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Breaks Interstate Park was established in 1954 by the joint efforts of the states of Kentucky and Virginia. The main reason for the area being protected is the gorge itself. The gorge is 5 miles long and 1,600 feet deep. Due to its size, it is often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the South." The park is located on Pine Mountain. The mountain's age is around 400 million years old. During this time, the Russell Fork River carved out the gap, or 'break' in the mountain which is how Breaks Interstate Park got its name.
Activities At This Destination: Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding, Camping, Boating and Water Sports, Fishing, Swimming, Picnicking, Winter Activities, Wildlife Activities, Photography, Gifts and Shopping, Educational Activities, Canoeing And Kayaking and Cabins and Lodges
The Beaver Pond Trail is an easy, 0.4 mile hiking trail that starts in the Deer Trail, circles the Beaver Pond, and comes back onto the Deer Trail.
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The Camp Branch Trail is a 0.7 mile, easy trail that follows a stream that leads to the river. While traveling on the trail you will pass by rhododendron as well as numerous rock outcroppings that provide great photo opportunities. At the trail's end, you're granted with a great view of the river.
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The Center Creek Trail is a 0.5 mile, moderate difficulty trail that follows Center Creek until it's junction with Grassy Creek.
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The Cold Springs Trail is a 0.5 mile, moderate hiking trail that follows a streambed from the Cold Spring to the Laurel Branch Trail. The trail is rather rocky and becomes slippery during heavy rains.
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The Deer Trail is a 0.3 mile, easy hiking trail that will gradually take you through the woods to Beaver Pond.
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The Geological Trail is a 0.35 mile, moderate hiking trail that features many interesting rock formations and faults. The trail changes grade frequently and varies from rocky to smooth. It is possible to combine this trail with the Ridge Trail for a loop back to the Stateline Overlook.
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The Grassy Creek Trail is a 0.5 mile, moderate hiking trail that follows Grassy Creek to its junction with the Russell Fork River. The trail has a steady uphill grade from its intersection with the River Trail to the Laurel Branch Trail.
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The Grassy Overlook Trail is a 0.5 mile, moderate trail that travels steadily uphill from the Laurel Branch Trail to a little used overlook area. The overlook faces the Kentucky/Virginia state line as well as Grassy and Center Creeks. If you are in campground area B, it is only a short walk to the trail.
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The Ladies Loop trail is a 0.24 mile, moderate difficulty trail with varying grades of elevation. The trail creates a loop connection with the Mountain Bike Trail.
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The Lake Trail is a 0.5 mile, easy trail, that takes you along the undeveloped side of Laurel Lake past marshes, inlets , and a variety of wildlife. This trail joins the Laurel Branch Trail or can be used to get to the pool and dock areas. Entry points are found at Potter's Knoll, the Visitor Center, and the breast of the dam.
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Named after the creek it follows, the Laurel Branch Trail is a 1.25 mile, easy to moderate trail, that extends from the lower end of Laurel Lake to Grassy Creek. The first part of the trail is flat while the last half mile becomes steep, rocky, and uneven. This trail takes you through thickets of rhododendron to an interesting rock formation called The Notches and then through a mixed forest of hemlocks and hardwoods.
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The Loop Trail is a 0.4 mile, easy trail that follows an abandoned road from Shelter No. 2 to a natural spring, then continues uphill to join the Tower Tunnel Trail near the Tower Tunnel Overlook.
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The Mountain Bike Trail is a 3 mile, moderate trail that takes you through the wooded area of the park at grades varying from easy and smooth to rugged and steep. This trail also provides access to the Ladies Loop Trail as well as the Rattlesnake Trail.
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The Overlook Trail is a 0.75 mile, moderate trail that has frequent grade changes. The continuous views of the canyon are a good way to see the overlooks and gorge, and are particularly scenic in the spring and fall. Many of the cliff edges are without railings so small children should be closely watched.
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The Prospectors' Trail is a 1.5 mile, moderate trail that follows along the base of the cliffs about 350 feet beneath the major overlooks. This trail follows the contours of the land for the most part with the exception of the rocky last half mile. Interesting views of the rock cliffs and overlooks above as well as the canyon below are found on this trail.
