Kennesaw Mountain on 10/11/12 at 4:56pm

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 second cutover trail and 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.

Please make sure you are in proper shape for this hike. Sunset is 7:08 pm and we have to be out of the park by 8:00 pm or we risk getting a ticket. As the front folks are coming through, the back folks may need to turn around and start heading back. We would like to have everyone back to the Visitor's Center by 7:30 pm. That allows 2.5 hours 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 hike will start at 4:56PM, 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.

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.

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