BreaksInterstate Park - VA,KY |
Breaks Interstate Park is a bi-state state park located partly in southeastern Kentucky and mostly in southwestern Virginia, in the Jefferson National Forest, at the northeastern terminus of Pine Mountain.
The Breaks is also referred as the "Grand Canyon of the South", through which the Russell Fork river and Clinchfield Railroad (now the CSX Transportation Kingsport Subdivision) run. It is accessed via highway 80 (Virginia 80 and Kentucky 80), between Haysi, Virginia and Elkhorn City, Kentucky, and passes through the community of Breaks, Virginia east of the park.
featured in
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location
maps
Bicycle Map of Virginia. Published by the Virginia Department of Transportation.
brochures
Trail Map for Breaks Interstate Park (ISP) in Virginia. Published by Virginia State Parks.
Campground Map for Breaks Interstate Park (ISP) in Virginia. Published by Virginia State Parks.
Travel Guide for Heart of Appalachia in Southwest Virginia. Published by Virginia Tourism.
Brochure of Virginia State Parks. Published by Virginia State Parks.
Features & Stories of the Travel Guide for Virginia. Published by Virginia Tourism.
Breaks ISP
http://www.breakspark.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaks_Interstate_Park
Breaks Interstate Park is a bi-state state park located partly in southeastern Kentucky and mostly in southwestern Virginia, in the Jefferson National Forest, at the northeastern terminus of Pine Mountain.
The Breaks is also referred as the "Grand Canyon of the South", through which the Russell Fork river and Clinchfield Railroad (now the CSX Transportation Kingsport Subdivision) run. It is accessed via highway 80 (Virginia 80 and Kentucky 80), between Haysi, Virginia and Elkhorn City, Kentucky, and passes through the community of Breaks, Virginia east of the park.
BREAKS
INTERSTATE PARK
ter
Cen
Elkhorn City 7 miles
k
Cree
Unknown
Confederate
Soldier’s
Grave
(. 5
Grassy
mi . )
CAMPGROUND
Ridge (.5 mi.)
Horse
Stables
Laurel Branch
Beaver
Pond
mi
el
nn
(.2
Co
ld
Clinchfield
.)
miTH
Lo o p
3
R/R
TH
e
ss
Ru
2
768
Water Park
Paddle Boats
Lakefront Log Cabins 1-5
Breaks
Village
609
1
m
i.)
i. )
Laurel Lake
Visitor
Center Lake (.5 m
i.)
(.4
(3
m
i.)
TH
.)
in
Mounta Bike
m
Spri
ng
(.
5
Cottages B-E
6
8
5
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linchfield Rai
Old C
Prospectors (1.5 mi.)
Overlook
(.75
mi
.)
Camp
Office
nd (.4
r Po
ve
m
.3 i.)
Pinnacle
Rock
ll
Fo
rk
80
Deer (
er (1
erlook (.5
mi
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m
(.35 mi.)
Stateline
cal
Overlook Ge o l o gi
The Notches
Tu
k
h
R iv
c
Br an
el
r
we
To
s y C re e
Grassy
Lau r
ree k
Grassy C
80
Gras
Center
Creek
(.5 mi.)
m
i.)
Potter’s
Flats
KY
TUC
KEN NIA
I
VIRG
Be
a
80
To Grundy
17 miles
Boat
Ramp
7
80
TH
Ri
ve
r
RHODODENDRON LODGE
RESTAURANT
& CONFERENCE CENTER
Towers
(.15 mi.)
N
Chimney
Rock
1680 ft.
The
Towers
1640 ft.
Mill Rock
TH
TH
TH
Lovers
Leap
Garden Hole
U
ni
m
pr
o
v e d roa
d
mi.)
