KENNESAW MOUNTAIN the EASIER WAY

Have you ever wanted to see the views from the top of Kennesaw Mountain but know the hiking trail is too difficult for you?  Well, there's an easier way up . . . . the road! There are no rocks, roots, tricky footing or obstacles on the road, and no cars to interfere with your enjoyment of the walk.  Just a steady hike ascending 700 feet in 1.5 miles.  The hike down is just the reverse of the route, but so much easier on the knees than the mountain trail.  So we'll get a good workout, see beautiful views as we walk, but it will be manageable, especially at our moderate pace.  

We'll park in the overflow lot down Old 41, about a quarter of a mile past Stilesboro Road and the Visitor Center.  It's a large lot, and you won't have to struggle for a parking space.  The walk to and from the lot to the Visitor Center will add a half mile to our total walking distance, which accounts for the extra half mile of distance. We will meet on the sidewalk near the entrance to the parking lot.  We'll walk together to the Visitor Center after checking in and making introductions, and we'll take time for use of the bathroooms before we start our hike. 

There is a parking fee at Kennesaw Mountain Park.  If you have an America the Beautiful pass, it will suffice.  If not, you can buy a $5 daily pass online at  https://www.nps.gov/kemo/planyourvisit/fees.htm   Passes can also be purchased with a credit card at the Visitor Center or at a Kiosk at the parking lot.  

Since we won't be on rough trails, sturdy walking shoes/sneakers will be fine, and poles will not be necessary (unless you just want an arm workout).  If you use poles, you should have rubber tips on the ends, as we'll be on asphalt and not on dirt.  We'll take breaks as needed as we walk up the road.

There are no spiders or snakes on the road!  :-)

The address for the overflow lot is: 

1200 Old 41 Hwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152

Coordinates for the lot are. 33.985047, -84.582952

Be sure to allow time to buy a parking pass at the kiosk if you don't have an annual pass or an America the Beautiful pass.

Do NOT park at the Visitor Center lot.  Our hike starts at the overflow lot, where we will meet and make introductions. 

Be sure to pay the $5 parking fee in advance!  The link is   https://www.nps.gov/kemo/planyourvisit/fees.htm