Search Results

A new multi-use trail for hiking, biking, and horseback riding with 10 miles connecting the Town of Haysi and the Breaks Interstate Park! More Information.

U.S. Bicycle Route 76 is a cross-country bicycle route that runs from Missouri to Virginia, and is one of the two original U.S. Bicycle Routes. It is also known as the TransAmerica Bike Route and is contained within the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail. More Information.

The Russell Fork River is run year round and relies on a combination of natural flow and dam release from the Flanagan Reservoir on the Pound River. Every October, the Corp of Engineers draws the reservoir down over 4 weekends, putting anywhere from 800-1100 cfs into the Russell. Paddlers from all over the world converge on the Breaks to sample the awesome whitewater, reputation and sheer beauty of the 1600ft gorge. More Information.

The Russell Fork is one of the classic Class V creek runs in the United States. The river is run year round and relies on a combination of natural flow and dam release from the Flanagan Reservoir on the Pound River. Every October, the Corp of Engineers draws the reservoir down over 4 weekends, putting anywhere from 800-1100 cfs into the Russell. Paddlers from all over the world converge on the Breaks to sample the awesome whitewater, reputation and sheer beauty of the 1600ft gorge. While best known for its extreme push and danger in October, many are running the Fork at much lower flows. Below around 400cfs, the gorge is a good Class IV+ creek run. Extremely technical, but the pool/drop nature of the stream bed allows time to regroup between rapids and time to take in the incredible canyon. There are a couple of Class V drops at lower water, but you can easily sneak or portage. More Information. More information on the current Whitewater Release Schedule from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can be found here. The Russell Fork Rendezvous began in 1994. Originally called the Bluegrass Wildwater Association Fall Party, it started as a race between friends from Garden Hole to the takeout at Potters Mill. Soon after its modest conception, a musical element was added and the event was moved to Haysi, VA. When AW listed the Russell Fork as America’s most endangered river in 1997, more musical acts stepped in, in an effort to raise money to fight on the river’s behalf. Paddlers also reached out to prominent locals for support. The Gorge section was once considered to be nearly impossible to navigate safely, but advances in boat and gear design now allow it to be enjoyed by a wider range of skilled paddlers. As the popularity of the river grew, so did the festival. Now in its 25th year, the Russell Fork Rendezvous has since is going back to its roots, with a return to Haysi, VA. The event is still a celebration of paddling culture and the proceeds still go to support American Whitewater. The Russell Fork River is still considered to be endangered, as strip mines and environmental issues continue to threaten its pristine beauty. The event remains organic in nature, with primitive camping, few rules, and a focus on enjoying the river and our unique culture. The 2019 Rendezvous will be held on October 27-29 at the Kiwanis Park in Haysi, VA. While not technically affiliated with the now named “Lord of the Forks” race, many participants and spectators stay at the park to enjoy the camaraderie of paddlers from all over the world and get the most out of this precious natural resource. More Information.

Bountiful nature, as richly colored as our mosses underfoot, our mountains on the horizon, and our sky overhead. Rivers to raft, heights to scale, camping, birding and porches to be sat on…while smiles form lazily upon contented faces. Expect this and more at Breaks Interstate Park, where uncommon history, heritage and heart offer a welcome that never wears out. Click here to learn more about the exciting activities at Breaks Interstate Park, or connect with Breaks Park on Facebook! Breaks Interstate Park Activities Hiking Trails More than 25 miles of hiking trails lace the park, varying from easy to difficult. Most are less than one mile long, but interconnected trails offer the more ambitious hiker a good choice of routes over varying terrain. Maps with descriptions of each trail are available at the Visitor Center. Trail names give clues to the outstanding physical features of each: Cold Spring, Geological, Grassy Creek, Grassy Overlook, Lake, Loop, Overlook, Prospectors’ Ridge, River, Towers, and Tower Tunnel. Both the Ridge and Geological trails are self-guided, with booklets available at the Visitor Center that detail points and notes of interest. But if you would prefer, guided hikes are scheduled throughout the summer. Birding As a part of the Virginia Birding and wildlife trail, Breaks Interstate Park is home to a wide variety of birds. Some of those include the Swainson’s Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Yellow Rumped Warbler, Turkey Vulture, Red Tail Hawk and Osprey. Each winter the park participates in the National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count. The information collected is reported to the Audubon Society, where it is used to determine increases or declines in area species. We welcome public participation in this event. Should you wish to join us, more information is available by contacting the park Visitor Center. Fishing Laurel Lake, Beaver Pond, and the Russell Fork River offer a variety of fishing experiences, and the promise of a good catch. Laurel Lake, a twelve-acre man-made lake, and our two-acre Beaver Pond are stocked with bluegill and bass. The Russell Fork River is stocked with Rainbow Trout by Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries officials. Biking (Mountain Bike Trail) & Rentals The Mountain Bike Trail offers breathtaking scenery. The trail is a stack loop trail system offering up to nearly 12 miles of riding, from moderate to difficult. Depending on the route chosen, bikers may plan rides of varying length, with the possibilities of good climbs and long downhill runs. Positive reviews for this trail are posted regularly on the websites for hiking enthusiasts. Geocaching The 21st Century’s high-tech hide and seek! Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunting game for adventure-seekers of all ages. Using a GPS device, participants hide and seek small containers called caches, or “geocaches” and often post their experiences online. There are currently more than 60 geocaches hidden in and around the Breaks Park area. GPS devices and maps with Geocache coordinates are available at the Visitor’s Center. Canyon Rim Zipline Debuted in the fall of 2017, the Canyon Rim Zipline is truly one of a kind. Spanning along the rim of the Russell Fork River Gorge, the zipline will take our guests to heights unseen. Catch a glimpse of why the gorge is so infamously known as the “Grand Canyon of the South” on over 2,000 feet of line with three different stops. The park has highly trained guides who will assist our guests with safety tips and will make sure they have a ride of a lifetime. A maximum of eight people are allowed per trip, each trip will take anywhere between an hour and an hour and a half. Click here to learn more about the exciting activities at Breaks Interstate Park, or connect with Breaks Park on Facebook!

