Ron Dawson Memorial Route

A quality four-pitch route for the experienced 5.8 leader; it offers varied climbing on good rock with a nice position. The route's named in memory of Ron Dawson, who passed away from Huntington's Disease in 2016. Ron lived and worked in NC's High Country as an Outward Bound instructor and climbing guide. He was known as a good friend and climbing partner with a great sense of humor, eclectic taste in music and strong sense of community and service. He enjoyed all kinds of climbing--ice, bouldering, aid, trad, sport--and thrashing about in the woods to put up new routes in any genre (he always had clever route names). Ron used to end all his Boulderdash magazine essays with this sign-off: "Fight Complacency!"

P1: 5.5 25m - Takes the obvious weakness from the ground just right of Little Corner, on the outside of the blunt arete. Belay at gear in small alcove ledge.

P2: 5.8 30m - Ascend diagonally right off belay to the arete, and step to the right side of the arete. Ascend face thru gear and bolts to a two-bolt anchor on pedestal.

P3 5.8 25m - Ascend directly up off belay to orange wall above, then move left to arete when face steepens and climbing looks improbable. Ascend arete on either side of face. Gear belay at large ledge under roof system.

P4 5.7 30m - Ascend thru weakness in roof on blocky holds and wander thru lichen terrain to tree belay at top. Roof is fun and exposed.

Right of Little Corner. A few routes left of Maginot Line.

Standard rack. A few protection bolts. Bolted and natural anchors.