Breaks Interstate Park

Breaks Interstate Park is a year-round park that takes up over 4,500 acres of land in both Virginia and Kentucky. It’s one of two parks in the United States that has this special feature. It also attracts thousands of visitors each day who love to explore the great outdoors. For those traveling to Virginia, this beautiful park is perfect for all types of activities.

Hiking

There are over 20 miles of well-traveled hiking trails at the Breaks Interstate Park. These trails intersect all over the park and are less than a mile long each. The visitor center provides guided hikes throughout the summer months. Guests can sign up for these hikes by contacting the center before arriving.

The hiking trails vary in difficulty. Novice hikers can usually hike the smaller trails without much difficulty. However, the longer trails are excellent for experienced guests. They have varied terrains that offer more challenges.

Each trail is named for the feature it presents. Grassy Creek, Cold Spring and Tower Tunnel are a few that are located at the park.

Biking

A designated bike trail is also found at Breaks Interstate Park. The 12-mile loop offers several degrees of difficulty. The downhill areas and hard climbs make the trail more difficult to ride. Using a mountain bike is ideal for taking on the loop.

Fishing

Fishing is a big activity at the park. Big game fish such as rainbow trout are found in several locations. Beaver Pond, Laurel Lake and Russell Fork River are great locations for novice to experienced anglers. Laurel Lake is well-stocked with blue gill and bass. A trail around the lake offers numerous access points for fisherman. Although a fishing license is required to fish at the park, guests may obtain a temporary one at the visitor center.

Canoeing and Boating

Both of these fun activities are available at the park from the end of May to August. Guests may rent their equipment at Laurel Lake. The canoes and boats can be used for fishing, sightseeing or river exploring.

Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting is an adventurous sport at Breaks Interstate Park. Every October, water is let out of the John Flannagan Dam and Reservoir. This water empties into Russell Fork River causing strong rapids. The park advises only experienced rafters to enter the river at this time. These rapids are difficult and strong enough to cause injury to anyone other than experienced adventuress.

Nature Watching

Virginia’s native wildlife and birds make their home at the park. Bird watching is very popular with many guests. They come to see red-tailed hawk, peregrine falcon and other birds. A number of warbler species live at Breaks Interstate as well. The visitor center provides a list of the native birds to make spotting them easier.

Breaks Interstate Park isn’t just any park in Virginia. It’s a place of refuge for a number of people. They can explore or relax with each visit they make. Contact the visitor center for more information on the park’s amenities by visiting their website at http://www.breakspark.com/index.php.