Breaks Interstate Park is in both Virginia and Kentucky. It is administered by a commission created by a compact between the two states. States can enter into compacts only by congressional approval. The park has a developed resort with lodge, restaurant, cabins, campgrounds, trails, kayak access and even a zipline. During my visit there was a huge family reunion going on which prevented us from visiting the visitor center or any of the other developed areas. We still found plenty to see on the loop road through the park.
Pine Mountain is a 125 mile long mountain ridge running from Cumberland Gap to Breaks Interstate Park. Daniel Boone gave it the name "Breaks" as he was looking for an easier route through the long mountain. The Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail (not to be confused with Pine Mountain Trail in Georgia) is a partially completed 120 mile trail which runs along the ridge of Pine Mountain.
Due to the remoteness of this area, it is a dark sky area for us skygazers. There are so many overlooks along the ridge, you must get great sunset views as well. The trails we hiked all had overlooks facing west and one to the north.
Most of the rock seen in the park is sandstone and some conglomerate stone. Coal is often found below the sandstone.
Down there, 1000' below is Russell Fork. If you look up from the creek, you'll see the railroad cut in 1915. It still is used today to haul coal.
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