Camp Bra
nch (.7
ranch
mp B
Ca
R/R
TH
To Haysi
.25
0
.25
SCALE
Building
Picnic area
Picnic shelter
Amphitheater
Bath house
Trailhead
Feature
Scenic view
Restroom
Playground
Trail
Road
Boat ramp
.5
.75 MILES
BREAKS INTERSTATE PARK
CAMPGROUNDS
Building
Basketball
Bath house
Playground
130 129
131
Picnic shelter
Trail
132
128
Dump station
Road
133
TH
127
Trailhead
Sites 123-138
134
135 126 Group Camping
Overflow
136 125
137 124
Grassy
Campground C
Ove
rlo
32
138
123
ok
72
108
73
31
107
Campground B
30
71
74
9 8 7
TH
6
110 109 105 106
29
10
75
5
33
70
111 113
28
19
76
103
4
112
104
69
115
27
18
77
114
3
101
102
34
68
118 116
2
26
11
20
78
87
100
120 117
1
21
67
17
99
79
122
0
119
12
98 Campground D
16
22
66
13 14 15
80
25
86
121 97
23
24
96
88
00
91 95
Campground A
89
94
Laundry
36
38 37
44
45
43 42 41 40 39
90
85
93
35
82
92
46
84
83
63
64
62
47
48 49 50 51
65
52
56
55
57
54
58
53
59
61
60
81
Campground Store/Office
0
100
200
300
SCALE
400
500 FEET
CRUISE
PADDLE
Hop on your motorcycle or
roll the windows down for a
drive through the Heart of
Appalachia. With over a dozen
scenic Appalachian Backroads
to ride, you won’t find this
kind of beauty anywhere else.
Become a “Dragon Master”
on the Back of the Dragon
route, offering 32 miles of the
most exciting and technical
road you’ll ever drive. Or try
Bootlegger’s Run, named for
the bootlegging trade of the
1920s, with 145 miles of curvy
backroads that will make you
feel like a part of its history.
Don’t miss a chance to spot
Big Foot himself along the
Woodbooger Drive near
Norton!
A five-mile gorge plunging to 1,650 feet makes Breaks Interstate Park the “Grand Canyon of the
South.” With seven gorgeous overlooks, all visitors – no matter their mode of transportation, be
it by bike, horseback or on the water – will find themselves exploring just like those who came
before them, from indigenous tribes and farmers to lumberjacks and moonshiners. Get a bird’s eye
by hopping aboard the Canyon Rim Zipline to careen across the mountaintops for this one-of-akind experience. Whitewater rafting, rock climbing, geocaching and more adventures await.
The vibrant communities
along the Clinch River
can’t wait to show off their
stunning beauty and small
town hospitality. Start at
Tazewell to explore historic
architecture and mountain
heritage before moving
on to Cedar Bluff and its
restored gristmill. Get a
look at late 19th-century
architecture in former coal
boom town Richlands, now a
cultural hub. Honaker, listed
on the Virginia Register of
Historic Places, allows you
to pause for a home-style
meal before heading back
on the water. Cleveland
offers a quiet space filled
with natural treasures like
waterfalls and rare plant
species. Continue your river
path to St. Paul, where you
can pause your tubing trip
to check out hiking trails,
a riverside disc golf course
or visit Bluebell Island.
Finish off your journey in
Dungannon, where you can
slow things down while
floating beneath sunny skies.
LISTEN
ZOOM
No road trip is complete without the ultimate
Southwest Virginia playlist. Relive music
history at the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons,
where you’ll have a newfound appreciation
for this historical family and their traditional
mountain and folk music. Family-friendly
Saturday night performances honor the
first family of country music, where every
instrument is acoustic and all guests are
encouraged to dance the night away. Or,
experience the Ralph Stanley Museum, where
you’ll rediscover one of the most authentic
voices of country music that ever lived. You’ll
see memorabilia, including his beloved banjo
and even a Grammy, and have an interactive
experience that’ll take you back in time – and
possibly have you singing the entire way
home.
Get your heart rate up on
Spearhead Trails, with over
550 miles of trails on six
systems that offer something
for everyone no matter
your travel preference or
skill level. Looking for more
adventure? Whether hiking,
biking or kayaking, ATV
riding, horseback riding or
white-water rafting, you
can get your adrenaline fix
thanks to the region's state
parks, one-of-a-kind natural
wonders like Devils Bathtub
and Burkes Garden, and
breath-taking views from
High Knob Tower.
HEART OF
APPALACHIA
Breaks Interstate Park—Breaks
162
B I L LY BOW L I N G
Nestled in the southwest corner of the state, the HEART OF APPALACHIA region is known for the rugged beauty of its landscapes,
as well as its vibrant culture and people. Adventure abounds among roaring rivers and stunning vistas, while picturesque
mountain towns draw you in with the sights, sounds and tastes of Appalachia.
