Location & Trail Map
Breaks Interstate Park
627 Commission Cir
Breaks, VA 24607
[directions]
[website]
Recent Hikes
This is among the top swimming holes in Kentucky with some amazing riverside views framed by towering cliffs. Pool Point is located just downriver, and Ratliff Hole also serves as a great place to start a beautiful paddle on Russell Fork.
This is a phenomenal spot for sunset at Breaks Interstate Park overlooking Russell Fork, The Towers, and Pine Mountain. On this day, thick clouds were rolling in creating dark skies to the southwest and beautifully illuminated high clouds to the southeast.
This short walkout overlook is the westernmost in Breaks Interstate Park. It also provides the best spot to catch sunset over Pine Mountain with the small town of Elkhorn City, Kentucky tucked in behind Potters Flats below. On this day, clouds were rolling in from the northeast so I packed up and visited Lovers Leap on the other side of the park for another spectacular view.
This short walkout overlook has tremendous views to the south-southeast to the north-northwest. Take in the sweeping view of Russell Fork Gorge as it makes its way crossing over from Virginia to Kentucky passing Pine Mountain in the process.
Sandstone comes in many shapes and sizes - and this rock is pretty cool. Reminiscent of Balanced Rock at Natural Bridge State Park, Pinnacle Rock is a large outcrop that also appears to balance itself high above Russell Fork.
What a view! This overlook provides a look down into the Russell Fork Gorge, a.k.a. The Grand Canyon of the South. From this overlook, stand exactly 1,000 ft. above the river below while looking out to the northern terminus of Pine Mountain.
Enjoy a distant view of Tower Tunnel from high above at this overlook. The ever present Pine Mountain can been seen in the fore and background with a pair of knobs breaking above the immediate ridge.
The Towers really are a sight to behold. These rugged sandstone cliffs spring up from the knob, rising high and narrow providing an amazing sight. From this overlook, you get a stunning view of the Russell Fork circling around in front of The Towers with the northernmost section of Pine Mountain in the background.
Of the many amazing overlooks at Breaks Interstate Park, this one is my favorite. Located along Route 80, it’s a quick little walk down to Mill Rock Point, and the view is among the best I have ever seen anywhere. This overlook alone is worth the trip!
Likely the closest and best view of The Towers, Lovers Leap Roadside Overlook is a nice stop while visiting the park. It’s also on Spearhead Trails, Ridgeview Trail System that includes more than 70 miles of multi-use trails - something I’ll explore on a future trip.
This is a gorgeous creekside hike through mature forest leading to the Russell Fork. Along the way, enjoy some small waterfalls below the trail and pass by a ‘balanced’ rock before reaching the river where The Chimney can be seen high above.
This quiet spot on the Russell Fork is such a nice complement to the spectacular views at Breaks Interstate Park. A mile long drive on gravel road leads to expansive parking and a peaceful spot. A Fall morning here epitomizes serenity.
I never thought a DNF could be so fun! In the inaugural running of Breaks 40, there were more DNFs than finishers with one aid station claiming a third of the field.
The closer to Winter solstice, the better the sunrise views are at Tower Tunnel Overlook. While the sun was still just slightly obscured by trees, watching the fog bank roll in over the Breaks made for a wonderfully peaceful morning as the sun lit up Pine Mountain to the southwest.