Breaks Interstate Park

The Breaks Interstate Park is a recreational and scenic park that encompasses an area of 4,500 acres of woodland. The park is one of only two interstate parks in America and so has received its name from the fact that it sits astride the state line shared by both Kentucky and Virginia. The east and west sides of the park are separated by a 1,600 foot deep, 5 mile long canyon that forms the park's centerpiece.

The Breaks Interstate Park is often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the South." The canyon is among the longest and deepest east of the Mississippi River. For millions of years the Russell Fork River, a tributary of the Big Sandy, has carved the solid sandstone to break through Pine Mountain creating breathtaking scenery along the canyon walls.

The Breaks Interstate Park attracts more than a third of a million visitors annually. The spectacular beauty of the park is showcased with 12 miles of trails and four scenic overlooks that offer these visitors a variety of activities and attractions. For more information click here.

For active visitors, the park also offers hiking, bike and driving trails, picnic and recreation areas, a lake with pedal boots, a swimming pool, horseback riding and an amphitheater. For extended visits, a rustic lodge built on the rim of the canyon, cottages that are secluded by the peaceful woodlands and a large campground offering 122 campsites with utilities are readily available to guests.

Basic driving directions:

From Pikeville:
Merge onto US-23 S / US-460 E toward Pikeville – 14.1 miles
Merge onto US-460 E / KY-80 E – 14.4 miles
Turn slight right onto KY-80 / KY-80 E – 3 miles
Turn left onto Patty Loveless Dr. / KY-80 continue on KY 80, crossing into Virginia to park entrance on right – about 8 miles

From Grundy:
Start out going south on Riverside Dr / US-460 toward Riverview St. 4.6 miles
Turn right onto Lovers Gap Road / VA-83. Continue to follow VA-83 13.8 miles
Turn slight right onto Breaks Park Road / VA-80. 8.3 miles to park entrance

From Haysi:
From Dickenson Highway / VA-83 / VA-80: Continue to follow VA-80 8.5 miles to park entrance.

List of amenities /features: 4,600 acres; camping; lodge rooms; cottages; cabins; Rhododendron Restaurant and Conference Center; water park (opening summer 2012); shelters; picnic areas; Laurel Lake; Beaver Pond; hiking; biking; fishing; geocaching; canoes; pedal boats; horseback riding.