B R E A K S I N T E R S TAT E PA R K ( B R E A K S ) : C AT H Y A N D E R S O N / S P E A R H E A D T R A I L S ( S A I N T PA U L ) : S A M D E A N
ZIP
Spearhead Trails—Saint Paul
VIRGINIA .ORG
HEART OF APPALACHIA
Little Stony Falls—Dungannon
16 3
q
u
O F F E R S A C C E S S F O R P E O P L E W H O A R E B L I N D O R H AV E L O W V I S I O N
b
c
BUSES/GROUP S WELCOME
$
P E T - F R I E N D LY FA C I L I T Y
ADMISSION REQUIRED
I
Grundy
460
Clintwood
Cedar Bluff
23
Jonesville
421
Ewing
58
Heart of Appalachia Visitor
Information Center
3028 4th Avenue Market Sq.,
276-762-0011;
heartofappalachia.com. VA
Visitors Information Center
offering brochures, attractions and event information.
bjI
Jewell Valley Multi-Use
Family Trail
Whitewood Community,
276-244-1542;
buchanancountyatvtrails.com.
30-miles ATV and mountain
bike trail with breathtaking
scenery and trailhead
parking.
Virginia’s Coal Heritage Trail/
Virginia Scenic Byway
3029 4th Avenue Market Sq.,
276-762-0011;
virginiacoaltrail.com. 325mile byway winding through
mountains and valleys
through coal camps. b
APPALACHIA
Appalachia Cultural Arts
Center
402 West Main St.,
276-565-3900; facebook.com/
appalachiaculturalartscenter.
Community arts activity
center in restored early 1900s
building.
Derby Coal Camp
Derby Rd., 276-523-1322;
swvamuseum.org
Environmental
Education
Virginia State Parks are premier
environmental education sites.
Schools, scouts, groups and individuals
are encouraged to come learn more
about their world. Backyard Classroom
programs, incorporating Virginia’s
Standards of Learning, promote
lifelong learning. They also help
young people enjoy, appreciate and
understand the outdoors.
Programs & Festivals
Master new outdoor cooking recipes.
Pan for gold or tour a cave. Learn or
improve outdoor skills. Enjoy a rangerled hike, eagle tour or owl prowl.
Workshops and events are as diverse
as the parks.
VIRGINIA
Discounts
Virginia State Parks are affordable every day, but annual passes
can save you money on parking, boat launching and swimming.
The Customer Loyalty Program lets you earn points that can be
redeemed for free or discounted overnight stays.
STATE PARKS
You can also receive a 25 percent discount on weekend cabins if you
make a reservation on Thursday or Friday, based on availability. Just
ask for the discount on the phone when you make the reservation.
Park Accessibility
Virginia State Parks strive to make each park as barrier-free as
possible. Contact the Customer Service Center or individual parks
for more information before your trip.
Pets
Pets are welcome but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet or in
an enclosed area at all times. Cabin guests are charged $10 plus tax
per night per pet. No pet fee is charged for camping.
There’s plenty of history, too. Immerse
yourself in Colonial times, the Civil War
or the Underground Railroad. When
it comes to festivals, you’ll find music,
arts and crafts, local food and beverage,
classic cars and more. Up-to-theminute, comprehensive information is
available at www.virginiastateparks.gov.
Nature & History
All parks have trails, many with signs
explaining the environment. Wander
trails at First Landing through cypress
swamps or hike Caledon’s trails along
ridges and ravines through rare oldgrowth forest. Overlooks at Hungry
Mother, Grayson Highlands and Natural
Tunnel offer a glimpse of powerful
geological forces that shaped the land.
See how rivers shaped some parks, such
as Belle Isle, James River, Natural Bridge,
Powhatan and Westmoreland.
www.virginiastateparks.gov | 800-933-PARK (7275)
www.virginiastateparks.gov
Shenandoah River
Seven Bends
Sky Meadows
540-622-6840
540-622-6840
540-592-3556
CT
•
CT
•
Douthat
540-862-8100
T
Natural Bridge
540-291-1326
Smith Mountain Lake
540-297-6066
•
540-854-5503
703-730-8205
703-339-2385
540-288-1400
•
B/E/H
•
B/H
•
B/E/H/U
VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS
•
• FP
•
•
•
•
B/E/H
H
• FP
•
•
B/H
•
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B/E/H/U
•
H/U
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Lake Anna
Leesylvania
Mason Neck
Widewater
•
•
• FP
CT
•
•
•
•
B/H/U
•
•
•
UD
CT
CHESAPEAKE BAY
Belle Isle
Caledon
Machicomoco
Westmoreland
804-462-5030
540-663-3861
804-642-2419
804-493-8821
•
•
•
B/E/H/U
•
•
B/H
•
CT
•
• FP
•
B/H
• FP
•
P
B/H/U
COASTAL
Chippokes Plantation
False Cape
First Landing
York River
757-294-3728
757-426-7128
757-412-2300
757-566-3036
•
•
P
B/E/H/U
•
•
B/H/U
•
•
•
B/H
•
•
• FP
•
•
B/E/H/U
EASTERN SHORE
Photo courtesy Jackie Jamison
Kiptopeke
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
Bear Creek Lake
High Bridge Trail
Holliday Lake
James River
Pocahontas
Powhatan
Sailor’s Creek Battlefield
Twin Lakes
(Cedar Crest Conference Center)
Boa
t La
unc
h
Boa
t Re
nta
ls
Fish
in g
Day
Use
O nl y
Play
grou
nds
Swi
mm
in g
Trai
ls
BLUE RIDGE HIGHLANDS
SHENANDOAH VALLEY
757-331-2267
•
•
• FP
•
•
H/U/B
804-492-4410
434-315-0457
434-248-6308
434-933-4355
804-796-4255
804-598-7148
804-561-7510
434-392-3435
434-767-2398
T
•
•
•
•
B/E/H
T
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T
•
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CT
•
•
540-643-2500
276-579-7092
276-781-7400
276-781-7425
276-699-6778
276-699-6778
•
•
• FP
•
•
•
T
•
•
•
CT
•
•
•
•
B/H/U
B/E/H
•
B/H/U
B/E/H/U
•
SOUTHERN VIRGINIA
Fairy Stone
Occoneechee
Staunton River Battlefield
Staunton River
276-930-2424
434-374-2210
434-454-4312
434-572-4623
T
•
•
•
276-865-4413
276-254-5487
276-940-2674
276-940-2696
276-523-1322
276-445-3065
T
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
B/E/H
•
B/H/U
•
•
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B/E/H
•
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B/E/H
HEART OF APPALACHIA
Breaks Interstate
Clinch River
Natural Tunnel
(Cove Ridge Conference Center)
Southwest Virginia Museum
Wilderness Road
CT
•
•
•
•
B/H
•
P
B/H/U
H/U
•
B/E/H
TABLE LEGEND:
B Biking
CT Car-top Boat Launch
E Equestrian
FP Fishing Pier
H Hiking
P Pool Swimming
T Electric Motors Only
U Universally Accessible
UD Under Development
B/E/H
B/E/H/U
P
•
B/E/H/U
B/E/H
H
•
•
Many parks offer overnight facilities suitable
for reunions, weddings and special events.
Some parks even have equestrian campsites.
B/E/H/U
B/E/H/U
•
T
Claytor Lake
Grayson Highlands
Hungry Mother
(Hemlock Haven Conference Center)
New River Trail
Shot Tower
With lodges, cabins, yurts and campsites, the
fun doesn’t end at sundown. Many cabins are
available year-round, and most campgrounds
ar
Hotel Weyanoke—Farmville
Small Towns,
Local charm, cozy curios and open arms make
these small towns in Virginia worth exploring.
Character
WRITTEN BY MARY & BILL BURNHAM
T
KYLE LAFERRIERE
10
he phrase “small town” evokes
nostalgia, authenticity and heartfeltwarmth in many of us. What’s not to
love? They are authentic, accessible, friendly
and stocked with locally-owned businesses.
These are communities where you can get off
the crowded highway, park the car and walk,
ride a bike or even kayak through downtown.
Small, family-run businesses offer one-of-
a-kind handmade items, from jewelry and art
to craft beers and wine. Farmers markets offer
locally-grown produce and seafood spring
through fall.
