2X5 Day 2 in the PM - Kennesaw Mountain Hike

This is the 4th hike in the 2X5 series, for those of you keeping track. There's no obligation to do any number of the ten scheduled events, so hop on whenever you can.  Our goal for this hike will be to improve fitness while still being able to breathe!  The pace will be moderate (not a power hike), but it will be extremely challenging for just a D2 hiker. Consider it a way to move from a D3 to an eventual D4 hike.  The area offers tremendous beauty and fanstastic views of the Atlanta sky line.

We will meet at the Visitors' Center just outside the lobby for sign-in.  Please arrive a few minutes early to allow time for parking.  If the main lot is full, you may have to drive down Old 41 about 1/4 mile to the new parking lot on the left and walk up to the Visitors' Center.  

Instead of starting up the mountain, we'll warm up on the base trail, which is relatively flat.  We'll go as far as Pigeon Hill and then begin the workout phase as we tackle Pigeon Hill, the switchback trail up Little Kennesaw, and eventually make the climb to the top of Big Kennesaw.  There, we'll take a minute to enjoy the view of Atlanta from the upper parking lot before we begin our trek down the mountain to the Visitors' Center.  Unlike the power hikes, we'll be crossing the mountains just once. This hike will cover over 5 1/2 miles. (Hikers who want an extra heart-pumping add-on can go back up to the top of Big Kennesaw and down after we get to the Visitors' Center.  This will be an option only!)  

Please understand that this will still be a strenuous hike, including almost 1200 feet of elevation gain.  The total distance is approximately six miles.  We will take rest breaks if needed, but - - depending on the group - - we may just keep trekking.  If you have concerns about your ability, it may be adviseable for you to get a couple more D2's under your belt before attempting this hike.

REMINDER:

- Kennesaw Mountain can be difficult to find.  Please note the directions below.  There's an auxiliary lot about 1/4 mile down the road (Old Hwy. 41) from the Visitor's Center lot.

From I-75 North
To exit 269 (Barrett Parkway). At the stoplight turn left onto Barrett Parkway. Follow Barrett Parkway for approximately 3 miles, turn left at the light, onto Old Hwy 41. Turn right at your next light, Stilesboro Rd. The visitor center will be immediately on your left. Brown and white signs located along the roads will guide you as well.

From I-75 South
To exit 269 (Barrett Parkway). At the stoplight turn right onto Barrett Parkway. Follow Barrett Parkway for approximately 3 miles, turn left at the light, onto Old Hwy 41. Turn right at your next light, Stilesboro Rd. The visitor center will be immediately on your left. Brown and white signs located along the roads will guide you as well.

From I-575 North
To exit 1 (Barrett Parkway). At the stoplight turn left onto Barrett Parkway. Follow Barrett Parkway for approximately 3.5 miles, turn left at the light, onto Old Hwy 41. Turn right at your next light, Stilesboro Rd. The visitor center will be immediately on your left. Brown and white signs located along the roads will guide you as well.

From I-575 South
To exit 1 (Barrett Parkway). At the stoplight turn right onto Barrett Parkway. Follow Barrett Parkway for approximately 3.5 miles, turn left at the light, onto Old Hwy 41. Turn right at your next light, Stilesboro Rd. The visitor center will be immediately on your left. Brown and white signs located along the roads will guide you as well.

Right now, the forecast calls for 40% chance of thunderstorms on Tuesday.  If there's rain at the time of the hike, we'll cancel.