Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Waterfall KY Class V

Cliffs of Despair

Fugitt Creek - Hwy 179 (2 miles) (KY)

Gauge Conditions
Runnable: 5,000.0 – 10,000.0 CFS
Runnable: 600.0 – 3,000.0 CFS
Photo
Cliffs of Despair
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

** There is currently a river-wide strainer at the bottom of the last drop** A long fast set rapids with limited eddy access, connected by chutes and fast water. SCOUT FOR WOOD AND GOOD LINES. The first section starts off with a small chute on river left continuing into another small drop with a big hole at the bottom. Then it turns the bend to start the middle section. This starts with a bouldery drop, continuing with some fast water and pin rocks and ends at the top of the big boulder. The boulder is the last drop of the rapid and can be run on either side. The right side is a jumble of boulders that drops about 6' into the undercut side of the big boulder. It is not badly undercut but is still an undercut, so watch out. The left side is nasty, but possible. It is a narrow curving drop into a pool of sieved out rocks, try to stay upright, there is great potential for pinning and injury. It is the final drop an the most  consequential. Once you do the first drop there are basically no eddies or areas for recovery.  

Location
Type
Waterfall
Difficulty
Class V
Mile Marker
0.7 mi
Directions
View Full Run
Hwy 179 (2 miles)
Fugitt Creek
IV-V(V+) 2.4 mi
Hazard — Exercise extreme caution. Portage recommended — scout before running.
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater