The 'Grand Canyon of the South' Has the One of the Largest Gorges on the East Coast

"Spanning 4,500 acres along the Virginia–Kentucky border, this park centers on one of the largest canyons east of the Mississippi—often called the “Grand Canyon of the South”—a nearly sheer-walled chasm in Pine Mountain carved by the Russell Fork of the Big Sandy River that plunges about 1,000 feet and runs roughly five miles. For dramatic panoramas, head to Towers Overlook to see the rugged finger of Pine Mountain capped with giant sandstone cliffs nearly surrounded by the river. Outdoor offerings include 17 hiking trails totaling about 13 miles (terrain is steep and rocky, so hiking poles are recommended); the Prospector Trail (1.5 miles) descends into the canyon along a narrow slope between cliff tiers and can be combined with the Overlook and Geological trails for a longer loop, with the Overlook Trail especially pleasant at dawn or dusk. Water activities are plentiful—canoe, kayak, and pedal-boat rentals on still waters like Laurel Lake and Beaver Pond—and anglers can fish for canyon trout and whitewater smallmouth bass in the Russell Fork. Visit in early spring or late fall for minimal foliage and the best views of the geology, and look for the re-established Virginia elk herd (reintroduced in 2012) via seasonal tours to the Virginia Elk Restoration Zone (reservations required)." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com.  Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines