Kennesaw Mountain Hike (10.5 mile fitness hike) - Wed, Apr 11 2012

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



Kennesaw Mountain Hike (10.5 mile fitness hike)


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Kennesaw, GA   Hike: Kennesaw Mountain Hike (10.5 mile fitness hike)  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Wed, Apr 11 2012  3:45 pm >> Wed, Apr 11 2012 8:00 pm
Registration Opens: Tue, Apr 3 2012 12:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Apr 12 2012 10:00 am
Event Duration:4 Hours 15 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Distance:12 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Lauren
Joyce T.
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 5 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:
We'll leave from the Visitor's Center and take the "warm up trail" which runs in to the main trail that goes up the mountain. This makes the climb a little bit easier and gives you a few minutes to stretch your legs before the climb. We'll hit the main trail 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, cross Burnt Hickory Rd and take the loops down to Dallas Hwy. We'll cross Dallas Hwy and hang out at the Illinios Monument for a short break (something like a packed dinner). After our break, we'll cross Dallas Hwy and take the fire trail back towards Burnt Hickory. We'll veer right off the main trail and take the side trail back (East) to the Visitor's Center - cut through the meadow. Total hike should was 10.56 miles.

We'll be moving at a pace between moderate and fast (moderately fast). If you know where you are going, feel free to hike at your own pace but be prepared to stop and wait on us at a couple of predetermined spots along the way. We'll all gather up periodically along the way.

Please make sure you are in proper shape for this hike. This is a fitness hike and it will be strenous, it's not a stroll through the woods. We will move at a good pace and knock this out. If you have any doubts or questions, please feel free to email your TLs prior to signing up.

The hike will start at 3:45PM, so please plan on meeting a few minutes before to sign in. 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.

Please call one of the trip leaders if you are running late. We won't wait, so you'll have to catch up with the group if you do arrive late.

We'll allow up to three dogs on this hike. Please cooperate with the posted rules. AOC is very visible and it is important we portray a good image. Off leash dogs have been known to chase animals, injure animals and stir up yellow jackets. Additionally, some hikers are afraid of dogs. A leashed dog allows the owner to better control it and makes the hike more comfortable for all involved.

Please carefully 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.



Required Items to Bring:
water, gatorade or whatever you like to keep hydrated (important)
snacks to fuel yourself
hiking poles if you dig 'em
sunscreen/bug spray according to the season and weather
appropriate clothing
a sense of adventure!
no whineypants   :o)

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

How to Get There:
Event Directions:

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. Park in the visitor's center lot or in this new parking lot. It looks as if parking on Old 41 is coming to a halt.

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.


Notes:
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note: If the weather looks questionable (mainly thunderstorms), I'll send a cancellation email to the group.