Kennesaw Mountain Hike (16+ mile hike)

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, pass the Illinios Monument and hit the Kolb's Farm Loop. We'll take a short break somewhere around the halfway point of the Kolb's Farm Loop (this will also be about the halfway point of our hike). Bring a lunch (fuel) to eat.  After our break, we'll complete the loop, 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. Total hike should be close to 17 miles. It's one crossing of the mountains.

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 the Burnt Hickory parking lot, Illinois Monument, middle of the Kolbs Farm Loop. Ideally we would like to stay together as a group.

This is not a beginner's hike. This is a long, strenuous hike. Make sure you bring enough food (fuel) and hydrate properly both before and during the hike. Please make sure you are in proper shape to safely complete this hike. 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.

After the hike, we will dine at Smashburger.

440 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy
Kennesaw, GA 30144
http://smashburger.com/location/ kennesaw/

The hike will start at 9:00AM, 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.

We won't wait, so you'll have to catch up with the group if you do arrive late.

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.

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