There’s a reason the Grand Canyon is on nearly everyone’s bucket list. The idea of a vast canyon carved out by water alone is nearly unbelievable. But the Grand Canyon isn’t the only example of this miraculous phenomenon. In fact, we have our very own Grand Canyon in Virginia, and it’s no less spectacular. Whether you’re looking for an epic day of hiking, zip lining, or even wildlife viewing, you’ll agree that there are endless things to do at Breaks Interstate Park. Here’s more on one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Virginia and perhaps the South, which is hiding in plain sight in the Old Dominion.

Tucked away in the ancient Appalachian Mountains between Kentucky and Virginia awaits a natural haven known as Breaks Interstate Park. It's one of our favorite state parks for many reasons, including the breathtaking natural wonder that is hiding inside.
Breaks Interstate Park, 627 Commission Cir, Breaks, VA 24607, USA
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook
The park's main attraction is a vast, 5-mile-long canyon that runs 1,600 feet deep.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook
Over 180 million years ago, the area was once covered by a vast inland sea. The canyon that you'll see today is the result of the Russel Fork River, which has carved through the rock over thousands upon thousands of years.
Natural Wonders In Virginia
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook
Before the area was discovered by Daniel Boone in his westward explorations, it was used as a hunting ground by the Shawnee and Cherokee Indigenous peoples.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

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Boone deemed the area the Breaks because it was a rare passage in the mountains that allowed him to continue westward.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook
Those visiting Breaks Interstate Park today will find no shortage of adventures, whether that be a challenging hike, an overnight camping trip, or the opportunity to zip line over the canyon.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook
Another unique adventure at the park is elk viewing. After over a century and a half, the native elk have returned to the Breaks!
Natural Wonders In Virginia
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook
Breaks Interstate Park offers guided elk viewing tours in spring and fall. Quick tip: If you plan to go hiking, we recommend that you visit during the spring because the trails are less crowded during that time of year.
No matter the time of year you visit or your reason for going, you won't help but agree that Breaks Interstate Park is one of the greatest natural wonders in America.
Breaks Interstate Park / Facebook

Have you ever had the privilege of visiting the Grand Canyon of the South? Do you believe it’s one of the best natural wonders in Virginia? What were some of your favorite things to do at Breaks Interstate Park? Feel free to share them with us in the comments below – we would love to hear from you! For more information, be sure to check out Breaks Interstate Park online.

If you plan to go hiking while you’re at the park, be sure to download your free trial of AllTrails+ to access offline maps and to get some great perks.  

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Virginia Natural Wonders

Melanie J. | March 11, 2024

What are some more natural wonders in Virginia that are worth visiting?

To be honest, all the natural wonders in Virginia belong on your list, but here are some that stand out amongst the rest:

  • Great Falls Park, McLean
  • Luray Caverns, Luray
  • Sand Cave, Middlesboro
  • Shenandoah Caverns, Quicksburg
  • Falling Spring Falls, Covington
  • Crabtree Falls, Nelson County
  • Hawksbill Loop Trailhead, Luray
  • Humpback Rock, Nelson County
  • High Bridge Trail State Park, Rice
  • Natural Bridge State Park, Natural Bridge
  • Natural Tunnel State Park, Duffield
  • Great Dismal Swamp, Suffolk, Virginia
  • Devil's Bathtub, Duffield
  • Natural Chimneys, Mount Solon

Read our article telling you more about these incredible natural wonders in Virginia.

What are the best state parks in Virginia?

Whether you’re searching for hiking trails, camping, fishing, and more, these are the best state parks in Virginia that is jam-packed with adventure:

  • First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach
  • Hungry Mother State Park, Marion
  • Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane
  • Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield
  • Holliday Lake State Park, Appomattox
  • Grayson Highlands State Park, Mouth of Wilson
  • Occoneechee State Park, Clarksville
  • High Bridge Trail State Park, Green Bay
  • Shenandoah River State Park, Bentonville
  • Douthat State Park, Millboro
  • Kiptopeke State Park, Cape Charles
  • Westmoreland State Park, Montross
  • Wilderness Road State Park, Ewing

Don’t forget to check out our article with more information about these state parks in Virginia.

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Breaks Interstate Park, 627 Commission Cir, Breaks, VA 24607, USA