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The Rattlesnake Trail is a 2.5 mile, moderate difficulty trail that takes you through lush, hardwood forests. The trail's elevation varies as you traverse through multiple switchbacks. Be on the lookout for Red-spotted newts that make their homes along the trail. Take caution as the trail becomes very slippery when wet.
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The Ridge Trail is a 0.5 mile, moderate trail that crosses the top of a ridge covered with hardwoods and laurels and is a good choice for bird watchers. The first part of the trail is level and easy hiking, but it becomes steep near The Notches.
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The River Trail is a 1 mile trail that is extremely steep and rugged with many descending switchbacks on the upper half portion and has more of a gentler grade along the river. It is recommended that you wear sturdy shoes, take water, travel with a companion, and plan an all-day hike for this trail. The scenery and solitude make this difficult hike worthwhile.
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The Tower Tunnel Trail is a 0.2 mile, easy trail with a moderate grade that leads to the Tower Tunnel Overlook. Blueberry bushes are in abundance along the trail and the berries are ripe in July and August.
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The Towers Overlook Trail is a 0.15 mile, easy trail that begins at the Park Store and takes the hiker through a mixed hardwood forest to The Towers Overlook. Rhododendron, mountain laurel, and forest birds are abundant along the trails.
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The Visitor Center offers information about Breaks Interstate Park both past and present. Park maps are available as well as trail guides for the Ridge and Geological trails. You can also find historical photos of Breaks' past. There is always someone there to assist you.
The playgrounds are conveniently located near parking and restrooms. They are located just off of the main road in the park. One is located across from the Visitor Center.
Picnic shelters are available throughout the park. Call for availability. Picnic tables are also available throughout the park. They are available at any time.
The full-sized swimming pool is equipped with a diving board and a slide. There is also a snack bar located in the pool house. For the convenience of smaller children, there is also a kiddie pool.
The Rhododendron Conference Center has about 5,500 square feet of space that can be turned from one big space, to three smaller spaces. Catering services are available. Please call park for availability.
The Rhododendron Restaurant offers a diverse menu perfect for the entire family. The restaurant has floor to ceiling windows that offer a spectacular view while dining. The menu is subject to change. Call park for more details.
The gift shop is located within the Rhododendron Lodge and it offers a variety of essentials. The gift shop also has art for sale created by local artisans.
The Amphitheater is located just off of the main park road near the Visitor Center. The Amphitheater offers a variety of special events all season long. The Amphitheater may be rented when not in use. Call the park for more information.
Boat rental is available on Laurel Lake. Visitors may rent canoes, johnboats, and pedal boats. They are available for rent by the hour or by the half hour. Check with park for times of boat dock operation.
The Cabins are located on Laurel Lake and offer luxurious accommodations. The cabins include full kitchens, laundry, tv and dvd player, and a hot tub with a view of the lake. The Cottages are conveniently located near the Mountain Bike Trail. The Cottages serve as your home away from home and can sleep up to eight adults. No pets are allowed in the cabins or cottages.
The Campground at Breaks Interstate Park offers something for everyone. From primitive sites to sites with full service that includes electric, water, and sewer, you are sure to find something that fits your needs. Campsites cannot be reserved ahead of time and are only available on first-come, first-served basis.
Richmond Eagle CamVirginia Outdoors
Eagle Cam in Richmond, brought to you by The Center for Conservation Biology
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Thanksgiving - America's State ParksVirginia Outdoors
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USA Wildwater National Team Trials to be held at Breaks Interstate ParkJenny O'Quinn
Breaks Park will be a venue for the USA Wildwater National Team Trials on October 15-16. The results of the two races will determine the US Wildwater Team who will represent the USA in the Summer 2012 World Cup and World Championship races in Europe.
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Grammy Nominated Blue Highway to perform at Breaks ParkJenny O'Quinn
Grammy Nominated Blue Highway will perform at Breaks Interstate Park on Friday, August 5 at 8 pm.
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