Nine Lives
The hardest route catalogued at Tail of the Cat; combines bolts and placed protection.
- 5.11a
- grade
- Mixed
- style
Best time to visit Nine Lives
Best months: February–June and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.
Jan
50° / 28°
9 wet
Feb
55° / 30°
8 wet
Mar
62° / 36°
9 wet
Apr
72° / 44°
9 wet
May
78° / 54°
10 wet
Jun
85° / 63°
11 wet
Jul
88° / 67°
11 wet
Aug
87° / 66°
10 wet
Sep
81° / 59°
8 wet
Oct
72° / 47°
7 wet
Nov
63° / 36°
7 wet
Dec
53° / 30°
8 wet
Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Lake Lure 2, NC, 3 mi away at 1,040 ft. The station sits about 1,000 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.
At the Tail of the Cat Area, this route represents the upper end of the grade range among the eight climbs catalogued here. This line accepts both bolts and placed gear on the same ascent.
Photo of the crag
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