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A challenging ridgeline route in Cherokee National Forest.


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Map Key

14.4

Miles

23.2

KM

Singletrack

3,224' 983 m

High

1,724' 526 m

Low

1,718' 524 m

Up

2,499' 762 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

35%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Allowed

Features Views

This is a shared use (motorized) route with a seasonal closure from January to March.

The only legal access to the trail is from the Horse Cove Gap trailhead, on the eastern end of the route. A daily fee of $5 per vehicle is required.

Description

Ready for a challenge?! Trail #29 climbs it's way up to the fire tower from Dry Creek Road just outside downtown Johnson City. This nearly 13 mile rugged linear route is a beast of a trail that runs along the ridgeline of Buffalo Mountain where you'll see everything from rocks, smooth hardpack, crazy steep climbs, berms, did we mention ROCKS, and everything in between. There are several steep climbs and descents, the biggest going in and out of the Pinnacle Road drainage.


Riders can also shuttle up forest road 188 (also on Dry Creek Road) by car, or use it as an alternate/easier option to reach to the top. Most use the fire-tower parking lot as the turn around point (easily identified with a yellow gate blocking off car traffic to the tower), or for the ultimate challenge you can drop down the back side (as this route map shows) before your return trip. With nearly 2,000ft of climbing it's no surprise that this trail is popular with e-bikes.

Plan some extra time to take in the incredible views along the way...we promise it's worth the effort!

Trail #29 is multiuse with ATV's and while you won't exactly find a traffic jam, as with any multidirectional trail, always be aware of your surroundings and keep your bike in control at all times. There is a $5 per vehicle parking fee in the feed tube at the trailhead, so bring some cash.

Contacts

Shared By:

Leslie Kehmeier with improvements by Chad Wolfe

Trail Ratings

  3.3 from 6 votes

#21632

Overall
  3.3 from 6 votes
5 Star
17%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
17%
1 Star
17%
Trail Rankings

#438

in Tennessee

#21,632

Overall
11 Views Last Month
1,513 Since Dec 1, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
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Photos

Trail with a view.
Apr 1, 2022 near Unicoi, TN
Trail #29.
Jul 18, 2021 near Unicoi, TN
Headed downhill, there is a large rocky drop on the other side of this point.
Nov 10, 2016 near Unicoi, TN
Trail #29 overlook.
Jul 18, 2021 near Unicoi, TN
Trail #29.
Jul 18, 2021 near Unicoi, TN
Trail #29.
Jul 18, 2021 near Unicoi, TN

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Nov 20, 2020
Riley Parr
Technical climbs followed by technical descents. For the advanced rider, this is a must do in the area. 5 star ride if dry. 12mi — 2h 00m
Oct 24, 2020
Kris Versteegen
awesome trail... fun berms and extra chunky rocky chutes. all doubletrack atv trails but surprisingly fun and super technical. 15mi
Aug 28, 2019
Pat Watson
The downhill sections are great, but they routinely interrupted by more climbing.
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