Five Classic American Class V's

Class V is the most iconic of all river grades. The experts only, see-God-if-you-swim, wash your pants type whitewater that populates both your greatest ambitions and your darkest nightmares. These five runs are some of the most famous class V stretches of river in the country. The criteria for selecting this list is difficult. I wanted sections that were not class IV with just a single V, or runs that were once considered class V and now probably IV+ by today's standards. I also was not just seeking the hardest, gnarliest creeks in the country, but rather as close as I could come to listing THE solid class V runs that have defined that grade for many years in their subsequent regions. That being said, the list is arbitrary and without doubt other people would have their own opinions about which runs I should have included.

#1. Gore Canyon (Colorado)

The author on Pyrite Falls in Gore Canyon

Gore Canyon is perhaps Colorado's quintessential class V run. Located on the world-famous Colorado River, Gore Canyon is its signature stretch in terms of sheer whitewater difficulty. While not as technical or dangerous as a great many modern class V classics, Gore Canyon boasts a history and reputation that unparalleled in a state renowned for its plentiful whitewater. Augmented by the Gore Canyon race, this famous section of gnar is considered a guardian for fledgling expert kayakers and a rite of passage for many up-and-coming paddlers looking to break into "real" whitewater in the region. (Read a Gore Canyon trip report for more)

# 2. Green River Narrows (North Carolina)
The Green River Narrows is without question one of the gnarliest and most iconic stretches of whitewater in the Southeast, indeed, the entire country. The site of another famous wildwater race, the Green Narrows has been the location of more kayak films and youtube carnage videos than almost anywhere else. Its keystone rapid, Gorilla, is one of the most recognizable drops in the country and its fearsome reputation is well earned. For more Green River Narrows gnar, check out this video.

#3. Cherry Creek (California)
In a state that dominates in terms of steep, gnarly creeks an plentiful whitewater, Cherry Creek is one of the most famous and classic stretches of river of all. The Cherry Creek/Upper Tuolumne Rivers are a world-famous stretch of challenging whitewater, and Cherry Creek is the most fearsome section of it all. Beautiful gorgeous and dangerous, Cherry Creek remains one of the great testpieces of the United States.

#4. North Fork of the Payette (Idaho)
Idaho is a classic playground for whitewater in the American West. Boasting megaclassics like the Middle Fork, the Salmon, the Snake and the Selway, this state is arguably one of the premier whitewater destinations of the world. The North Fork of the Payette, however, is without question the quintessential stretch of gnar in this glorious, whitewater-filled state. Its signature drop, Jacob's Ladder, has thrashed and abused whitewater enthusiasts for generations and remains one of the classic stretches of gnar today.

Great Falls, Potomac River. Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons
username: NortyNort

#5. Great Falls (Maryland/Virigina)
Though relatively short, there is no doubt that the Potmac's Great Falls is perhaps the most famous and most frequently paddled class V stretches of river in the country. Coupled with its famous race, more paddlers have sharpened their teeth on this mega classic than almost any other section around. This unique and dangerous stretch of river, combines big water and steep creeking, and with a variety of lines and variations has proven to be an enduring classic that will continue to pique the ambitions of new generations of elite paddlers for years to come.

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