Breaks Interstate Park is a Kentucky State Park that is jointly supported* by Virginia State Parks, one of only two “combo” parks in the country. It’s a long, beautiful drive through back country roads and up mountain switch backs. 

A view from the Towers Overlook at the entrance to the park

Breaks Interstate Park July 9-10

The park gets its name due to the “break” in Pine Mountain creating a gorge and the setting for this beautiful place.

The park is located on the Virginia side of the gorge with a small portion stretching into Kentucky at a picnic area. Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the South” this park doesn’t disappoint; and we can only imagine if the western Grand Canyon were also covered with trees they’d look reminiscent of one another.

We were willing to put in a good hike at this park and decided to try the Prospectors (1.5 mi) and Overlook (0.75 mi) Trails which covered a good chunk of the park along the side and top of the ridge line. We scoffed when starting out after reading a sign that this loop would take 3-hours, but it did and we were worn out by the end. Make sure you bring plenty of snacks and water!

The Prospectors Trail 

Large rock outcrops line the hillside of the gorge 

Some sections of the Prospectors Trail take you right under the rocky outcrops

An example of the scale while hiking the Prospectors Trail 

This trail takes you about a 1/4 of the way down the ridge line with some pretty difficult hiking along a steep embankment. It cuts through tiny caves and along giant boulders that had us feeling we were somewhere other than Virginia. Throughout the trail you get sneak peaks of the gorge through the trees and walk at the base of cliffs that provide the scenic views along the Overlook Trail.

The Overlook Trail 

A stunning view from the Stateline Overlook

This trail was much less challenging and gave us the bird’s eye views of the gorge that we longed to see at various scenic overlooks. It hugs closely to the road so it’s easy to step off if you need a break from the trail and provides drive up access to all the viewpoints. 

A couple of things you definitely shouldn’t miss if you find yourself at this park include: 

1. The Notches along the 0.35 mile Geological Trail, gorgeous rock outcrops and underground streams that made us feel like we were in the Pacific Northwest.
2. The various overlooks, particularly the Stateline and Towers overlooks which offer the best view of the Russell Fork River down below. 
3. The Rhododendron Lodge restaurant which has an affordable restaurant with floor to ceiling windows and a place to enjoy the scenery while relaxing from a day on the trails.

 The section of the park known as "the Notches" left us captivated, this photo is only a teaser, you'll have to see it for yourself

There is more we would have loved to do at this park so it’s worth a trip back. Some things to consider if you choose to visit:

1. Hiking the River Trail, a difficult 1 mile trail accessible from the Prospectors Trail that takes you to the bottom of the Gorge and follows along the river. We were told to plan for an entire day to hike this as it takes a long way to get to the bottom and back up. It was unfortunately closed while we were at the park.
2. White water rafting the Russell Fork River.
3. Visiting during fall when the leaves are in peak color change and signing up for an “Elk Tour” 

Overall, this park was breathtaking and showed off some Virginia scenery we have yet to see at any other park. If you’re not much for hiking, there are numerous overlooks with drive-up access, a water park, lake, and occasional guided van tours. 

Take a break to enjoy the scenery at Breaks Interstate Park Kentucky-Virginia

If you would like to go on your own adventure to Breaks Interstate Park and would like more information about this park, click here. 

Guest Bloggers Peter Radlowski and Sarah Sumoski plan to tackle all 36 37 Virginia State Parks in 2016 and they invite you to come along on the adventure with them.

*Editor's Note: The 4,800-acre park is off State Route 80 on the Virginia-Kentucky state line, located in Pike County, Ky., Dickenson County, Va., and Buchanan County, Va. As a bi-state park, it receives support from Virginia’s DCR and the Kentucky Tourism, Parks and Heritage Cabinet.

The park is managed by the Breaks Interstate Park Commission. Reservations for overnight accommodations can be made by call 800-933-PARK, or clicking here.