Friday Morning - Kennesaw Mountain Lite

Rather than up and over the three ascents two times, we'll warm up by taking the fire trail around the mountain then head up the path to Pigeon Hill. When we get to the boulders at Pigeon Hill, we'll make our way up the hill to the base of Little Kennesaw and begin the switchbacks up to Little Kennesaw and then head up and over Big Kennesaw.  Then we'll head down the mountain to return to the Visitors' Center.  We'll keep a moderate pace and stop for a breather and water when necessary.  The second half of the hike will be strenuous, so it's definitely NOT a hike for beginners.

We will meet at the Visitors' Center just outside the lobby for sign-in.  Please arrive at least 5 minutes early to check in, and be sure 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.  This could take an extra 10 minutes.

We'll leave promptly 10 AM, so if you arrive late, we'll already be on our way.  

We'll allow three people to bring dogs, so if you see three people already signed up, do not bring your dog(s).

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.

Dogs are permitted, but please have them on a leash out of respect for other hikers.  The mountain is a popular place, so we may encounter many dogs along the way.  There are also deer along the trail who need to be protected.  (Park rules require dogs to be on leash.)

Full restroom facilities are available in the Visitors' Center. :-)  Allow time to use them.

Keep in mind that parking can be very tight in the main lot at the Visitor's Center.  Allow time to park in the auxiliary lot about 1/4 mile down Old 41 Hwy. from the Visitors' Center lot.

No cost.

If there's rain at the time of the hike, we'll cancel.