Breaks Interstate Park Swimming Spots

Breaks Interstate Park Swimming Spots lies in Kentucky near Pikeville (Ky), Elkhorn City (Ky), and Haysi (Va). Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.

1. Ratliff Hole (Russell Fork River )

   From Elkhorn City, KY: Begin by taking Route 80 East from Elkhorn City. Look for a sign indicating the Breaks Interstate Park Recreation Area on the right side of the road. Note: The sign may not specifically mention Ratliff Hole.

2. Turn right at this sign and drive down the paved, steep incline.

   Stay to the right as you proceed. You will arrive at a picnic area with bathrooms and picnic tables. Parking is available here. During the summer, there may be a small shack where inner tubes and rafts are rented. Coordinates for Ratliff Hole: Google Maps Link Latitude: 37.2973, Longitude: -82.3256

3. Pool Point (Russell Fork River )

   From Ratliff Hole: Pool Point lies downstream from Ratliff Hole. Ask for directions to the trestle at Ratliff Hole for guidance. To reach Pool Point, you will need to cross the river by . Follow the trail downstream around the bend, about 150 yards from Ratliff Hole. Pool Point lies directly under the Pool Point Trestle. The area features cliffs ranging from 25 to 80 feet in height, a strong choice for jumping, and includes a rope swing. Coordinates for Pool Point: Google Maps Link Latitude: 37.2931, Longitude: -82.3242

4. Grassy Creek (Breaks Interstate Park )

   From Elkhorn City, KY:

5. Take Route 80 Southeast from Elkhorn City.

   Continue past Ratliff Hole and Pool Point. Look for an obscure road on the right side during a sharp 180-degree right-hand turn just before crossing the Virginia state line. If you cross into Virginia, you have gone too far.

6. Turn onto this road, which may resemble a downhill driveway. Drive slowly and look for a picnic shelter at the bottom of the hill. Parking is available near the picnic shelter.

   From Haysi, VA:

7. Take Route 80 North from Haysi.

8. Cross the Kentucky state line.

   After crossing the state line, look for a sharp 180-degree left-hand curve. The road to the parking area will be on the left side of the curve, directly across from a house. Once parked: Locate the Center Creek Trail sign across the creek from the picnic shelter. Follow the trail downstream on the right side of Center Creek. about 0.25 miles from the parking area, Center Creek flows into Grassy Creek.

9. Turn right and follow Grassy Creek downstream on the right side.

   You will pass several smaller . Continue until you see three downed trees across the trail, where the trail forks downhill to the left.

10. Take the downhill trail to the creek and walk along the rocks at the shore. The main .

    Note: This trail involves crossing the creek multiple times and navigating steep, slippery rocks. Exercise caution and turn back if you feel unsafe. Coordinates for Grassy Creek: Google Maps Link Latitude: 37.29638, Longitude: -82.31211 Have a safe visit to Breaks Interstate Park and its beautiful !