U.S. Forestry Service Looking At Adopting Man Made, Illegal Trails On Buffalo Mountain

On Buffalo Mountain near Johnson City, hikers, bikers and other man made pathways are gaining the attention of the United States Forestry Service. Through the years, due to man made traffic, more than five miles of illegal trails are now being used by outdoor enthusiasts. Now a proposal to allow the U.S. Forestry Service to adopt the trails is being discussed. Under the plan, the man made trails on Buffalo Mountain would become part of the official Cherokee National Forest system. The Forestry Service would be responsible for maintaining the trails to their standards to ensure safety. A public comment period conducted by the Forestry Service has been extended to August 14.