This U.S. National Park Has One of the Largest Gorges on the East Coast—and Is Nicknamed the 'Grand Canyon of the South'

Travel + Leisure

a day ago

East Coasters don't have to go all the way out to Arizona or Colorado to discover a jaw-dropping canyon, carved into the Earth by millions of years of flowing water. Tucked into the corner of Virginia and Kentucky, Breaks Interstate Park spans 4,500 acres across both states—and its focal point is a chasm created by the Russell Fork of the Big Sandy River.
'Breaks Park takes its name from the 'break' in Pine Mountain, a colossal, nearly shear-walled canyon 1,000 feet deep and five miles long,' Ronnie Hylton, chief ranger at Breaks Interstate Park, tells Travel + Leisure . Among the largest canyons east of the Mississippi River, it's often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the South.'
To get one of the best views of the impressive natural formation, he recommends heading up to Towers Overlook, where you'll spot the 'rugged finger of Pine Mountain capped with giant sandstone cliffs' nearly surrounded by the river. It's dramatic and awe-inspiring, but the canyon itself is just one of the reasons to plan a trip to the park.
There's something here for almost every interest. For avid hikers, there are 17 different hiking trails (13 miles in total), and you'll want to come prepared with sturdy shoes and the proper gear. 'The Breaks' mountain topography, while creating spectacular scenery, presents navigation challenges on trails and overlooks, particularly for those unaccustomed to steep and rocky terrain,' says Hylton. 'Hiking poles or sticks can be extremely helpful.'
If that's your ideal type of outdoor adventure, he recommends a couple of different hikes, starting with the Prospector Trail. 'This trail could easily be called the 'Belt of the Breaks,' as it descends hikers into the canyon on a sliver of slope situated between the top and bottom tiers of cliffs that form the Breaks,' he explains. 'Although a bit rocky, hikers will be rewarded by traveling under and through massive geological formations for the entire 1.5 miles.'
It can also be combined with the Overlook Trail and Geological Trail to form a longer loop, granting even more views of the canyon. You can also just hike the Overlook Trail, which he says is particularly nice in the early morning and in the evening.
For anyone who enjoys spending time on the water, there are plenty of ways to get your fix. Canoe, kayak, and pedal boat rentals are available to explore any of the still water within or near the park, including Laurel Lake and Beaver Pond. You can also fish for canyon trout or whitewater smallmouth bass in the Russell Fork.
Although the peak of spring and fall are popular times to visit Breaks Interstate Park, Hylton recommends planning your trip for either early spring or late fall, when 'minimal foliage reveals the impressive geological features of the canyon.' This time of year is also when visitors will get the chance to see the re-established Virginia elk herd. Following their reintroduction in 2012, they've since made homes within forests and rehabilitated coal mine sites in the area. Breaks Interstate Park offers seasonal tours to the Virginia Elk Restoration Zone, where visitors can view the elk (reservations are required).