Kentucky · Rock climbing · Irvine

Hades

Hades is a sport climbing crag in Kentucky with 7 routes.

7 routes
5.10b – 5.12b
Sport

Is Hades open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Daniel Boone National Forest. It doesn't name Hades, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Daniel Boone National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Best time to visit Hades

Best months: August–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

  1. Jan

    42° / 24°

    13 wet

  2. Feb

    47° / 27°

    13 wet

  3. Mar

    57° / 34°

    15 wet

  4. Apr

    68° / 44°

    15 wet

  5. May

    75° / 53°

    15 wet

  6. Jun

    82° / 61°

    14 wet

  7. Jul

    84° / 65°

    14 wet

  8. Aug

    84° / 64°

    12 wet

  9. Sep

    79° / 57°

    10 wet

  10. Oct

    69° / 44°

    12 wet

  11. Nov

    57° / 35°

    12 wet

  12. Dec

    46° / 28°

    13 wet

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Beattyville 4n, KY, 4.4 mi away at 1,080 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Hades is a climbing area in Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest, within the Cumberland Ranger District. It sits among a cluster of other climbing spots and trails, with Buzzards Roost, Light House Crag and Ott's Wall all about 0.1 mile away, and Pine Mesa Trail just as close. The climbing here is all sport, and the routes run from about 5.10b up to 5.12-. The median grade is 5.11d, with the hardest route listed as Hero at 5.12-. Among the named routes are Have Mercy (5.10b), Maine Line (5.11a) and Doves Cry (5.12a). For timing, late spring and early fall are the most comfortable. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Beattyville show May highs around 75°F and September highs near 79°F, with October cooling to about 69°F. Lago Linda Hideaway, a campground about 3 miles away, is the closest place to camp. Station Camp Creek, a paddling spot, lies roughly 8 miles off.

Keep exploring — more climbs worth the drive