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Hook and Bladder

5.9, Trad, 110 ft (33 m),  Avg: 2 from 1 vote
FA: unknown
N Carolina > 3. Piedmont Region > Stone Mountain > Stone Mtn S Face

Description

This section of rock is likely often overlooked or an afterthought.  Don't be deterred by the look of the water streak.  Either side of the mossy water streak provides a section of Stone Mountain slab to challenge your slabbing skills.

After making your way up the small left facing corner to it's end, continue up to the left end of a significant sloping ledge.  The first bolt of The Pulpit is here at an obvious dark and mossy water streak over a bulge.  Step and crimp up onto the face over the bulge.  Continue up to an overlap ~30' above the bolt.  Plug gear here if leading because this is all the protection there is.  Bolt anchors shared with Autumn Speaks is another ~40'.  The described line of this route goes up to the left of the dark, mossy water streak.  In my opinion, going up just to the right of the water streak gets you to same finish, but probably bumps the grade up to 5.10, especially getting onto the face over the bulge.

Location

The route is located at a small left facing corner 15' right of a large right facing corner, same start as The Pulpit.  The Hook and Bladder route split off at the first bolt on The Pulpit, going straight up from this bolt.

Protection

Bolt at the start, then opportunity for gear at an overlap 30' up, another 40' to anchors.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Dark water streak and bolt (currently with a quick link) that marks the start of the route.  Just off the far right end of tree ledge.  Pick either side of the water streak to avoid the choss.  I prefer the right side.
[Hide Photo] Dark water streak and bolt (currently with a quick link) that marks the start of the route. Just off the far right end of tree ledge. Pick either side of the water streak to avoid the choss. I p…