Buffalo Mountain is one of the most significant natural areas in Virginia. It boasts an amazing 13 rare plant occurences, 3 rare animal occurences, and 6 significant natural communities. The combination of high-elevation (3,971 feet), wind-exposed openings at the summit, and magnesium rich soils make it unlike any place else in the Commonwealth.
On the treeless summit, strong winds and boreal climate support subalpine vegetation including three-toothed cinquefoil and Rocky Mountain woodsia. The south face of the mountain contains grassy, prairie-like openings composed of wildflowers and native warm-season grasses more typical to the Midwest than to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Wet, magnesium-rich seeps along the base of the mountain support globally rare grasses and wildflowers such as bog bluegrass and large-leaved grass-of-parnassus.
Buffalo Mountain is also the only known location in the world for a mealybug called Puto kosztarabi.
Public access facilities include a small parking area and a steep 1 mile hiking trail to the summit.
From Floyd, travel southwest on U.S. Route 221 about 6 miles to Route 727. Turn left (south) on 727 and go about 6 miles to a low saddle in the ridge near the eastern slope of Buffalo Mountain. Turn right on the gravel access road. Go about 1 mile to the gravel parking area. You will see a sign stating "End of State Maintenance". Keep going up a steep hill. At the top of the hill turn right. You will soon see the signs for the preserve.
From the Blue Ridge Parkway, take Route 799 north about 1 1/2 miles to Route 604. Turn left and go about 1 1/2 miles to Route 727. Turn left and go about 1 mile to a low saddle in the ridge near the eastern slope of Buffalo Mountain. Turn right on the gravel access road. Go about 1 mile to the gravel parking area. You will see a sign stating "End of State Maintenance". Keep going up a steep hill. At the top of the hill turn right. You will soon see the signs for the preserve.
You can also click on the marker on the map to get Google directions to the trailhead.
Vertical Profile:
There is no GPS track available to display a vertical profile. Click 'Edit' below to upload a GPS track file.
