Nine Day Hiking and Campus Visit Trip: Part 3, Buffalo Mountain

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Read Part 1.
Read Part 2.

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My knees and feet hurt so much on Saturday evening that I had decided to keep Sunday as a recovery day. I planned a gentle walk at Jacob’s Nature Park and then a stroll through downtown.

By Sunday morning, the pain was gone. When I went to the car, the air was so fresh that I ended up putting Buffalo Mountain into my GPS.

I ended up walking the 5.5-mile White Rock Loop, plus the extension to Tip Top.

The views were gorgeous and the weather perfect. The wind was still chilly and my nose dripped constantly. Nothing like trying to hike up a steep mountain when you’re out of condition and your sinuses are full of mucus. 

As I was about to start the downhill part of the trail, I came to a fork. I paused to be sure I was following the correct turn. A man came down the left trail and commented, “Almost there!” 

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Well, I knew he didn’t mean almost to the parking lot. I checked the trail sign and he had come down from Tip Top. I didn’t know what Tip Top was, but it sounded like the very top. I didn’t know what “almost there” meant and hadn’t downloaded the PDF map, but “almost” means “nearly.” I let my feet decide which path to take. 

I was not “almost there.” I supposed if you’re counting from the parking lot, then I was, but it was a good 15 minutes uphill before I reached a slope with the trail going nearly vertical. I could see a picnic table peeking over the ridge, so I scrambled up and reached the Tip Top. The view was worth the climb and added walking. 

One view from Tip Top, Buffalo Mountain, Johnson City, TN

After taking photos and sitting to rest and eat, I started down. I rejoined the White Loop Trail and walked and walked and walked. I began to regret my morning’s decision. My knees hurt. My feet hurt. The trail head was nowhere in sight. I came to a stream crossing. Water ran over sloped rocks. There was no level crossing.

My feet and knees hurt so much, I wasn’t sure how flexible they would be. I find flexibility a key component of stability. I sat on a water bar/step and waited. When my legs felt strong again, I carefully crossed the slippery rocks. Then I walked and walked and walked. I contemplated the reasons we do hard things and call it fun. I was not having fun in the moment. I walked and walked and walked.

View from Sunset Point

I came to Sunset Point and sat on the bench, which was so tall that I worried I would pitch over the front as I tried to climb on from the back and swivel around. Considering the name of the overlook and how the ground had eroded from the base of the bench, I assumed I was near to a parking lot. I just didn’t know how near or if it was the same parking lot my car was in. I admired the view and contemplated the tallest item in the area - a burned tree. 

I sat some more and scrolled my phone, answering a few texts. I normally keep my phone on airplane mode while hiking, but I needed a good long rest. Eventually, a man came. He declined my offer to take his photo and I left.

A parking lot was near. I was too tired to estimate distances, but I saw people wearing flip-flops starting up. I walked and walked, then saw signs for trails I recognized from the morning. I walked some more, then saw a trail intersection from the morning. I walked more and arrived at the parking lot. I was pleased I had finished the hike, but I was done with mountains for the day.

I went back to the hotel and showered and handwashed my hiking clothes. I asked the hotel clerk if the downtown shops were open on Sundays. He didn’t know but assured me that parking was free (he was right). I went downtown and walked up and down Main Street. A few shops were open. 

Tired of walking, I drove to Kroger and got gas. It was only 4:00, but I was tired and hungry. I got a small Greek pizza at Portobello’s Italian Bistro and ate it all. 

I then limped through Kroger to buy beef sticks and Babybel cheese for my lunches over the week. I have never been so hobbled in my life! My knees and ankles objected to movement. My feet hurt with every impact. I don’t know what I looked like, but I’m sure it would have been funny if good manners hadn’t trained people to not notice or laugh. 

With a full belly, aching legs, and screaming feet, I returned to the hotel and finished the last of the lingering tasks. I could finally start the week free from the previous week’s duties. I then watched Vera until my eyes wouldn’t stay open, which was earlier than one might expect from a grown adult.

Buffalo Mountain FAQ

Q: Is it free to hike at Buffalo Mountain in Johnson City, TN?
A: Yes (as of May 2026)

Q: Is there a parking fee?
A: No (as of May 2026)

Q: Are there restrooms?
A: Definitely not on the trail. At the trailhead, I didn't notice any, but I wasn't looking for them, either.

Q: Are there picnic tables?
A: Not at the trailhead. I only noticed one at Tip Top.

Q: Is there internet access/cell data?
A: I mostly kept my phone in airplane mode, but whenever I took it off, I had good data and fast internet. I use Verizon. 

Q: How strenuous is the White Rock Loop?
A: "Strenuous" is subjective, but you're definitely walking up and down a mountain! There are places, as of May 2026, where the trail is eroded and narrow. One false step could send you rolling down the mountainside until a tree stops you. On the other hand, you won't need mountaineering gear. Normal hiking poles may be helpful. 

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