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Blackbeard's Backbreaker

5.6 PG13, Trad, 35 ft (11 m),  Avg: 2.4 from 5 votes
FA: Alex Serov, Sept 2024
Kentucky > Red River Gorge > (CRP) Cliffview… > Pirates' Cove
Warning Access Issue: CRP Ongoing Development DetailsDrop down

Description

Begin your adventure on easy, chossy ledges that any landlubber could scramble up. This first 10 feet be nothin' but fair winds and calm seas.

But beware as the crack narrows and ye approach the thin lie-back move. Secure your footholds, balance yer weight like a true pirate, and trust yer trusty boots as you pull up and shove yer hands into the big roof finish. Clip from the massive jug and anchor away!

Location

To find this treacherous route in Pirates Cove, ye first need to navigate to the shadowy vertical wall beneath the mighty overhang that gives the Cove it's moniker. Once there, the route ye seek is Pirates' Left, near the end o' the roof but still inside the shelter and storm relief provided.

Protection

A single rack of cams, mussy anchors. Shares anchors with the sport route directly right

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Route photo o' the ledges of Blackbeard's Backbreaker
[Hide Photo] Route photo o' the ledges of Blackbeard's Backbreaker

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

[Hide Comment] Climbing this is like digging through sand to find a buried treasure! This here is a 5.6 for a 5.8 climber Feb 28, 2026
Matthew Cox
Brookville, IN
 
[Hide Comment] It was a fun route! Got it clean. Takes a double rack. .2 - #3 Mar 1, 2026