Dayhikes Near Johnson City, TN

[naturlred]

Hi,
Does anyone have any suggestions for moderate day hikes near and around Johnson City, TN in mid January?

I have read about Buffalo Mtn. State Park, Rock Creek Trail and Unaka Mtn. section of the AT.....but not sure what to expect in mid January.

Have you done any of these and what are your thoughts?

Thanks

[Tennessee Viking]

I used to live in Johnson City and there are tons of opportunities for day hikes depending on your direction within 1-2hr drive.

Almost every AT section in the area can be day hiked. There are some longer sections you will have to in and out both ends. Carvers Gap/Roan, Humps, Unaka, Big Bald, Dennis Cove, Devils Fork/Flint Mtn, Camp Creek/Viking Mtn if weather is friendly.

Special notes:
Unaka Mtn Road usually closes for the winter season. Watauga Lake is currently closed to camping; only open to hiking the AT.
19E to the Bitter End forest road is known as Buck Mtn. History of bad parking experiences.

Non-AT
Margarette Falls, Horse Creek, Clarks Creek, Rock Creek, the new Rocky Fork State Park, Flattop Mtn (Lost Cove/Devils Creek), Gentry Creek Falls/Rogers Ridge, Lower Higgins Creek Road Trail (unofficial), Rattlesnake Ridge/Limestone Cove Trails

Mountains to Sea Trail sections along the parkway and around the Wilson Creek Backcountry, and Linville Gorge.

Buffalo Mtn Municpal Park is not too special. A lot of road trails. Very busy. And it can close to weather, winter season, and night time.
Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport has road and hiking trails but offers more remote trails and better views.

TEHCC Trail WIKI will have a lot listed
http://tehcc.org/wiki/Main_Page