No Excuses- - Kennesaw Mountain Ultra-Lite on Monday Morning

 A D2 at Kennesaw Mt. Battlefield?  It's no mistake.  This is a chance to hike the mountain AREA for those of you who are not up to the challenge of climbing up those steep mountain ascents.  We'll take the trail around the base of the mountain to Pigeon Hill, cross Pigeon Hill, and then descend down to the "bench" before retracing our route back to the Visitor Center. We will NOT be ascending either Big Kennesaw or Little Kennesaw mountains.   This will be an excellent introduction to the area for those of you who are newcomers to the mountain.

This hike is designed for folks who don't care for the fast pace or difficult elevation changes of many of our AOC events.  If you can hike for 5 miles, there's no excuse for you NOT to do this hike.  Everyone is welcome on the hike, but please don't register for this event if you want to go at a pace faster than the group.  I'd like to keep the group together for a social hike shared with other members.  It's a beautiful trail.  Let's enjoy it.

Our pace will be moderate.  No "fitness hiking" on this event!  We'll stop for a water breaks now and then, and pose for pictures!

We will meet at the Visitor Center just outside the lobby for introductions.  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 on Old Dixie Hwy.   Allow an extra 10-15 minutes to park there and wallk to the Visitor Center.

We'll gather in front of the Visitor Center by the canon.  There are bathrooms there, so by arriving early, you'll have time to use them.  We'll leave promptly at 10 am.! 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 with dogs, do not bring yours.  Since this is a populated area, you are requested to keep your dog on leash at all times.  (It's the law!)  

There's a $5 parking fee at all the Kennesaw Mt. parking lots.  Passes can be purchased in advance online at https://www.recreation.gov/si tepass/2788. or at the Visitor Center.  (The America the Beautiful pass is good at Kennesaw Mt.)

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.

Full restroom facilities are available in the Visitors' Center. :-)

Once again:  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.

$5 parking fee required.  Purchase in advance at https://www.recreation.gov/si tepass/2788 or in the Visitor Center.

No cost.

If there's rain at the time of the hike, we'll cancel.  The weather forecast is for sunshine, so let's hope it holds.