breaks interstate park

We booked our lakeside cabin at Breaks Interstate Parks last spring as our annual winter getaway. Our goal is to stay at or visit every Virginia State Park. This park was one of the furthest from our east coast Virginia home so a four day span seemed perfect. We traveled Thursday, arriving just before 5pm. We had left our home with some snow on the ground after a storm on Tuesday. We had no idea that there would be over a foot of snow at Breaks. Even more surprising was that the office was closed and the signs for the office was snowed over. We made a desperate call to the Virginia reservations desk who contacted the park ranger. Within minutes Terry was escorting us to the cabin. After making sure we were comfortable, he left us to a quiet and cold night. The temperature reached a record -17 degrees so needless to say the cabin never reached full heat that night but we were please to be at least warm in the extreme conditions. Friday morning we woke to a problem with the gas fireplace. We called Terry and asked if it might be an easy fix but assured him it was a luxury and not a necessity.Within moments he was there with help to fix the problem.We had a beautiful bright sunny day Friday and we ventured out to Tower Overlook through the cleared roads and 12" of snow in the woods. The snowy banks and the icy river were truly breathtaking. Saturday morning we woke to a light snow that was suppose to be a few showers in the morning. The weathermen the next day said the models missed on two things - the storm was suppose to move through quickly and there was suppose to be very little moisture associated with it. We ended getting an additional 6 plus inches of snow. But the highlight of excellent customer service given by this state park staff came on Sunday morning. Saturday at 8pm we heard a thundering crash out front as the snow on the slanted roof of our cabin sled down to cover my SUV up to the windows front, back and sides. I called Terry again to explain I had hoped to leave the next morning by 9am. He quickly assured me that he would have us ready to go. The next morning a crew was out front digging out my vehicle so we could leave as scheduled, So Breaks Interstate Park was beautiful. Not just because of the landscape and beautiful snow scenes but because of the beautiful customer service we received.High marks for the Breaks Interstate Park staff.

Breaks interstate park was a nice break(no pun intended) away from the hustle of a beach or city vacation. It was very quite with great views of the valleys below. If your a hiker, you would really enjoy this type of vacation. The pool and paddle boat rentals were closed (fall vacation) but appeared to be well maintained. If you are bringing a motorhome or rv, some of the camping spots are tight but overall a nice vacation.

The fall colors are a great excuse to visit this park, operated jointly by Kentucky and Virginia. There are several overlooks to view the canyon with good parking. This is a top spot to view the fall colors, but it is still pretty any time of year. The massive deep canyon, complete with a river and a train track on the banks below is breathtaking. I marvel at the Creator, not some lame explanation of a big bang or such. This place was planned, designed and excavated through intelligent design. Ky & Va have great rodes for riding motorcycles.

The two of us decided a few days ago to point the car away from the coast as planned an head to the mountains to see the Fall colors; we are so glad we did. We reserved a room in the Catawba building at the lodge and have been enjoying fantastic views of the canyon from our balcony; when they finish trimming the remaining overgrown trees most all of the rooms in this building should have equally good views. Rooms are available in about a half dozen lodge buildings; this is the only one of those buildings with canyon views. It is also the oldest of the buildings and does not appear to have benefited from much updating; like stepping back into the 50's. Since the views and the quiet are why we came, the building/room condition mattered little to us. We felt that the $79 nightly room cost was a bargain. We found every one of the overlooks to be worth seeing and we found the lodge dining to be tasty and affordable. This Park seems to be well layer out and well maintained.

Stopped in on our way to Kentucky to see the park and eat breakfast. The food was wonderful and the price very reasonable. The staff was very attentive and the service fast. We had the park special (lots of food) and pancakes. The eggs were cooked perfect, the bacon had a great flavor, the stewed apples added a sweet touch. Very glad we took the extra time to stop in for a visit.

This was a good trip and an amazing place, the only bad part was it is so far away from everything. I had a great time and the cabins were wonderful.

Having a major attraction called the grand canyon of the east, i expected a breathtaking view. instead i got 3 beautiful views. what i did not expect was a lodge, cabins, water park, lake for boating and one of the best priced, best tasting southern comfort food restaurants around. The restaurant has unusual hours so google before you go. Great place for a long weekend, or a family reunion.

I have been coming to the Breaks Interstate Park since I was a little girl. I love it so much I always try to go at least once every year! It is gorgeous all year 'round. The staff are very friendly and are very knowledgeable about the area. The last time we camped here, we brought our dogs and they had a blast! I would highly recommend the Breaks to anyone who loves and appreciates nature. There are plenty of trails, overlooks, shelters, picnic tables and campsites. I also recommend the paddle boats!

We rented the four cottages near Beaver Pond for a family reunion in early July. Although showing their age a bit, the cottages were very clean and self-contained units. We loved the La-Z-Boy chairs! The kitchen provided what we needed in terms of cutlery, microwave, dinnerware, two pots, containers with lids (which was very welcomed!) and a container of salt/pepper (very useful). There was limited Wi-Fi available in the cottages (thankful for that, lol). The closest town is Grundy (30 minutes driving), which has a large Walmart and other stores for shopping. As other reviewers have said, there are many beautiful trails to explore with several lookouts. Our favorite trail was one that began outside the park on the Kentucky side called the Center Creek trail. Along this trail you will find a river chute that leads to a large pool for used for swimming (we've been told that it is popular for sliding). The Center Creek trail is a relatively rugged compared to the ones inside the park and care must be taken to navigate the creek when trying to follow the trail. During our stay I was hoping to see some interesting new birds and tried several times to get knowledgeable information at the Visitor's Center about recommended places to go to in the park for this, however, there was only one Park ranger who could have provided some answers but we kept missing him every time we went to the Visitor's Center. It's worth noting that every Thursday they post activities for the weekend (axe-throwing anyone?). We ate at the restaurant once, which was good (service was prompt and attentive). There is a nice porch with a wonderful view of the park at the back of the restaurant with several large rocking chairs if you wish to relax after a meal.We'd consider staying here again for a vacation!