With almost 200 incorporated towns,
dozens more villages and hamlets, plus
nearly 30 designated Virginia Main Street
Communities, the hard part is deciding which
Virginia towns to visit.
VIRGINIA .ORG
11
Here are some of
our favorites,
d ending
starting in southwest Virginia, an
metown
with a shameless plug for our ho
on the Eastern Shore.
High Bridge Trail State Park—Farmville
Harrisonburg
Big Stone Gap
12
Farmville
HIGH BRIDGE TRAIL STATE PARK (FARMVILLE): ALI ZAMAN /
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA MUSEUM (BIG STONE GAP): JASON BARNETTE
June Tolliver House and Art Folk Center—Big Stone Gap
Southwest Virginia Museum—Big Stone Gap
JUNE TOLLIVER HOUSE (BIG STONE GAP): TIM COX
Southwest Virginia’s coal-mining history
comes to life in the “Trail of the Lonesome
Pine,” Virginia’s longest-running outdoor
drama, performed Thursday through
Saturday nights, late June through August.
Before you go, be sure to read the Big
Stone Gap novels by Adriana Trigiani, or
watch the Hollywood film by the same name
starring Ashley Judd and Whoopi Goldberg.
Upon arrival, you can visit places featured
in the film, such as Mutual Pharmacy, the
Book Mobile, the Farmers Market, as well as
the outdoor drama.
Fine, well-preserved period homes house
The John Fox Jr. Museum, the Southwest
Virginia Museum and the June Tolliver House.
Cozy B&Bs, cafes and a variety of antique
and curio shops round out this small town
gem.
Fun Festival: 100th annual Tri State
Singing Convention, June
This formerly industrial town has been reinvented
for recreation, craft beverage and shopping lovers.
The Appomattox River that once carried tobacco
barges is now a designated Scenic River carrying
paddlers in search of whitewater or the calmer
four-mile Farmville Blueway.
The railroad that once carried coal now carries
hikers, bikers and equestrians on the 30-mile-long
High Bridge Trail State Park.
Repurposed tobacco packing houses and
lumber warehouses are reincarnated to house
Appomattox River Company, Green Front Furniture
and the Third Street Brewing Company, serving up
local beer, live music, games for the kids and a
pet-friendly beer garden.
Together with the Virginia Tasting Cellar and
the soon-to-open second location of James River
Brewing, Farmville is fast becoming a destination
for craft beverage lovers.
Fun Festival: Heart of Virginia Festival, May
Set amidst the vast playground of the
idyllic Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg
has been called “one of the best mountain
bike towns in America” by National
Geographic.
Forward-thinking entrepreneurs and
artisans have blended the past with the
present to create a lively melting pot that
is distinctive to this college town.
Named Virginia’s first Culinary
District in 2014, Harrisonburg’s cultural
diversity serves up fare from around the
world, while taking advantage of locallysourced farm-to-table ingredients. Food.
Bar.Food features “global comfort food,”
while a mother-daughter team creates soulsoothing pastries at Heritage Bakery & Café.
The arts scene is equally diverse,
epitomized by the Agora Downtown Market,
a community of small businesses under
one roof in an historic building.
Named for James Madison, fourth
president and the “Father of the
Constitution,” are the stunning Hotel
Madison and James Madison University
(JMU), where nearly 20,000 students lend
a youthful vitality to this historic town.
Fun Festival: Harrisonburg
International Festival, September
VIRGINIA .ORG
13
Within Virginia’s
larger cities,
find pockets of
uniqueness that
make you feel
like you’re in a
small town!
ROANOKE’S HISTORIC
GRANDIN VILLAGE
This walkable urban village is
eclectic and family-friendly at
the same time. Spend Saturday
morning at the Community
Market, dine on an outdoor
patio, shop independentlyowned boutiques and take in
a first-run or classic film at the
1930s Grandin Theatre.
RICHMOND’S
SCOTT’S ADDITION
One of the hottest, newly
revitalized neighborhoods in
the state capital. Warehouses
converted to breweries, cideries
and distilleries, bold street
murals, a cinema and a retro
bowling alley make this a
happening night scene.
Immerse yourself in Virginia’s Lake
Country at Virginia’s only lakeside
town. Buggs Island Lake, also known as
Kerr Reservoir, draws anglers to dozens
of fishing tournaments yearl