The Breaks Interstate Park
The Grand Canyon of the South on the Kentucky-Virginia Border — 4,500-Acre Interstate Park Jointly Managed by Kentucky and Virginia, Russell Fork Canyon Dropping 1,600 Feet — One of the Deepest Gorges East of the Mississippi, Resort Lodge With Restaurant and Conference Facilities, Championship Whitewater Rafting on the Russell Fork River During Fall Releases, Camping With Full Hookups and Cottages, Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails Along the Canyon Rim, Rhododendron Gardens and Appalachian Hardwood Forest, Near Elkhorn City Pike County Kentucky and Breaks Virginia
Breaks Interstate Park is a 4,500-acre interstate park on the Kentucky-Virginia border, jointly managed by both states — the only interstate park in the southeastern US. The park features the Russell Fork Canyon — known as the “Grand Canyon of the South,” dropping 1,600 feet and stretching five miles as one of the deepest gorges east of the Mississippi River, a resort lodge with restaurant and conference facilities overlooking the canyon, championship-class whitewater rafting on the Russell Fork River during October dam releases — rated Class IV-V, campground with full hookups and rental cottages, hiking and mountain biking trails along the canyon rim with dramatic overlooks, dense rhododendron gardens and Appalachian hardwood forest, seasonal swimming pool, fishing in Laurel Lake and the Russell Fork River, and a geological wonder carved over millions of years by the Russell Fork through the Pine Mountain.
The October whitewater releases are legendary — when the Flannagan Dam releases water, the Russell Fork River transforms into Class IV-V whitewater through the canyon, drawing elite paddlers from across the country for some of the most challenging rapids east of the Rockies.
The canyon views are staggering — 1,600 feet of vertical relief makes this deeper than many sections of the actual Grand Canyon. The Towers overlook provides one of the most dramatic vistas in the eastern US.
Things to Do
- Canyon views — 1,600-ft gorge
- Whitewater rafting — Class IV-V (Oct)
- Lodge — resort, restaurant
- Camping — full hookups, cottages
- Hiking/biking — rim trails
- Rhododendron — Appalachian gardens
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | KY-VA border, Pike County KY |
| Size | 4,500 acres |
| Canyon Depth | 1,600 ft — “Grand Canyon of the South” |
| Whitewater | Class IV-V (October releases) |
| Camping | Full hookups + cottages + lodge |
| Managed By | KY + VA (joint interstate) |
| Coordinates | 37.2833° N, 82.2833° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
The Breaks Interstate Park — features the “Grand Canyon of the South” — a 1,600-foot-deep gorge carved by the Russell Fork River through Pine Mountain. The canyon is 5 miles long and 250 million years old — the largest canyon east of the Mississippi River. The park’s cliff-line forest, river, and gorge support black bears, peregrine falcons, and timber rattlesnakes. The Russell Fork provides Class V+ whitewater during fall releases.
Nearby Attractions
Elkhorn City, KY — adjacent. Breaks, VA — adjacent. Pike County, KY — surrounding.
Why is Breaks Interstate Park called the Grand Canyon of the South?
Breaks Interstate Park on the Kentucky-Virginia border features Russell Fork Canyon — a 1,600-foot-deep, five-mile-long gorge that is one of the deepest canyons east of the Mississippi River. The 4,500-acre park is the only interstate park in the Southeast, jointly managed by both states. Features include a resort lodge, championship Class IV-V whitewater rafting during October dam releases, camping with full hookups, rim hiking trails, and dramatic canyon overlooks.
Last updated: May 2026
Park Location
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