January 08, 2006

Climbing the West Face Cleft

The most dramatic climb comes up the opposite slope of the Buffalo from the parking lot approach. Phillip Weddle showed me this route last summer. The road on the west side of the Buffalo comes from Burkes Fork over to Buffalo Mountain Road near our place. Best approach is 4WD from the north via Burkes Fork, where it crests the shoulder of the Buffalo. A road splits off heading toward the cleft. Here is the approach from the south by foot:

Road.jpg

In winter, with the leaves off the trees, you can see the cleft ahead as you climb this road.

Cleft.jpg

This time of year, the seeps along this face are frozen waterfalls, and ice slick rock faces. Be careful, and use both hands. Cell phones with Verizon work on this slope.

Ice.jpg

Bear to the left as you climb the shoulder, and you'll have to move into the cleft when the rhododendren starts. This is what you'll see:

Cleft2.jpg

This is the overhanging left cliff with a bit of adornment.

Overhang.jpg

Climbing the right face of the cleft, and looking back at the opposing face, you can see the holes, small caves on that face, which locals call the kettles. Biggest opening is maybe three-four feet across. Phillip tells me there used to be a tree leaning against the cliff, granting access to the lower one, but no more. Anyone ever looked inside?

Kettles.jpg

The surprise on reaching the top was this evidence a trail boss had recently ridden brought a string of horses topside. Lots of droppings! Anyone see them?
Apples.jpg

Finally, taking a look at the parking lot gate on the way down, it now has no cables and dead men. Is this a replacement? Looks old and rusty.Gate.jpg

Posted by pricej at 07:07 PM | Comments (236)

April 15, 2005

Directions to Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve

Mabry Mill is probably the most recognizable place on the Blue Ridge Parkway, so the directions will start there. Follow the parkway north for 2 miles until you see milepost 174. Most of the roads that intersect the parkway are not labeled, and this one is no exception. Fortunately the turn is just beyond the milepost.

This left turn is 799 (Conner Grove Road). Follow 799 for 2.2 miles to Cassady’s General Store. This is a good place to stop for drinks and snacks.

Continue on 799 for another 1.8 miles. You will see a small bridge with a sudden left turn. This is 727 (Moles Road). The road sign is difficult to see because it is concealed by trees.

Follow 727 for 1.1 miles. The next turn to the right is also 727 (Moles Road). If you continue going straight at this intersection the road changes to 604 (Halls Store Road).

Continue on 727 for 0.9 miles until you reach the "End of State Maintenance" sign. Continue up the hill on what appears to be a driveway. At the top of the hill there are two driveways marked with "No Trespassing" signs, one to the left and one straight. Turn right onto the Buffalo Mountain access road.

Follow the access road for 1.1 miles until it ends at the parking area. The trail that leads to the summit starts at the far end of the parking area. The hike to the summit is steep, and approximately 0.75 miles. The center section of the trail has some severe erosion damage, so watch your step. Be prepared with good shoes, water, some snacks and hopefully a camera. Please note that there are no trash receptacles on the mountain or the parking area. Please take everything you brought with you. Enjoy the view!

Posted by at 09:52 PM | Comments (2)