Fall Wildlife Getaway
Turn a Breaks Park Elk Tour Into a Fall Mountain Getaway
The guided elk tour may be the reason for your trip, but it does not have to be the entire trip. Stay privately at Flannagan Lodge in Haysi, explore the fall scenery around John W. Flannagan Dam and Ridgeview Trail, and visit Southern Gap for your scheduled Breaks Interstate Park elk tour.
Two Reservations Complete the Trip
Coordinate Your Stay and Elk Tour
Step 1: Check Flannagan Lodge Availability
Choose a one-night or two-night stay in Flannagan Lodge's private 2BR/1BA guest suite. Only one reservation group occupies the guest suite at a time.
Step 2: Reserve Your Elk Tour Seat
Choose an available tour date through Breaks Interstate Park. Bus seating is limited, and the tour is not included with a Flannagan Lodge reservation.
Check both calendars before completing your travel plans.
Suggested Two-Day Fall Itinerary
A Fall Color and Elk Weekend
Day 1: John W. Flannagan Dam and Ridgeview
Check in at Flannagan Lodge, then explore the fall scenery around John W. Flannagan Dam and the Haysi area. Guests equipped for trail riding can plan time on Ridgeview Trail after confirming current permits, access rules and trail conditions through the official trail operator.
Day 2: Guided Elk Tour at Southern Gap
Travel to Breaks Park Southern Gap for your reserved guided elk tour. Meet at 1124 Chipping Sparrow Road, Grundy, Virginia, and arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled tour. Breaks Interstate Park currently describes the experience as a bus trip into Virginia's elk restoration zone with an outdoor picnic-style dinner.
Get directions to Southern Gap, 1124 Chipping Sparrow Road, Grundy, VA
Why This Trip Is Different
Fall Mountain Scenery
Explore John W. Flannagan Dam, Haysi and the surrounding ridges during one of Southwest Virginia's most colorful seasons.
A Remarkable Wildlife Comeback
Visit the restored elk range and learn about one of Appalachia's major wildlife restoration stories.
A Private Place to Return
Return to a clean, comfortable 2BR/1BA private guest suite with no unrelated guest groups sharing the lodging space.
Looking for Another Place to Stay Near the Breaks Region?
If lodging at Breaks Interstate Park is unavailable for your dates, Flannagan Lodge offers a private guest suite in Haysi near John W. Flannagan Dam, Ridgeview Trail and the regional attractions surrounding Breaks Interstate Park. See more about lodging near Breaks Interstate Park.
Tour Facts
- Operated by
- Breaks Interstate Park.
- Meeting location
- Breaks Park Southern Gap, 1124 Chipping Sparrow Road, Grundy, VA 24614.
- Tour availability
- Select dates in March, April, May, August, September and October. Confirm current dates with Breaks Interstate Park.
- Reservations
- Required because bus seating is limited.
- Reported success
- Breaks Interstate Park reports a 100% success rate. Wildlife sightings remain subject to natural conditions.
- Tour price
- Currently listed by Breaks Interstate Park as $40 per person. Confirm current pricing before booking.
- Food
- Breaks Interstate Park currently states that an outdoor picnic-style dinner is included.
Official Breaks Interstate Park elk tour informationBook an elk tour seat through Breaks Interstate Park
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Flannagan Lodge operate the elk tour?
No. The guided tour is operated and booked through Breaks Interstate Park. Flannagan Lodge provides independent lodging in Haysi.
Is an elk-tour ticket included with my stay?
No. Lodging and tour tickets are separate reservations and separate purchases.
Where does the elk tour meet?
The tour currently meets at Breaks Park Southern Gap, 1124 Chipping Sparrow Road, Grundy, Virginia. It does not meet at Flannagan Lodge.
Are elk sightings guaranteed?
Breaks Interstate Park reports a 100% tour success rate. Flannagan Lodge does not guarantee wildlife sightings because wildlife and natural conditions can change.
When are elk tours offered?
Breaks Interstate Park currently lists select dates during March, April, May, August, September and October. Guests must verify current dates and availability directly with the park.
Where should I stay if Breaks Park lodging is full?
Flannagan Lodge offers a private 2BR/1BA guest suite in Haysi for one reservation group at a time, subject to Airbnb or Vrbo availability.
Check Flannagan Lodge Availability
Lodging and elk-tour reservations are booked separately. Confirm availability for both before finalizing your trip.