Kennesaw Mountain Mid-Morning Friday Fitness Hike

Ok, guys, I need to get my hiking legs back to start training for Kilimanjaro this summer, so I'm going to do some local fitness hikes to motivate myself.

We will start at the visitor's center.  Don't forget that Old 41 is still closed and you will need to follow the detour signs to get there!

First we will hike the 1.2 miles to the 1808 foot top of Big Kennesaw Mountain which is a climb of about 800 feet. From there we will drop down about 500 feet to the gap between Big Kennesaw and Little Kennesaw Mountain, up and over the hump in the middle which is about a 20 foot climb heading towards Little Kennesaw and about a 50 foot climb heading back, then down to the base of Little Kennesaw.  From there it's about a 300 foot climb to the top of Little Kennesaw at 1601 feet.  Then we'll head down the other side of Little Kennesaw to Burnt Hickory for a short break.  After that we'll head back the same way we came.

The total hiking distance is about 5.5-6 miles.  My pace will probably be moderate.  For the most part I would expect those hikers that are significantly faster or slower than the group to fend for themselves, as this is an intown hike and most, if not all, of us will have cell phone service...

Car

Currently Old Hwy 41 between Ridenour Road and Stilesboro Road is closed due to construction on the CSX bridge.

The Old Hwy 41 roadway will be under construction and closed to traffic through the end of May 2010. During this time, you may follow the directions below coming from I-575 and from I-75 but disregard turning onto Old Hwy 41.

Instead, proceed down Barrett Parkway to the next light following Old Hwy 41 which is Stilesboro Road and turn left. Follow Stilesboro for approximately 2.5 to 3 miles and the park entrance will be on your right.

From I-75 North
To exit 269 (Barrett Parkway). At the stoplight turn left onto Barrett Parkway. Follow Barrett Parkway for approximately 3 miles, turn left at the light, onto Old Hwy 41. Turn right at your next light, Stilesboro Rd. The visitor center will be immediately on your left. Brown and white signs located along the roads will guide you as well. Directions from the visitor center to Cheatham Hill are provided in the visitor center at the information desk.

From I-75 South
To exit 269 (Barrett Parkway). At the stoplight turn right onto Barrett Parkway. Follow Barrett Parkway for approximately 3 miles, turn left at the light, onto Old Hwy 41. Turn right at your next light, Stilesboro Rd. The visitor center will be immediately on your left. Brown and white signs located along the roads will guide you as well. Directions from the visitor center to Cheatham Hill are provided in the visitor center at the information desk.

From I-575 North
To exit 1 (Barrett Parkway). At the stoplight turn left onto Barrett Parkway. Follow Barrett Parkway for approximately 3.5 miles, turn left at the light, onto Old Hwy 41. Turn right at your next light, Stilesboro Rd. The visitor center will be immediately on your left. Brown and white signs located along the roads will guide you as well. Directions from the visitor center to Cheatham Hill are provided in the visitor center at the information desk.

From I-575 South
To exit 1 (Barrett Parkway). At the stoplight turn right onto Barrett Parkway. Follow Barrett Parkway for approximately 3.5 miles, turn left at the light, onto Old Hwy 41. Turn right at your next light, Stilesboro Rd. The visitor center will be immediately on your left. Brown and white signs located along the roads will guide you as well. Directions from the visitor center to Cheatham Hill are provided in the visitor center at the information desk.