Kennesaw Mountain

We'll leave from the Visitor's Center and do the standard route up the big mountain, down the big mountain, up the little mountain, down the little mountain. Then we'll cross Pigeon Hill and turn around at the bridge just before Burnt Hickory Rd then up and over both mountains again, returning to the Visitor's Center. The more ambitious folks are welcome to cross Burnt Hickory, tap the trash can and head back.

If you know where you are going feel free to hike at your own pace. The group tends to get spread out. If you have been thinking about trying a D4 this may be the one for you. Go out for an hour and five minutes or so and then turn around and head back. If you make it to at least the bridge at Burnt Hickory and back in two hours and twently minutes then bam....you have a D4.

Please make sure you are in proper shape for this hike. We'll leave the Visitor's Center at 10 and I ask that you return to the Visitor's Center by 12:20 pm. That allows 2 hours and 20 minutes for this hike so you're not expected to go super fast but not super slow either. It is a D4 and in order to get credit for the event, you will have to traverse both mountains twice (and be seen doing it). The starting time is somewhat flexible and if you are late - I don't care. If you are late and you can catch the group before we turn around to head back to the Visitor's Center then you will get credit. So if you arrive late and you're super fast and catch the last person (which is usually me) before they turn around at the bridge then you're good. Sorry to be a stickler but these hikes are often used by other Trip Leaders to gauge your abilities for the more advanced hikes. I'm trying to maintain flexibility and accountability. If you think you'll be a late arrival please send me an email and let me know. We will depart for the hike on time so if you aren't at the cannon then hopefully we'll see you on the mountain.

If you're lucky, you can get a spot at the visitor's center; otherwise, there is an auxiliary parking lot down Old 41. Parking is no longer allowed along the road on Old 41, so please allow yourself time to park and walk the 1/4 mile from the lot off Old 41.

We will meet at the cannon in front of the Visitor's Center.

If you're bringing your dog, please read the excerpt from nps.gov regarding dogs at KM:

Dogs are welcome on the battlefield grounds but they must be on a leash no more than 6 feet in length and under the owners physical restraint at all times. Please be mindful of where dogs stop, curb your dog to help keep Kennesaw Mountain clean for ALL visitors. Please pick up anything they leave behind with mutt mits that are free and in dispensers in all parking areas.

Directions and Parking:

1) I-75 North to exit 267B Hwy 5 Canton Road Connector

2) If you are not heading west after getting off of the Interstate you are going the wrong way. You should be heading towards US 41 and downtown Marietta after getting off of I-75 onto the Canton Road Connector and see Kennesaw Mountain on your right.

3) You will be tempted to take the first exit off of the Canton Road Connector which is US 41, but do not take it. Proceed over US 41 on a bridge staying on the Canton Road Connector.

4) After crossing US 41 take a right at the first redlight which is Church Street Extension.

5) You should cross railroad tracks soon.

6) Take a left onto Old 41 at the second redlight. If you get to US 41 again, you have missed the turn onto Old 41 so turn around.

7) Stay on Old US 41 until you pass in front of the mountain and go through the light at Stilesboro Road and the parking lot is a few hundred yards down on your left. There are approximately 270 spaces in this lot.

If the weather looks questionable (mainly thunderstorms), I'll send a cancellation email to the group.