Haysi’s Ridgeview Trail Opened April 2017, Haysi’s Ridgeview trail system is a combination of tree-lined trails and wide open ridge riding with plenty of spectacular viewscapes. Initially, there are 78 miles of multi-use trails on 2650 acres with a good mix of Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert routes, with more on the horizon. The trailhead is conveniently located just outside the ATV-friendly Town of Haysi adjacent to Kiwanis Park. There’s ample parking at the trailhead for trucks with trailers. Please note: We consider this trail system to be “multi-use” and open to dirt bikes, mountain bikes and hikers. However, horses are not allowed on the Ridgeview system. Separate equestrian trails are being developed that will connect to Breaks Interstate Park. Those trails are scheduled to open later this year. Of course, it’s always important to ride safely, wear a helmet, and obey ALL the trail rules. Russell Fork Trail A new multi-use trail for hiking, biking, and horseback riding with 10 miles connecting the Town of Haysi and the Breaks Interstate Park! Find more information here or connect with the Russell Fork Trail on Facebook!

Find your favorite artisan, shop or local grower. Explore Artisan Trails along scenic roads and mountain vistas. Meet people who are transforming their medium, their home and their community with imagination and energy. More Information.

Over 1,500 miles of vetted byways climb to the edge of the horizon and descend thousands of feet to verdant valleys below. Connect to our Appalachian Backroads from the famed Back of the Dragon which boasts 3 mountains, 260 curves in 32 miles. Spurs off the main routes offer one-of-a-kind adventures that will keep you coming back for more! More Information.

The Virginia Coal Heritage Trail is located in the Heart of Appalachia’s coalfield region. More than 300 miles of scenic byways stretch through seven counties and the city of Norton, providing the traveler with glimpses of unique coal mining towns that were formed more than a century ago. More Information.

Opened April 2017, Haysi’s Ridgeview trail system is a combination of tree-lined trails and wide open ridge riding with plenty of spectacular viewscapes. Initially, there are 78 miles of multi-use trails on 2650 acres with a good mix of Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert routes, with more on the horizon. The trailhead is conveniently located just outside the ATV-friendly Town of Haysi adjacent to Kiwanis Park. There’s ample parking at the trailhead for trucks with trailers. More Information.

Authorized by Congress in the Flood Control Act of 1938 and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1961, John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir is a part of the Big Sandy flood protection system. The United States Army Corps of Engineers designed and supervised construction of the dams, which began in 1960 and was completed by 1964. The Corps of Engineers now operates the Flannagan for the public’s benefit. The Dam provides flood protection and a clean and reliable supply of drinking water for the residents of Dickenson and Buchanan Counties. The lake also provides low-flow augmentation, fish & wildlife enhancement and recreation for the residents of Dickenson County. The Dam is named after the late Congressman John Williams Flannagan, Jr. who served the people of the Ninth Virginia District from 1931 to 1949. Mr. Flannagan never lost an opportunity to remind his audience that he came from the highland of Southwest Virginia, the mountains he loved so well. The Dam is dedicated in memory of his assistance in creating this flood control project and many others in the Appalachian Highlands Region. Flannagan Marina & Powersports Located in Dickenson County, VA, Flannagan Marina & Powersports is the place to be for boating, water sports, fishing, and great food. Nearby, you can explore some of our ATV trails or stay in one of the three campgrounds on the lake. The Marina is situated in the middle of the reservoir but is tucked away in a private cove with stunning lake and mountain views. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir is 1,145 acres overall with almost 40 miles of shoreline. The reservoir is situated 1,396 feet above sea level during the summer. In the fall, the lake is lowered 16 feet to hold additional water from winter and spring runoff. Basic driving directions: John W. Flannagan Dam & Reservoir is located in the Cumberland Mountains of Dickenson County, Virginia. From route 460, take route 80 into Haysi and follow the signs to the dam. From route 23, take route 83 into Clintwood and turn left onto Main Street, which becomes 607. Turn left onto 614 and then another left onto 739. Amenities /features – 3 Campgrounds, Lower Twin, Cranesnest and Pound River. Free Launch Ramps at Spillway Area and Cranesnest, Day Use Launch Ramp at Junction. Picnic Shelters in the Below Dam Recreation Area.

Located across from the Town Hall, this wall mural painted by Shawn Wallace depicts the town of Haysi many years ago.