The Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve has a new trail. The old trail, a steep path of the spine of the mountain, has been closed, replaced by a footpath switchback with a grade of 5 to 10 percent.
On Saturday, Department of Conservation and Recreation staff, including Claiborne Woodall, Western District Manager, and Bill Dingus, Southwest Operations Steward, who are directly responsible for management at Buffalo Mountain, will be present at the trail to answer questions and receive questions.
The trail and fire road closure were designed by DCR staff and contracted to Trail Dynamics of Brevard, NC for construction.Funding for the trail came through the Virginia Recreation Trails Fund, with volunteer support from the local Trail Stewards Program.
The new trail starts at the old parking lot, which has been expanded.
This weekend figures to be a prime time for fall color, and a large turnout is expected, said DCR staff. Once the Buffalo parking lot is full, a shuttle truck will run from the area of Earl Moles Stables. Barbecue and drinks will be sold at the parking lot, and there will be guitar music.The grand opening for the new trail will be held in the spring.
Reader Reaction:
Wonderful news about The Buffalo. My family and many friends sat on our porch looking up at The Buffalo for 20+ years. I recall Sherman Sutphin and his wife Velma sitting on our porch telling stories about The Buffalo. He manned the firetower for years before it was abandoned. I also recall seeing 2 vehicles driven to the top of the big rock. We kept waiting for them to roll off but they didn’t. Our prayer is that the folks who use it will always keep it as beautiful as we remember it. It is such an asset to that area.
Posted by Richard Owens from McLeansville, NC 27301 on 10/26 at 04:28 PM
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