Attractions » Swimming

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.

Camp Bethel - More Info

Camp Bethel is a Christian centered camping experience.

Retreats and Facility Rental: Camp Bethel's facilities are available for rent year round. Amenities include 165 wooded acres, a small recreational lake, eight go-karts, a full size gymnasium with a 24 foot indoor climbing wall and outdoor challenge ropes course. Hewn log bunkhouses and a spacious log gymnasium with modern kitchen. Hourly, daily and weekly rentals rates are tailored to meet the needs of the group.

 Summer Camp Programs: Camp Bethel offers its own camping program for both Day Camp and Resident Camp.

Week long resident campers have a variety of weeks to choose from. Camps are aimed at campers 5-19 years old. Each of the programs is designed to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the age group.

Contact Camp Bethel for yearly camp schedules.

William P. Harris Park - More Info

This park features a swimming pool, picnic shelters, a tennis court, two ball fields a 1/10 mile track course and two 100 year old log cabins to tour.

Norton Recreation Department - More Info

Norton Community Center and swimming pool are located on East Park Avenue. A variety of recreation programs and classes are offered as well as meeting rooms for gatherings and social events.

Phillips Creek Recreational Area - More Info

Beach area and picnic shelters on Pound Reservoir.

Cave Springs Recreation Area - More Info

As one of the largest campgrounds in the Jefferson National Forest, Cave Springs offers a small lake for swimming that is fed by a spring that originates in the mountains above in a cave. Hiking trails developed in the area include one that leads to the cave and stone overlook and loops back to the parking lot. Another trail leads to the Stone Mountain Trail that follows the crest of the mountain for 14.3 miles and ends at Roaring Branch, near Appalachia, VA. There are 41 camping sites with electrical hookups at 21.