Kennesaw Mountain to Burnt Hickory and Back

We will go up and over Big Kennesaw and Little Kennesaw, then continue down to Burnt Hickory Rd. Then we will turn around and retrace our steps back to the Visitor's Center, going over Little Kennesaw and Big Kennesaw again for a total of about 6.2 miles and over 1,600 feet of elevation gain.

This will be a self-paced hike, so we may get spread out along the trail. Please note that you must start the hike with me, go all the way to Burnt Hickory, and be back at the visitor’s center in no more than two and a half hours in order to get credit for the hike.

This is a challenging hike due to the elevation gains, the somewhat faster pace, and the rocky terrain. You will need to average about 2.5 mph in order to finish in time. You must have recent D4 or strong D3 experience to participate in this hike.

Please note that Kennesaw requires a $5 Daily Pass or a $40 Annual Pass, which can be purchased in the Visitor's Center, at an automated machine in the parking lot, or online. America the Beautiful National Parks Passes also can be used at Kennesaw.

https://www.nps.gov/kemo/planyourvisit/fees.htm

Bathrooms and water fountains are available in the Visitor's Center.

We will start the hike promptly at 8:00am, so please arrive 10 minutes early for socializing and introductions before the hike. Also, please allow extra time if you need to purchase a parking pass or use the bathroom.

We will meet by the cannon in front of the Visitor's Center.

900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive, Kennesaw, GA 30152

From I-75 North:

Take exit 267B onto SR-5 Spur South toward US-41, Marietta

Turn right onto Church Street Extension NE

Turn left onto Old US-41 Hwy NW

Turn left onto Stilesboro Rd NW

Turn left into the Visitor's Center parking lot.

Note that if the visitor center lot is full, you can park in the overflow parking lot, which is about a 1/4 mile farther north on Old US-41 just west of Stilesboro Rd. The address of that lot is 1200 Old US 41 Hwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152.

We will meet by the cannon in front of the Visitor's Center.

Please allow extra time in case you have to park in the overflow parking lot and walk back to the Visitor's Center. See the Directions for more information about that lot.