The prominent vertical crack with the tree growing from it is a 5.4 variation of the popular 5.7 Seclusion route on the eponymously named crag at Great Falls, VA. This picture really says what there is to say, and I will only add that the route climbs about 50 vertical feet, is very solid with great holds, and throws its hardest challenge when you meet that tree. That challenge is not using the tree and sticking to the rock instead. I cheated and grabbed the tree, but I was free soloing the route, which I say gives one a little leeway, but that's just my opinion.

On the other hand, this could be the Seclusion route itself plus its 5.4 variation. Due to the vagueness of the descriptions and route photos in my guidebook, I really can't tell. Seclusion climbs a crack in the lower left corner of the face for 15 feet, traverses right, and then climbs a "flaring crack" to the top. So the "tree crack" could be the upper part of Seclusion. Anyone know what a flaring crack is?

Great Falls, VA-- May 2007