Monday @ Kennesaw Mountain (Beginners Welcome)

Join me on Monday morning for a little challenge this week.  We will stay within a D2 hike but push the elevation just a little this week.  If you've ever wanted to challenge yourself or take a hike to the top of Kennesaw Mountain but all the events were just too difficult for you, this is your event.

We'll take a slow pace to the top of Kennesaw Mountain.  It's roughly 1.2 miles to the top and around 650 ft of elevation.  Reach a new goal and take in the great view from the top.  On the way back down we'll head off on a side trail and pick up some milage along the bottom of the mountain before returning to the visitors center and some Popsicles afterwards!

We will meet at the Visitor Center by the cannon, just outside the lobby for sign-in.  Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in, and be sure to allow time for parking. The Visitor Center lot tends to fill up completely throughout the day, so you should plan to park at the auxiliary lot down Old Hwy 41 - - about 1/4 mile past the traffic light at Old Stilesboro Road.   Allow an extra 10-15 minutes to park there and wallk to the Visitor Center.

There are bathrooms there, so by arriving early, you'll have time to use them.  

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 Extension.

5) You should cross railroad tracks soon.

6) Take a left onto Old 41 at the second redlight.  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 then turn left at the redlight and park in the main visitor center lot if you can.  If full head back out to Old 41, take a left and park in the overflow parking lot farther down the road on the left.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTES:

1) The hike will start as close to on time as possible, so please plan on meeting prior to the start time to sign in.

2) Allow 5 - 10 minutes to walk from the new parking lot to the visitors center in the event that the main parking lot is full.