The 'Grand Canyon of the South' Has One of the Largest Gorges on the East Coast-How to Visit

"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."

"The Breaks' mountain topography, while creating spectacular scenery, presents navigation challenges on trails and overlooks, particularly for those unaccustomed to steep and rocky terrain."

"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."

Breaks Interstate Park, located at the border of Virginia and Kentucky, spans 4,500 acres and features a deep canyon formed by the Russell Fork of the Big Sandy River. Known as the 'Grand Canyon of the South', it is one of the largest canyons east of the Mississippi River. The park offers 17 hiking trails totaling 13 miles, with varying levels of difficulty. The Prospector Trail is recommended for its unique geological formations and scenic views, though hikers should be prepared for challenging terrain.

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