Explore Breaks Interstate Park: Trails, Lodging, & Adventure in the Virginia Appalachians
Location
627 Commission Circle, Breaks, VA 24607
Top Five Things to Do
1. Rent a lakefront cabin
2. Ride the 12‑mile Mountain Bike Stack Loop Trail
3. Bring binoculars for the Virginia Wildlife Trail
4. Rent a pedal boat, canoe or john boat on Laurel Lake
5. Geocache one of 60 hidden sites
Lodging
Breaks Interstate Park offers a range of accommodations: woodland cottages, campsites, lakefront log cabins, and lodge rooms with breathtaking views. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a water‑sports enthusiast, or a family looking for a peaceful getaway, there’s a stay that fits your style.
Park Grounds & Operations
Lodge rooms and cottages are open; the dining room operates Friday‑Sunday 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. from November 2020. The campground closes for the winter season (November 1 – March 15) and is open each year from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in December. Grounds, hiking trails, and the on‑site museum (by appointment) remain accessible year‑round.
History
About 180 million years ago, a vast inland sea receded, leaving a cradle of diverse plant life. The river that is now the Russell Fork carved the largest gorge east of the Mississippi. The surrounding forest is home to fractal ferns, galax, colts‑foot, tea berries, and a profusion of fungi and moss species that paint the undergrowth with bright yellows, oranges, and pinks.
Things to Do
Biking
The Mountain Bike Trail offers up to 12 miles of riding, ranging from moderate to challenging terrain. Riders can choose loops of varying length, enjoying climbs and long downhill runs.
Birding
As part of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, the park hosts a wide variety of species, including Swainson’s Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Black‑and‑White Warbler, Yellow‑Rumped Warbler, Turkey Vulture, Red‑Tail Hawk, and Osprey.
Boating
Seasonal rentals of pedal boats, canoes, and a Johnboat are available on Laurel Lake. The dock operates daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and weekends only in April, May, and October.
Camping
With 138 sites ranging from tent pitches to full RV hookups, the campground offers wooded and grassy areas (C Bottom). Facilities include a playground, basketball court, well‑stocked store, and laundry. Campsites can be reserved online at breakspark.com.
Fishing
Laurel Lake (12 acres) and Beaver Pond (2 acres) are stocked with bluegill and bass. The Russell Fork River is stocked with rainbow trout. A fishing license is required and can be purchased at the Visitor Center.
Geocaching
More than 60 geocaches are hidden in and around the park, offering a modern treasure‑hunt adventure for all ages.
Golf
Guests staying overnight can enjoy Willowbrook Country Club’s nine‑ or eighteen‑hole courses just 1.5 mi from the park entrance. Rates: $15 for nine holes, $30 for eighteen (cart included). Prices exclude tax.
Hiking
Over 25 miles of trails cater to every skill level. Short, easy loops and longer interconnected routes provide options for all hikers. Trail names hint at notable features: Cold Spring, Geological, Grassy Creek, Grassy Overlook, Lake, Loop, Overlook, Prospectors’ Ridge, River, Towers, and Tower Tunnel. Guided hikes are offered during summer.
Outdoor Theater
The amphitheater hosts movie showings and music events seasonally and is available for private rental when not scheduled.
Rafting
World‑class whitewater rafting occurs on the Russell Fork during the first four full weekends of October, with releases from the John Flannagan Dam creating Class II‑VI rapids. Notable runs include “twenty stitches,” “broken nose,” and “triple drop.” The river’s gradient ranges from 5 ft/mile to an astonishing 180 ft/mile, featuring the 75‑ft “El Horrendo” drop.
Swimming
The park’s 4,000‑sq‑ft beach‑entry pool opens daily from the Saturday before Memorial Day to Labor Day. Features include a current channel, four water slides, a spray ground, in‑pool basketball and volleyball areas, and shade structures.
Admission Fees
Monday‑Friday:
Under 4 ft – $6; 4 ft+ – $8; Seniors (55+) – $6; Infants 1 yr+ – Free.
Saturday‑Sunday:
Under 4 ft – $8; 4 ft+ – $10; Seniors – $8; Infants – Free.
Kids under 4 ft receive half‑price after 3 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays.
For reservations and additional information, visit the Breaks Interstate Park official website.
