The Breaks Interstate Park: Something for Everyone During Great Outdoors Month

The Breaks Interstate Park is located in the Cumberland Mountains of Appalachia and straddles the states of Kentucky and Virginia. It is called "The Grand Canyon of the South". This is because it has the deepest gorge east of the Mississippi River and also rises to lofty heights. It is one of two interstate parks in America that covers an area of 4,500 acres of woodland.

The Breaks is a favorite location of kayakers and white water rafters from the world over. The Russell Fork River, which cuts the park's famous gorge, has up to Class V rapids at peak times of the year. (If you have a boat that uses a motor, please keep in mind that only electric motors are allowed.) It also has 25 miles of outdoor hiking trails of all difficulty levels. The Towers and other rock formations, caves, flora and wildlife make the Breaks Park a very unique destination.

It is also a place pregnant with history and local legend. Reportedly, it was Daniel Boone's anticipated destination on several of his exploratory journeys. Pow Wow Cave was used by the Shawnee Native Americans and is said to be where John Swift buried his silver treasure. These are just some of the many local stories that surround landmarks located within the park.

The park offers a wide variety of outdoor activities. There is a campground near the river where campers can fish and swim. There is also a public swimming pool for those who prefer a tamer environment and cottages in the woods as well as a Lodge in which to stay. Pedal boats are available for rent. There is a horseback riding stable and trails on which to bring your own horse if you like. There are also trails designated for bicycle riding and mountain biking. Scenic drives to take by car are also a park favorite.

There are extensive outdoor picnicking facilities. Every year, the Breaks Park hosts hundreds of family reunions and other such parties. The park has an amphitheatre for outdoor theatrical productions and concerts throughout the summer months.There are several popular overlooks for the enjoyment of nature-gazers.

The park recently opened a golf course for all those outdoor golfing enthusiasts. In conjunction with the Willowbrook Country Club, this course is available for overnight guests only and is a full 9-hole course. It is one of the most beautiful courses in the area.

Entrance fee is $2 per car ($3 per bus). Rates for other activities- such as cottage rental, campground site renting, room rates at the Lodge, picnic shelter reservation, pedal boat renting, horseback riding, and swimming pool rates- are outlined on their website, (http://www.breakspark.com/index.php?n=1&id=1).

Come and visit the pride of eastern Kentucky and southwest Virginia today. Welcome to the Breaks Interstate Park!