This route starts at a pull-off on Hartford Rd. It is a public (small) access point to the Pigeon River. From there, you will cross the road and take the only trail (Stone Mountain FS Trail #9) and begin the first and hardest climb to the Buzzards Roost. This is roughly 1.2 miles with a gain of 1400'. There view is a reward in itself from the Buzzards Roost (2 pics/both with Mt. Cammerer-GSMNP in the view and a large fence lizard). From there you will have a few steep rollers before you start the last climb to the summit.