Sunday KM-13 Hike

This hike is for those that consider Kennesaw Mountain a relatively easy hike.

Please look over the directions below to possibly save yourself some time getting there.

After introductions and a quick briefing we will hike the 1.2 miles to the 1808 foot top of Big Kennesaw Mountain which is a climb of 657 feet. From there we will drop down about 500 feet to the gap between Big Kennesaw and Little Kennesaw Mountain, up and over the hump in the middle which is about a 20 foot climb heading towards Little Kennesaw and about a 50 foot climb heading back, then down to the base of Little Kennesaw. From there it's about a 300 foot climb to the top of Little Kennesaw at 1601 feet. Then we'll head down the other side of Little Kennesaw to Burnt Hickory Road.  Then we'll head to Nose's Creek.  We'll take a right after crossing Nose's Creek and head to GA 120.  We'll cross GA 120 then take the first right at the crest of the first knoll in the field.  This trail will circle around after we take 2 left-hand turns and head to the Illinois Monument.  From there we'll take the main drag back to GA 120 and then take the trail to the left back to Nose's Creek.  Cross Nose's Creek on the rocks if we can, else go the bridge, cross, then take a quick left.  This trail will put us back onto the jogging road and we'll take a left and head to Burnt Hickory Road. Then it's back across the mountains for the last few miles.

The total hiking distance is somewhere around 13 miles, and we'll be hiking at roughly a 3.0 mph pace or more and popping into trail running mode off and on for those that want to.  I wouldn't sign up for this one unless you are comfortable at maintaining the pace for 3 hours.

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 Extenson.

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.  Take a left at the red-light onto Stilesboro Road and then a left into the visitor's center parking lot, or park in the new overflow parking lot.  It's on the left on Old US 41 just prior to crossing the railroad bridge.

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.



Meet prior to the event start time at the cannon outside the main entrance of the visitor's center or just inside the lobby.  Call the trip leader if you are running late, but please note that we won't wait on you.  You will have to try and catch up with the group if you arrive late.

No cost.

This is a rain or shine hike - we will hike regardless of the weather - except for thunder, tornadoes or earthquakes. I will only cancel this hike if I'm standing at the Visitors Center at event start time and it's lightning.  Even then, I'd try to wait it out in order to get the hike in.