Breaks Interstate Park, also referred as the "Grand Canyon of the South", is located in southeastern Kentucky and southwestern Virginia at the northeastern terminus of Pine Mountain. It is administered as a state park by the states of Virginia[1] and Kentucky,[2] and is one of two interstate parks in the United States.
The Breaks is the deepest gorge east of the Mississippi River,[3] through which the Russell Fork river and Clinchfield Railroad (now the CSX Transportation Kingsport Subdivision) run. It is accessed via Virginia State Route 80, between Haysi, Virginia and Elkhorn City, Kentucky, and passes through the community of Breaks, Virginia east of the park.
American frontiersman Daniel Boone is credited with being the first person of European descent to discover the Breaks, which he first saw in 1767.[4]
[edit] Geography
Breaks Interstate Park is located about 5 miles (8 km) east of Elkhorn City, Kentucky. The park covers 4,500 acres (1,800 ha). The park's main feature, Breaks Canyon, is five miles long and ranges from 830 to 1,600 feet (250 to 490 m) deep. The canyon was formed by the Russell Fork river through millions of years of erosion.[3]
[edit] Amenities and recreation
- Park Lodge with 82 guest rooms
- 5 modern cabins, overlooks Laurel Lake
- Campground with 122 campsites with utilities
- Rhododendron Restaurant
- Visitor's center - Highlights the area's historical and natural features
- Rhododendron Lodge Conference Center - 6,000 square feet (560 m2), seats up to 525 people
- Mountain biking
- Hiking - approximately 25 miles (40 km) of trails, ranging from easy to difficult
- Fishing in Laurel Lake
- Horseback and pony rides
- White water rafting on the Russell Fork
- Amphitheater[5]
[edit] Gallery
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
