Kennesaw Mountain Hike

We will start at the Visitor Center and end there after going UP and OVER both Little and Big Kennesaw Mountain trails and then UP and OVER back to our starting point.  We will go on the same trail out and back.  While we will all start off together, it is doubtful that everyone will remain together during the course of the hike, as everyone takes a little different pace to complete the hike.  Everyone will be finished by 2.5 hours so this is not for the faint of heart.  Elevation gain/loss is 696 feet. 

Moderate to strenuous due to distance and hilly terrain.  Mix of compacted soil, asphalt, and gravel.

The 2,922-acre Kennesaw Mountain national Battlefield Park preserves the site of battles fought between The University of Georgia and Georgia Tech (just kidding to make sure you are reading this description), seriously, battles fought between determined Union and Confederate Armies from June 22 to July 2, 1864.  The summit and surrounding foothills provided strong defenses for Confederates protecting Atlanta.  This trail climbs the northern slope of Kennesaw Mountain, past traces of rifle pits and restored artillery fortifications before descending to the lower crest of Little Kennesaw Mountain.  It then follows a rugged landscape to rock outcrops at Pigeon Hill.

From Atlanta, travel north on I-75 and exit 267-B which is Hwy 5 and you should be going towards US 41.  Cross over US 41 and take a right at the first red light onto Churh Street Extension.  Take a left onto Old 41 at the second red light.  Stay on US 41 until you pass the front of the mountain and you will see the Visitor Center on the left which will be on Stilesboro Road.

Alternative directions:

Take I-75 to Exit 269, GA 5 / Barrett Parkway.  Turn left at the end of the ramp onto Barrett Parkway.  Travel 1.9 mile and turn left on Old Hwy 41.  At 1.5 miles turn right on Stilesboro Road, then make an immediate left into Visitor Center area. 

Free parking.

Phone 770-429-1115 or 770-427-4686.   www.nps.gov/kemo