Attractions » State Parks

Breaks Interstate Park - More Info

The park, located on the Virginia/Kentucky border, is one of only two Interstate Parks in the nation. The park encompasses 4,500 acres of greenwood lands and mountain scenery, including the "Grand Canyon of the South". History: The name "Breaks" is derived from the break in Pine Mountain created by the Russell Fork of the Big Sandy River as it carved a 1,000 foot gorge on its way to the Ohio River. The Russell Fork River has carved the largest canyon east of the Mississippi. Its craggy untouched beauty reaches more than five miles long and 1,600 feet deep.

Park features: olympic pool, a lake with paddleboats and fishing, hiking trails, picnic areas, camping areas, a visitor center, a gift shop, playground equipment, cabins, a lodge, motel rooms, a convention center,a restaurant and amphitheater. Numerous events scheduled.

Natural Tunnel State Park - More Info

More than 850 feet long and as high as a 10-story building, Natural Tunnel was naturally carved through a limestone ridge over thousands of years. William Jennings Bryan called it the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Other scenic features include a wide chasm between steep stone walls surrounded by several pinnacles, or chimneys. Facilities include a campground, picnic areas, amphitheater, visitor center and gift shop, historical blockhouse, swimming pool and chair lift to the tunnel floor. The park also offers cave tours and canoe trips on the Clinch River, as well as the Cove Ridge Center, which offers environmental education, conference facilities and overnight dorm accommodations.

Wilderness Road State Park - More Info

Wilderness Road State Park was purchased in 1993. The park is about 310 acres that lie astride the Wilderness Road, a route carved by Daniel Boone in 1775. The route, which followed a buffalo trace, opened America's first western frontier. Most notable in the park are the Karlan Mansion built in the 1877, a state-of-the-art visitor center and Martin's Station, a replica of a colonial frontier fort that was on this site in 1775. Bikes can be rented to ride the Wilderness Road Trail, an eight-mile multi-purpose trail that passes through the park. The park also has the Indian Ridge Trail, which is a self-guided trail, and offers interpretive and environmental educational programs. Snacks and other merchandise are available year-round at the Powder Horn Gift Shop in the visitor center.