Breaks Interstate Park
Breaks, VA
A gorge more than 1,600 feet deep on the Kentucky–Virginia line, often called the Grand Canyon of the South, with rim overlooks and trails. The park has a lodge, campground and small lake; approach roads are winding.
Breaks Interstate Park is a state park on the Virginia–Kentucky border at Breaks in Dickenson County, Virginia, and one of only two interstate parks in the United States. It was founded in 1954 to protect the gorge known as The Breaks, where the Russell Fork cuts through Pine Mountain. The gorge is about 5 miles (8 km) long and is often called the “Grand Canyon of the South”; Virginia Living calls it the largest canyon east of the Mississippi. Elevations range from 870 feet at the river to 1,978 feet at Clinchfield Overlook.
The park has more than 13 miles (over 20 km) of trails, mostly under a mile long and easy to combine. Clinchfield Overlook and Stateline Overlook are among the best-known viewpoints; on the Overlook Trail some cliff edges lack railings. The visitor center has exhibits on geology, wildlife and mining, plus a gristmill. According to the superintendent, it is the only park in Virginia where elk regularly show up.
You can stay at a campground, in cabins or in cottages. With an RV, mind the approach: on Cumberland Mountain View Drive (VA 611, 19 miles from Clintwood) there is an unpaved stretch of about 3 miles. Check lodge and restaurant hours in advance.
- Nearest town
- Breaks, VA
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 37.2900, -82.2950
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Mullins Pond CampsiteCampsite11 mi from Breaks Interstate Park
- Church of Christ Youth CampCampsite16 mi from Breaks Interstate Park
- Jack Sutter CampsiteCampsite22 mi from Breaks Interstate Park
- Hatfield’s Hideout Riverfront Cabins and CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Breaks Interstate ParkWi-Fi
- Indian Grave CampsiteCampsite24 mi from Breaks Interstate Park
- Cane Patch CampgroundCampsite25 mi from Breaks Interstate Park · 35 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Breaks Interstate Park?
Breaks Interstate Park is in Breaks, VA, at GPS 37.2900, -82.2950. It is about 11 mi from Grundy.
Can you camp near Breaks Interstate Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Mullins Pond Campsite, about 11 mi away; within 25 mi there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Breaks Interstate Park?
Breaks Interstate Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Southwest Virginia highlands: Grayson ponies to the Breaks and Moonbows, sandstone arches and coal trains – by camper across the Cumberland Plateau from Berea to the Breaks.
What is there to see near Breaks Interstate Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Abingdon Historic District (44 mi), Natural Tunnel State Park (48 mi), Hungry Mother State Park (51 mi) and Grayson Highlands State Park (63 mi).
When is the best time to visit Breaks Interstate Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)