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Sterling's Double Cracks
5.6,
TR,
Avg: 2.2 from 9
votes
FA: Sterling Hendricks
Maryland
> Carderock
> Hades Heights
Description
Just right of the big 5.4 off-width fissure, carefully climb the groove. To climb the right crack, go straight up as the groove turns into an obvious crack above to the top. To climb the left crack, angle left about 25 feet up following the slanting layback crack-flake.
This enjoyable route is long by Carderock standards, and along with its left variation and the two adjoining more difficult routes makes a good option when the rest of the crag is occupied.
Location
Sterling's Double Cracks can be accessed from below at low water via a ca. 5.6-5.7 traverse downstream just above the water for about 30 feet starting at Trudi's Terror. Or one can set the top rope - on the pointed and tallest crag about 30-40 feet downstream from Trudi's Terror - and rappel down to a stance (near an obvious off width fissure) which is dry even at regular water height.
Protection
top rope
[Hide Photo] The view from the top of Sterling's Double Cracks on a fall day.
[Hide Photo] The right Sterling's Double Crack is marked with an A. The left is marked with a B.
[Hide Photo] Copperhead at the top of Sterlings double crack. Watch your step
[Hide Photo] Dave Rockwell makes the final portion of the above-water traverse to the start of Sterling's Double Cracks at low water. The photo is taken at the end of the trail near the start of Trudi's Terror.