Rainy Day Kennesaw Mountain Hike

Don't let the promo photo deceive you!  We know it's going to rain this weekend, but let's not let that stop us from hiking at Kennesaw!  The hike will consist of just under six miles on rocky, wet, leaf-covered trails with plenty of elevation changes.  Bring your good balancing abilities, hiking poles, raingear, and a 4-legged muddy buddy if you're game!!

Faster hikers who know the trail are welcome to go ahead at their own pace.  We will likely get spread out once the hike starts. If you do not know the trail, you are welcome to join Sam as she will be sweeping the group at at 2 - 2.5 mph pace.

The hike will start at 1:00 PM, so please plan on meeting a few minutes prior to that time to check in.  You can either park at the newer parking lot on old US Hwy 41 or in the main visitor's center parking lot, if you can get a space there.  Allow a few minutes to walk from old US 41 parking lot to the visitor's center if you park there.

We will meet outside in front of the visitor's center.  After introductions, we will hike the 1.2 miles to the 1808 ft. top of Kennesaw Mountain. From there, we will head across Little Kennesaw Mountain, cross Burnt Hickory Road, then head back over Little and Big Kennesaw Mountains to the visitor center.

After the hike, we have the option of grabbing an early dinner at Panang near the Town Center Mall for some hot tea, spicy Thai/Malaysian food, and some of the best coconut ice cream in the area.  The address is:

2491 George Busbee Pkwy NW
Kennesaw, GA 30144

REMINDERS:

- Intended for intermediate to advanced hikers with prior D3/D4 hiking experience, who don't mind hiking at a moderate pace.  This is not a beginner hike!

- Please note the directions below.

Directions and Parking:

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 traffic signal which is Church Street Extension.

5) You should cross railroad tracks soon.

6) Take a left onto Old 41 at the second traffic signal. 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 and park in the newer parking lot on the left after passing the traffic signal for Stilesboro Road. 

FYI: The newer parking lot - approximately 270 spaces, is open but parking on Old Highway 41 is now off-limits due to construction.

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.