 2008 - Jimmy Humston and I took a quick, after-work hike up to the "White Rock" overlook on Buffalo Mountain.  We had a beautiful evening and started at the "Alternate" trail head at elevation 2200'.  The main trail head is still closed due to the fire this past summer. 

Jimmy Resting at White Rock

After reaching the first junction in Hartsell Hollow we took a left and began ascending the White Rock Trail.  At 1.55 miles we reached the overlook at 3100', which gave us great views into Johnson City, Elizabethton, and the major mountain ranges of Unaka, Iron, Roan, Holston, Bays, and the Clinch. 

We stopped at 3 different overlooks at White Rock, took some photos, and then decided to get off the mountain before darkness caught up to us.  We hustled down the slick trail and made the 1.5 mile descent back to the car in just 25 minutes.

For more information on the Buffalo Mountain trails, or to see what trail I've completed click here.       

Total Miles Hiked:  3.1 

Getting There: 

Driving - From Johnson City:  Take I-26 to the Elizabethton exit. At the end of the ramp turn left. Proceed on University Parkway past the golf course on your left, and then turn left onto Cherokee Road (at the red light).  Take the first left onto Buffalo Road.  Proceed past the golf course again, and turn right onto Rolling Hills Drive.  Follow this road until you come to a stop sign where you will turn right onto Highridge Road.  This leads straight to the Park.  The Alternate Trail Head is straight at the junction.  Turn right at the junction to go to the main trail head.  .  

Trails - Refer to this map.  We started at the Alt. Trail Head, and went .15 miles following the stream, and took a left at the junction.  We then went .19 miles and took a right ascending steeply.  After .21 miles we crossed the service road, which put us on White Rock Trail.  We followed this for another .99 miles.  The overlook will be on your left.