Mountain Project Logo
To save paper & ink, use the [Hide] controls next to photos and comments so you only print what you need.

Cornice

5.7+, Trad, TR, 50 ft (15 m),  Avg: 3.4 from 36 votes
FA: Herb Conn and Sterling Hendricks - 1945
Virginia > DC & Northern V… > Great Falls > Cornice

Description

Start in the corner, climb up into the chimney section, then bust a move out the big roof on good holds. Feels like the Gunks for a brief moment.

Location

The central line on the cliff, look for the obvious chimney/corner leading to a big roof.

Protection

Most will top rope, though you could lead it. Take small to medium gear, some of the placements might take some creativity.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Getting horizontal to pull the roof
[Hide Photo] Getting horizontal to pull the roof
Finding the nice holds over the roof
[Hide Photo] Finding the nice holds over the roof
Cornice goes right through the corner and chimney and then up through the roof.
[Hide Photo] Cornice goes right through the corner and chimney and then up through the roof.
Getting through the roof
[Hide Photo] Getting through the roof
Dave approaching the crux
[Hide Photo] Dave approaching the crux

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Brian Malone
Olney, MD
 
[Hide Comment] Also known as Right Cheek Oct 16, 2014
S2k 4life
B more
[Hide Comment] Climbed this twice today and im solid at 5.8 and this was pretty tough.
The roof is big and it might be on good holds but it is super scary the first time and way more fun the 2nd time. Way bigger in person. Some great sketchy exposure under the roof.

The 5.10b cracks on the flat face next to this are short but are super tough and offer more of a challenge Nov 17, 2015
Chalk in the Wind
[Hide Comment] Pulling the roof in the right corner is a challenging 5.9 variation. Nov 27, 2017