Kennesaw Mountain Hike not the Typical D4

This hike has several twists from the typical Over and Back to Burnt Hickory Hike. First, we will start at the Pigeon Hill parking lot on Burnt Hickory Rd.

We will cross Pigeon Hill, hike over Little Kennesaw Mt. to Big Kennesaw Mt., and then down to the Visitors Center for a short break. We will return the way we came. Before going back over Pigeon Hill, we will cross over to the East Trail and then follow it over Brunt Hickory Rd. (we will not stop at the cars) to the Hardridge Trail. We will take the Hardridge trail to the Dallas Highwayand then take the Noses Trail Road back to our cars.

The total miles is 9.7 with a 2110-foot elevation, so this is a difficult D4. Great opportunity for folks who are trying to move up to D5 hikes. Because this is a different route, we will stick together a little more than in other Kennesaw hikes. Hikers can go at their own pace over the Kennesaws, but we will regroup at the visitor center and regroup again before Pigeon Hill when we leave the more typical route. From that point, we will hike together since there are lots of twists and turns.

The Pigeon Hill Parking Lot is small so please arrive a few minutes early to allow time for parking, and be sure to pay your $10 parking fee (or purchase your State Park Pass). 

Drive from Atlanta on I 75 to Exit 269. At the bottom of the ramp turn left on Barrett Parkway and proceed approximately 4.5 miles. Turn left on Burnt Hickory Rd and proceed approximately 1.4 miles. Pigeon Hill Parking lot will be on the right.

You can also use  the address - Burnt Hickory Parking Lot @ Kennesaw Mountain - to find the parking lot using Google maps.

The parking fee is $10 if you do not have a State Park Pass.