Take a Hike to a Virginia Overlook That’s Like the Miniature Grand Canyon

Breaks Interstate Park is undeniably Virginian, with its lush, vibrant foliage and the gently flowing river below, but there's a reason it's known as the Grand Canyon of the South. And there's an overlook trail that will take you right to the best canyon view in the park. Have you ever been to Breaks Interstate Park? If not, this breathtaking natural space spanning the Virginia and Kentucky border belongs at the top of your bucket list—and the Towers Trail is hands-down the best Breaks Interstate Park overlook hike.

Discover Breaks Interstate Park: Virginia’s Grand Canyon

More commonly known as “the Breaks,” this bi-state park straddles both Kentucky and Virginia. The park attracts over 250,000 visitors each year and is home to one of the deepest gorges east of the Mississippi River. Visitors can go zip lining, camping, kayaking, fishing, rock climbing, and of course, explore the endless miles of hiking trails here. Characterized by towering cliffs, flowering rivers, and views for as far as the eye can see, this destination has been deemed the Grand Canyon of the South.

Visit in any season, and you can expect to experience some of Virginia's best scenery. Since this region experiences all four seasons, you'll want to visit each one to see it in all its glory! Of course, the fall foliage draws large crowds, but it's equally mesmerizing in winter, spring, and summer.

Discover the Best View at Breaks Interstate Park

Hiking the short and sweet Towers Trail, which measures just 0.4 miles, offers one of the best views at Breaks Interstate Park. The trail has a dedicated parking area, the Towers Tunnel Parking lot, which is on the Virginia side of the park. The trail's incline is rather steep and involves stairs, so while it's quick, it's not necessarily easy. But trust us—the overview is worth it. In fact, the overlook kind of resembles the famous Horseshoe Bend in Arizona! While standing at this remarkable viewpoint, you can marvel at the power of erosion and the role it has played over hundreds of thousands of years. Hikers agree that it's one of the very best views of Virginia's Grand Canyon.

After you've completed the hike, you might consider enjoying one of the park's top attractions: the zip line! The Canyon Rim Zip Line lets you fly through the Grand Canyon of the South, offering you an exhilarating, immersive view along the way. Price is about $53 per person, and reservations are required.

Things To Know Before You Go: Breaks Interstate Park Hiking Tips

Breaks Interstate Park is open year-round, but it occasionally closes due to weather. Admission is $5 per car. Visitors should also note that roads leading into the park can be narrow, so caution is advised. Cell phone service can also be spotty, so plan ahead by downloading any maps you may need ahead of time. Lastly, in-park food options are limited, so you'll want to bring plenty of snacks and water.

For more information about planning your adventure, you can check out Breaks Interstate Park online. So while this massive gorge may be just a fraction of the real Grand Canyon, in our humble opinion, it's every bit as picturesque.

Read on to discover some of our favorite hiking trails in Virginia. Happy hiking, friends!