Buffalo Mountain Loop

Floyd County, Virginia

4.7/5

based on 9 reviews

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Details

Distance

1.92 miles

Elevation Gain

536.09 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Elyse Clark

Nestled away in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Floyd, VA is the Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve. The unique summit of Buffalo Mountain is naturally treeless and offers 360 degree views of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, and also hosts many rare plants and animals.

A short 1.0 mile hike to the summit with 700’ elevation gain, the trail switchbacks steeply up to the exposed rocky summit. To the north you can see Sharp Top and Flat Top at the Peaks of Otter, and to the south you can see Pilot Mountain in North Carolina.

The summit has many places to spread out and is a great place for a picnic. Once done exploring simply retrace your steps back down the trail or loop back along the Oak Trail to your car. On your way out, continue onto the Blue Ridge Parkway for more beautiful views of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, or stop by Chateau Morrisette Winery for a delicious meal or wine tasting.

Getting there: From downtown Floyd take US-221 south for about 6 miles, then directions to the preserve are clearly marked from there. The last road to get to the preserve is a gravel road that is quite bumpy in some places and may require high-clearance vehicles. Access to the preserve is free.

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Buffalo Mountain Loop Reviews

Ana Elle

Wanderer

Buffalo Mountain Loop

03/29/17

Alone in the woods. Saw my first chipmunk!

5.0

Explorer

Kenton Steryous

Explorer

Buffalo Mountain Loop

11/12/16

Great little hike! In my opinion the better layered views are to the West making it ideal for sunset. And hiking back down with a headlamp is no problem at all. Well worth it!

5.0

Zach Hoopes

Trailblazer

Buffalo Mountain Loop

10/24/16

This hike is very short but there are views in every direction and plenty of room to sit down and soak them in. A great vista!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Buffalo Mountain Loop

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Buffalo Mountain Loop Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Photograph Mabry Mill

Hike Rock Castle Gorge

Camp at Claytor Lake State Park

Bike the New River Trail

Hike to Stiles Falls

Hike the Coal Mining Heritage Park and Loop Trail

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