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The Roots

V5, Boulder, 20 ft (6 m),  Avg: 3.3 from 58 votes
FA: unknown
Vermont > 1. Northern Ver… > Smugglers' Notch > Smugglers' Notc… > Roots/ Moon Tow… > Roots Boulder
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Description

A solid V5. Start 7 or 8 feet from the left side of the boulder on the crimps at 3 and 4 feet.

Using technical foot work, pull through to a crimpy side pull/undercling, and climb straight up to the large horizontal crack. Go up left to a bad, incut edge and make a big move up right to a big juggy hole in the wall. Top out for a mossy finish.

Location

Start 7 or 8 feet from the left side of the boulder on the crimps at 3 and 4 feet: there is a large chalked jug below and to the left of the start, but this is not the start. Down climb the opposite side via the root system.

Protection

Bring at least two pads. Topout is sketchy without a spotter

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Myself climbing on The Roots boulder, Smugglers Notch, VT.<br> Very unique boulder!
[Hide Photo] Myself climbing on The Roots boulder, Smugglers Notch, VT. Very unique boulder!
Taylor on the crimpy start of The Roots
[Hide Photo] Taylor on the crimpy start of The Roots
What I believe to be a broken start and the new holds I used.
[Hide Photo] What I believe to be a broken start and the new holds I used.
The Roots
[Hide Photo] The Roots

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Arian
suwanee
  V5
[Hide Comment] great problem, crux is low, once you hit the horizontal, i remember it being over until the top out - perfect intro to high-balling as well, as the landing is perfect - now go do the V5 on moontower! Jan 23, 2015
MattWallace
Center Harbor, NH
 
[Hide Comment] Did the starting left handhold on this route break? I was there yesterday and the start moves didnt seem to be v5, then I noticed what looks like a spot where a hand old broke (nothing left), so I think I was starting further into the climb making it easier. After this discovery, I started with hands cross with a left on the lowest remaining crimp and right low on sidepull incut. This wat felt more like v5. I also uploaded a photo to show this. May 13, 2018
Justin M
Champlain Valley, VT
  V4
[Hide Comment] Matt, I’m not sure if a hold broke. I think this climb is just closer to V4 than it is to V5. The guidebook says, “look for the highest concentration of crimps and start on the two biggest ones.” I think V4 is very fair. Sep 23, 2023