Kennesaw Sunday Morning Hike - 6 miles

Join me Sunday morning for a hike at Kennesaw Mountain National Park.

You need to have completed several recent AOC D3 hikes over 6 miles and with some elevation! If I move you to the waiting list, that means that you did not meet the requirements for the hike. However, if you contact me and explain why you think you can do this hike, I will take that under consideration and may move you back to the list.

We will start at the Visitor's Center.

Please note that the group will spread out depending on the experience level and the speed of the individual hiker. This hike is designed so you can walk with members of the group or by yourself depending on your speed and preference. If you sign up, you should be comfortable to hike at a moderate pace (2.7 - 3.2 mph) and complete the hike within the time specified. In order to get credit for the hike, you will have to hike all of the 6 miles without any shortcuts.

We will start at the Visitor's Center and hike up and across Big and Little Kennesaw Mountains down to Burnt Hickory Road. We turn around and go back the same way we came.

Please arrive with enough time to account for possibly having to park at the overflow parking lot or get your parking pass. It takes about 10-12 minutes to walk from the big parking lot to the visitor's center. We will start the hike on time.

While there is a water fountain at the visitor's center and in the Parking Lot at Burned Hickory Road, make sure you have plenty of water.

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 park on the right-hand side of the road (or in the new parking lot on the left) after passing the redlight for Stilesboro Road.

FYI: The new parking lot - approximately 270 spaces, is now open but parking on Old Highway 41 is not yet closed. Park by Old Highway 41 or in this new parking lot - whichever you feel more comfortable with.

8) Last resort / panic mode / all available parking spaces have been taken: When this happens, here is where to park - Turn around and head back in front of the mountain on Old 41. Take the first left which is White Circle Road. Take the first right which is White Road Court. Park on the side of the road.

There is a $5.00 parking fee. If you do not have a monthly pass or any other qualifying pass, please get your parking ticket at one of the machines or online. The Visitor's Center opens at 9:00 am.

Please make sure that you have ample time to walk from the overflow parking lot to the visitor's center (8 min) in order to be on time for the hike. We will not wait for latecomers, but call me in case you encounter troubles finding a parking spot.

Bathroom facilities at the visitor's center usually open at 7:30 am.

Link to the trail map http://www.nps.gov/kemo/planyourvisit/upload/KEMO%20trail%20map.pdf

Hike will be cancelled when weather is bad.