Floyd County High Point Trip Report

Buffalo Mtn (3,971 ft)

Date: November 29, 2002
Author: Ken Oeser

From the Blue Ridge Parkway between Mabrys Mill and Rocky Knob, go north on VA799 1.5 miles and turn left onto Halls Store Road/VA604. Go 1.5 miles and turn left onto VA727, then follow this 1.0 mile and turn right. At 0.3 mile is a gate and sign about Buffalo Mountain State Natural Area Preserve. The gate was open, and signs say hiking is permitted. Drive another 0.8 mile to the end of the road at around elevation 3,400 feet.

Hike up the old roadbed about 0.7 mile to the top and enjoy the views. A sign halfway up explains the protection of the mountain by the Nature Conservancy and State of Virginia, and some rare species here, one an insect found only on the top of this mountain. I looked for the benchmark on the many rock outcrops on the west end of the mountain, but didn't see it. This mountain is definitely worth a visit.