Kennesaw Mountain - Hardage Trail and Illinois Monument - Wed, Jul 22 2026

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



Kennesaw Mountain - Hardage Trail and Illinois Monument


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Kennesaw Mountain National Park   Hike: Kennesaw Mountain - Hardage Trail and Illinois Monument  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Wed, Jul 22 2026  7:30 am >> Wed, Jul 22 2026 10:30 am
Registration Opens: Wed, Jul 15 2026 7:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Tue, Jul 21 2026 4:00 pm
Event Duration:3 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Distance:8 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Kip
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 11 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

We will hike south from Burnt Hickory, turn right on the Hardage Trail and hike to the end at Whitlock Avenue.  We will cross Whitlock Avenue and hike to the Illinois Monument.  We will take a short break by the monument (there are restrooms nearby for those who need them).  We will pass by the Grave of the Unknown Soldier and then make a loop on the creek trail, join the Old John Ward Trail and cross back over Whitlock Avenue.

We will then re-join the Hardage Trail in the northbound direction.  At the end of the Hardage Trail we will hike up the New Salem Chuch Trail and return to the parking lot.

There are several areas on this trail with moderately steep climbs.  The total elevation gain is about 1050 ft.

The average pace of this hike will be  2.8 - 3.0 mph.

Attendees must have recent D3 experience. 

Thanks Mahsheed, for allowing the use of your great photo of the mountain.


Required Items to Bring:

Hiking shoes or boots

Water or sports drink

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking poles


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

** PLEASE READ **

We'll meet at the Pigeon Hill parking lot, 1520 Burnt Hickory Rd NW, Marrietta GA. 
 
Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for introductions and review of the itinerary.  This lot fills up quickly on weekends, so an early arrival is recommended. If you do not have a park pass, allow extra time to purchase a day pass at the kiosk.

Notes:

There is a $5 parking fee at all lots, unless you have an annual pass.  Be sure to display your annual or day pass on your dashboard, as all lots are routinely monitored by park employees.


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.