Summit Sunset Series #5 - Kennesaw Mountain (After work hike) - Mon, Apr 26 2010

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Summit Sunset Series #5 - Kennesaw Mountain (After work hike)


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Kennesaw, GA
Date(s) & Time:Mon, Apr 26 2010  6:30 pm >> N/A
Registration Opens: Sun, Apr 25 2010 9:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Mon, Apr 26 2010 6:00 pm
Event Duration:per itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Tony C
Laura
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 11 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

This another in the Summit Sunset Series where we will enjoy sunsets from some of the finest scenic viewpoints in GA...all on or near mountain peaks.  If you've never had this experience, you don't know what you're missing, so time to find out...

Ok the last time we tried this, it suddenly became overcast and we were left with nothing even remotely resembling a sunset.   So we will try it again and hopefully this time the weather will cooperate.  Either way, it should be a good hike on a nice cool spring day.

So we are staying intown for this one with good old Kennesaw Mountain.  While there is not a clear view towards the west from the top of KM, there is a good vantage point just down from the summit of Little KM.  Hopefully with the leaves back on the trees, we will still get an unobstructed view westwards...we'll find out soon enough.

We will start at the visitor center and take the loop around the southeast side of the mtn and then up Little Kennesaw to our sunset viewing spot.  After the sunset, we will just follow the trail up big KM and and back down to the visitor center. Total distance should be about 5.2 miles and pace will be moderate....we are keeping the group together as this is more of a social hike than a fitness hike.  (But still a good little 2 hr workout)

Sunset is at 8:17 PM,  We will probably just get out of the park as it gets dark, but bring a headlamp or flashlight just in case. 


Required Items to Bring:
clothes appropriate for weather
water		Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Camera



How to Get There:
Event Directions: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 US 41 at the second redlight.  If you get to US 41 again, you have missed the turn onto Old US 41 so turn around.

7) Stay on Old US 41 until you pass in front of the mountain and park on the left or right-hand side of the road after passing the redlight for Stilesboro Road and the road closure barricades

Old US 41 is closed in order to replace the CSX railroad bridge.  The signs will guide you take a left onto Stilesboro road.  Don't turn left, but rather head straight through the barricades.  There is room to drive your car through them.  There is a small sign indicating overflow parking beyond the signs so it's okay.  Park beyond the redlight and barricade on either side of the road.

Meet prior to the event start time at the cannon outside the main entrance of the visitor's center so we can complete the sign-in process and get underway.

(Thanks to Danny for the detailed directions)

Notes:
VERY IMPORTANT NOTES:

1) You must park in the area on old US Hwy 41 to prevent being locked in the main parking lot by the ranger.  The road is closed, but you can still drive behind the barricades and park on the side of old US Hwy 41 in what is called the "Overflow Parking Area".  There is a small sign on the barricades that denote the overflow parking area.  Do not park in the visitors center parking lot or you will have to move your car.  The gate will be locked at the 'end of our hike so you cannot park in the parking lot.

2) Allow 5 minutes to walk from old US 41 to the visitors center.

3) Account for potentially bad traffic.



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