UP AND DOWN Kennesaw Mountain

Join me for an up and down hike at Kennesaw Mountain. 

We will start from the West trail with a sharp ascent up Big Kennesaw Mountain, an elevation gain of 700 ft.  From there we descend about 500 ft. then climb 300 ft up Little Kennesaw.  From there it’s downhill crossing Pigeon hill to Burnt Hickory Road. We will grab a quick drink at Burnt Hickory and start our journey back the same way we came.

Up on Kennesaw mountain on a clear day, one can see Atlanta's skyline and even Stone Mountain.

This hike is a beginner D4! It is definitely tougher than the in-town D3s that we are accustomed to because of the elevation changes. Our average hiking pace will be 2.5 mph downhill, but we will take it easy up the hills and try to keep the group together.  

If you are a regular D3 hiker, this would be an excellent hike for you to challenge yourself.

Faster hikers are welcome to hike ahead on the hills, but please make sure you stop at intersections to allow everyone to regroup. If you expect a constantly moving pace then this might not be the hike for you.

We may complete the hike earlier than predicted, of course depending on the pace of the group. 

We will meet at the visitor center. There is no parking fee. Restrooms are available near the visitor center. Please allow time to get to the visitor center in case you have to park at the overflow parking lot. It is a 10 minute walk from there to the visitor center. 

Please email the trip leader if you have any questions. 

PS - Thank you Bill Pike for part of this write-up and also event directions. 

Physical Address - 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr.  Kennesaw, GA 30152

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 then turn left at the redlight and park in the main visitor center lot if you can.  If full head back out to Old 41, take a left and park in the overflow parking lot farther down the road on the left.

For more details on Kennesaw - http://www.nps.gov/kemo/index. htm

Parking is free here

There are restrooms at the visitor center