When Kerry Scott ’18, a decorated rock climber and University of North Carolina alumna, topped the daunting Still Life route near New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, she broke new ground as the first woman to finish this notoriously challenging climb. Rated 5.14b, Still Life is no ordinary test of skill; it demands pure bouldering power, sharp technique, and a mental edge honed through experience.

Scott’s story is a clear reflection of grit and balance. At UNC, she thrived both as an academic mathematics major and as a leader within the climbing community, co-captaining the UNC Climbing Club and helping her fellow Tar Heels compete on regional and national stages. As she puts it, “Climbing and math are so related. Climbing is problem solving. It’s just a physical form of it.”

The path to conquering Still Life unfolds on the rightmost line of the Coliseum, a less massive roof system than its neighbor home to classics like Apollo and Pod. Two permadraw-laden routes share the same start here: Still Life to the right, and Prohibition (graded 5.14a) to the left. This concentrated zone demands strength and precision. It kicks off with a few powerful moves on adequate holds, leading climbers to a brief rest at the roof. The climax is a stacked boulder problem crux below the chains, a physically demanding sequence that earned the route an upgrade from 5.13d after a key hold broke.

Protection is straightforward with eight bolts set along the line, capped by a bolt anchor. The rock itself is featured and tightly bolted, characteristic of the limestone at Summersville Lake. This lake, held back by the immense Summersville Dam on the Gauley River, offers climbs ranging from beginner-friendly 5.6s to severe 5.15a challenges.

Getting there means following Route 19 north from Fayetteville for about 20 miles until you pass the Hughes Memorial Bridge spanning the lake. A right turn into Summersville Lake State Park leads to a gravel hill and clear signs directing you to climber parking. The main climbing trail starts near a developing restroom facility and descends stone steps to a creek crossing. A metal staircase by a waterfall signals your entry to the crag network: veer right for Gun Wall, Coliseum, and Pirate’s Cove, or left towards DC Memorial and other classic walls. The approach to DC Memorial is a quick five-minute hike.

Safety is paramount: cliff jumping over six feet is prohibited by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and local regulations must be respected. With sun-drenched limestone walls and shaded forest trails, it’s a dynamic environment offering adventure for all skill levels, but with a fierce personality demanding respect and preparation.

Beyond the climb, Kerry Scott’s trailblazing ascent stands as a powerful example for climbers—particularly women—showcasing how dedication, leadership, and a strategy rooted in problem-solving push boundaries. Whether you’re drawn to the challenge of Still Life or inspired by Scott’s legacy, Summersville Lake is a destination where adventure meets achievement in vivid, tangible ways.