Breaks Interstate Park is one of only two interstate parks in the United States and encompasses 4600 acres of spectacular woodland forests. Located in southeastern Kentucky and southwest Virginia in the Jefferson National Forest at the northeastern terminus of Pine Mountain, the Breaks is also referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the South" and home of the deepest gorge east of the Mississippi River. The park's main feature, Breaks Canyon, is five miles long and ranges from 830 to 1650 feet deep. American frontiersman Daniel Boone was the first person of European descent to discover the Breaks, which he first saw in 1767.
The Breaks offers breathtaking views and is home to many species of wildlife such as deer, golden eagles and black bear. The trails vary from smooth to extremely rocky, steep and uneven, some with many switchbacks. Fascinating rock formations are plentiful as are panoramic views of the canyon along cliff edges. The beauty of the Catawba and Rose Bay rhododendron in lavender bloom during the months of May and June are nature's perfect reward for visiting the park in the spring of the year.
The Rhododendron Run will start at 8:00 a.m. June 17, 2017.