Kentucky · Rock climbing · Wellington

Murder Branch

Murder Branch in Kentucky offers 3 sport climbing routes with a range of difficulty grades.

3 routes
5.8- – 5.9+
Sport

Is Murder Branch open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Daniel Boone National Forest. It doesn't name Murder Branch, 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 Murder Branch

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

    41° / 24°

    16 wet · 3 snow

  2. Feb

    46° / 27°

    15 wet · 3 snow

  3. Mar

    55° / 33°

    15 wet · 1 snow

  4. Apr

    67° / 42°

    15 wet

  5. May

    75° / 52°

    15 wet

  6. Jun

    82° / 61°

    13 wet

  7. Jul

    86° / 65°

    13 wet

  8. Aug

    85° / 63°

    11 wet

  9. Sep

    79° / 56°

    10 wet

  10. Oct

    68° / 45°

    11 wet

  11. Nov

    56° / 35°

    12 wet · 1 snow

  12. Dec

    45° / 29°

    15 wet · 2 snow

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Cave Run Lake, KY, 9.3 mi away at 840 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Murder Branch is a climbing area in Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest, within the Cumberland Ranger District. The Forest Service manages the land. The area has three sport climbing routes, all rated between 5.8- and 5.9+ on the YDS scale. Leafy Legend is the easiest at 5.8-, Massacre Wall is 5.8+, and Hidey Hole is 5.9+. Massacre Wall was first climbed a long time ago, and Leafy Legend was first climbed between 2017 and 2019. For timing, fall is the most comfortable stretch. Typical averages from the nearby Cave Run Lake weather station show October highs around 68°F with lows near 45°F, and September and October see the fewest wet days of the year. Nearby, Leatherwood Loop #116A and Cave Run Lake are both under 4 miles away. Claylick Boat-in Campground and Zilpo Recreation Area offer camping within about 5 miles.

Routes (3)

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