Loved the scenery, friendliness of staff, and accommodations at the Breaks Interstate Park. It is relatively easy to get to but what a view when you get there. Meals were very good; in fact, if they cut down on the portions a bit it would be ok! We had a bottom floor room at the lodge, but easily change for a higher room to get a better view on the upper floor of the Catawba lodge house. Prepare for curves on road to get into Park; take the tour and stop at all the scenic overlooks for incredible views of VA and KY mountains. Plenty of activities for kids, bikers, and kayakers. Could improve internet wireless capability for those who must have email!Fee for entry to Park scaled to number of people in vehicle. Only other cost was for lodge and food.

Beautiful park with lots of hiking trails, a lake with paddle boat rentals, a restaurant, and cabins for rent. beautiful views of the mountain and lots of picnic areas. Nice place for a family outing.

We camped there from 7-3-14 to 7-8-14, I wont say which campsite because starting next year you can rent site specific campsites and I don't want competition in getting this one! We have a pop up camper and found the camp grounds to be very clean, plenty of sites available, nice playgrounds for the kids, and they have recently done a lot of work to the bath houses.... new tile and fixed the drainage problems. The park itself offers a wide range of activities, plenty of hiking trails, instructional classes on fire building, and cultural tours. They have a nice lake with paddle boats and canoe rental and even fishing boats available at a reasonable price. We didn't use the pool but it really looked like a blast for kids and teens, its geared more towards water park than pool. We also didn't eat at the lodge but from what people were saying it was really great food now that the menu has been changed back. Apparently someone tried a NY style menu that didn't go over well. The park still advertises horseback riding stables but they no longer have it, something to do with and outside horse riding company getting sued, not really sure except there is no horseback riding. While we were there the park offered a free Bluegrass concert at the amphitheater. Nice turn out and really fun night. The only problem I had, as well as many others, was a couple who were chain smoking. I think if the park is going to take a stance against alcohol they should have a no smoking policy as well, especially in a public event at the amphitheater. The staff at the park is very friendly and helpful. If you need any advice on the trails go to the visitors center and ask for Carl, he is a real pleasure to talk to and will go out of his way to help you. The Hiking in the park is very good, the self guided trail was interesting and fun. Another really fun one is to park at State line overlook and walk up to the start of Prospectors via the trails off from the road... not the blacktop road, there are some over looks not marked that are amazing. Then after coming to the end of Prospectors Trail you can do River if your still feeling adventurous and have another 2-3 hours or you can cut of to the right and take Geological back up to State line overlook. Surrounding area: Must see overlooks outside of the park are less than a mile toward Haysi on the right, Lovers Leap is one of the best views.... definitely check it out. Also Gas is much cheaper on the Virginia side, about 8 miles toward Haysi is a Valero gas station. Also the camp store is limited and expensive but there is a Walmart in Grundy which is 18 mile away.

We had a family reunion here and it was great. Sadly, all the shelters were reserved months in advance but we found a group of picnic tables that we staked out early in the morning. Some park employees drove by and dropped of a trashcan and then came twice to empty it for us. I've never had that kind of service at a park so we were happy. (Can you tell I live in the North-East and am used to fending for myself?) The bathrooms were a little spotty but not because of the park service. I came a day early and scoped out the park and found the bathrooms to be horrible. The next morning, I went into a bathroom that I just saw an employee leaving. It was spotless. So I'm guessing you are risking whatever group came earlier in the day. :( Boo for jerky people. We took a hike with our extended family and had a great time. My family is very active...we adventure race, regular race, etc. so we didn't think it was challenging at all. My 92-year-old grandfather down to my 3-year-old daughter all hiked through the woods 5 miles. Again, my grandfather is not the average old guy and was climbing over rocks and multiple sets of stairs but if you are in ANY type of good health, you can do it.

We drove 2 hours to the park. Well worth the $7. The lazy river was nice, but bring your own floats! Small slides, just right for our 7 year old. It was clean and the food reasonably priced! Eat there or pack a lunch, no food places nearby. Lifeguards helpful, but Tina at the lodge wouldn't show us a room since we were considering staying over next trip. Good day trip! Will be back.

We stayed here in a cottage for a family reunion in mid June. We loved the place.The two bedroom cottage is dated but plenty roomy and clean for 7 of us. The surrounding area is quiet and woodsy.The reunion was held in a camping area shelter house and we thought it was great. The scenery in this park is beautiful.We also dined in the restaurant and all 7 of us thought the food was very good. It is mostly country style food. I had the beans, cornbread and fried potatoes, the potatoes were not that good and not what I expected, otherwise all of our meals were very good and so was the service. This park has only two very small towns nearby so come prepared with all that you need, the stores are very minimal.Many beautiful hiking trails and overlooks near the parking area for those who do not want to walk.All in, we really enjoyed our 5 days here and plan to return in a few years.