The Sermon - 5.9

This route starts to the right of the normal Pulpit start. There is actually one other alternative start for the Pulpit that is a little more direct. It starts below the second bolt and eliminates the traverse from the first bolt, however, this is not The Sermon even though it appears to be in the "Selected Climbs in North Carolina" guidebook.

The Sermon starts on the left edge of the dark moss streak to the right of The Pulpit and Dirty Crack area. It cannot be missed when walking along the base of the mountain. Follow the dike/crack that trends up to the left. The first holds are easily seen since they are clean spots located in the mossy area. The climbing is fairly easy and there are a few spots where cams or nuts can be placed in the crack. Continue to the end of the dike where a large horn is located and can be slung for protection. From there, move right and up to the first bolt, which has a stainless steel quick link connected to it (from an escape I suspect). Climb up and to the left, while staying underneath a ramp, for the second bolt. The climbing is a little tougher through this section, so use caution. From the second bolt, aim for the first set of belay anchors on the Pulpit. The route stays just to the right of the Pulpit line and does not intersect until the belay. From here, you can continue to climb on the Pulpit or rap. I chose to rappel (single 70M rope) since I have climbed the Pulpit and my belayer really didn't want to second.